Historical society will learn about Greene County trees in program Friday, Sept. 2, at St. Pat’s west of Churdan

CHURDAN, Iowa, Aug. 29, 2022 — The Greene County Historical Society will have its monthly lunch and program on Friday, Sept. 2, at historic St. Patrick’s Catholic Church-Cedar, five miles west of Churdan.

The program is at 12:45 p.m. and is “A Brief History of Greene County Trees” with Lynn Menz and Margaret Hamilton.

Menz is a former science teacher, and Hamilton is vice-president and program director for the historical society.  Both are members of the Jefferson Tree Committee, which plants trees on the city parkings in Jefferson with help of local students.  He has the deeper knowledge of trees, Hamilton said, and she’s bringing her county historical knowledge.

There are some notable old trees they’ll discuss.

The “Council Oak,” which stood by the Gallup House, was the only tree on the site of Jefferson when the city was founded. There was a “post office tree” by Pleasant Hill Church which was on the stage coach line. People posted messages on it for travelers and people in the neighborhood to read. In 1965 when the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower was under construction, a Christmas tree was secured on the top of the concrete forms, 165 feet in the air and was lighted every night.

They will also talk about the ravages of Dutch elm disease, storms that have damaged trees, and accidents that have involved trees.

The 12 noon lunch in the St. Pat’s Church basement is $10, and you can check on available reservations by calling 515-386-4408. There’s no need to RSVP if you would just like to attend the program.

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    There have been three courthouses built where the Greene County Courthouse stands today.  Ground was broken on the current courthouse in November of 1915, the cornerstone was set in May 1916 and the new building was dedicated in October of 1917. The centennial celebration of the courthouse is already underway, with events being planned by the “Courthouse 100” committee, with support from the Greene County Historical Society.  You can learn more about the courthouse history and the celebration plans on the Facebook page “Courthouse 100: Greene County, Iowa.”

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