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Historic Tree Falls, What To Do Next?

133 views · Published 20 September 2012 · 1:48 · Indexed 24 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Alyssa Spirato  Hamilton County is without huge landmark. Gone but not forgotten. A large Osage orange tree in front of the Courthouse toppled over Tuesday, after heavy rains and high winds. Most say although the tree will never stand again, the memories will always remain.Wayne Loveless spends most of his time carving Osage trees in his studio behind his home, and says a Osage tree is like prime real estate to those who work in the wood business."It's fairly valuable. It's not a rare tree, but in essence, it's not as common as your domestic hardwoods, your oaks, maples," says Loveless. Loveless said because of it's yellowish color,  most of the Osage trees are used for vessel turning bowls or platters. Something he says may be used for the fallen tree in front of the hamilton County courthouse. A tree that was used for over a hundred years as shade, but that's not all. It was also the place many exchanged vows.But for others like former Hamilton County Executive Dalton Roberts, it has a special meaning that's all in the family. Roberts says his dad, Roy Roberts, build gavels made out the tree's wood. He tells NewsChannel9 his dad loved the tree so much, so naturally, he did too."Of course I was sad about it. I don't suppose you're supposed to get that sad  over a tree falling, but I couldn't help it," says Roberts.Roberts hopes the county plans to let the public have the chance to own their own piece of history."One would be for everybody to have enough wood to make something for their family with it. And then something to make something for some worthwhile cause," says Roberts.County officials say they plan to salvage some of the tree, and auction it off in some sort of lottery.Depend on us to keep you updated.

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