Preserving the Old Pine

In order to perpetuate the memory and keep vital the host of traditions which cluster about the Old Pine, steps have been taken to preserve the venerable stump and to cause to grow on the same spot a "probable son of the Old Pine." Through the generosity of Dr. Herbert L. Smith '82, who offered to pay the expense, this project has been made possible. The preservative-measures as well as the choice of a young tree were approved by P. W. Ay res, forester of the College Grant.

A concrete coping six inches square has been set around the, stump at a distance of three feet. The space between this coping and the stump has been filled with cinders and sand. This will effectively guard against decay from dampness or against fire.

The stump itself will be carefully treated with bi-chlorid of mercury, and the hollow on top of it is to be filled with tar. Two seedlings, probably grown from the original tree, have been planted, in order to better insure the eventual growth of a worthy successor to the Old Pine.

The Old Pine was struck by lightning in 1887, and in 1892 its main branch was broken by a whirlwind In 1895 it was finally cut down, and only its stump now serves to recall its former glory.

A tablet is set in the concrete coping, for which President-Emeritus Tucker has written the inscription. The inscription is as follows:

"Lest the old traditions fail."

This tablet marks the Old Pine, contemporary with the life of the College and guardian of its traditions.

Having been Struck by lightning in 1887 and by a whirlwind in 1892 it was cut down in 1895. Replaced in 1912.

The committee in charge of the preservation and perpetuation of the Old Pine is made up of Professor J. K. Lord '68, Professor H. D. Foster '85, Professor Robert Fletcher, Professor Charles Holden '95, and Edgar H. Hunter '01.