Edmonton Horticultural Society Linden

About this verified tree

Only three trees left of original six. No plaques visible. 2 reasonably healthy, 1 not so. East-most tree tallest, middle one thinner crown (top regrown??), west-most much smaller (newer planting, or new stem from suck on old stump??) Six linden trees were recently planted in Coronation Park in memory of the original tree planting committee of the Edmonton Horticultural and Vacant Lots Association. The history of the committee dates back to Edmonton’s early days. It was organized in 1924, with Gladys Reeves of its documented location, founding president, and only surviving member. Formed to plant trees and beautify what was then quite a barren Edmonton, the commitice consisted of six members, three from the Federation of Community Leagues: Archie ltendall, manager of Rendall Lumber Co.; Dr. J. P. Johnson, general practitioner and Dr. F. S. MacPherson. The other three members, from the Horticultural Association were: George Buchanan, buyer for the Edmonton City Dairy; J. B. Cardy, superintendent of the city’s engineering department, and Miss Gladys Reeves, professional photographer. Miss Reeves says, ”We got in touch with the city engineering department and said we’d plant trees throughout the city, if they would help us with bringing them in. During the first year, the men went into the woods and dug out birch trees - all on a voluntary basis.” On Arbor Day, May 1924, a tree was planted every 16 feet along then existing boulevards. 5,000 IN ONE YEAR. Flve thousand birches were planted throughoot the city at a cost of $80.15 for printed leaf. lets on how to plant them. Trees were planted by residents in front of their own properties, supervised by the community leagues. In 1925, the planting committee turncd its efforts towards landscaping schools, hospitals, the o’d public library and other civic buildings. A total of 3,000 trees were plantcd that year. Weeping birch trees were planted between the old library and McDougall Church auditorium on 100th Avenue, just after the Flrst World War, in memory of Edmonton men killed in action. Weeping birches no longer exist, neither does an active planting commlttce. The six little leaf linden trees in Coronation Park were planted as a special’ project on the part of the directors of the Edmonton Horticultural and Vacant Lots Association. Plaques wilh the names of the original planting committee members will be placed on the trees in the spring of 1971, after they have had a chance to winter.

Species

Littleleaf Linden

Area

Alberta