The Tree Monument - Richland, NJ
Posted by: 
jiggs11
N 39° 29.442 W 074° 52.159
18S E 511237 N 4371240
Monument commemmorating the Grand Opening of the Monument Tree a carved "monument" in honor of the 150th anniversary of the community of Richland Village.
Waymark Code: WM12AGR
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2020
Views: 3
The" Monument Tree" is a chainsaw-carved White Oak tree located in Saw Mill Park in Richland just off US40 (main Street).
The tree was approximately 235 years old when it reached its end of life. Rather than cut it down unceremoniously, the Buena Vista Township Sesquicentennial Committee and the town's Mayor came up with the idea to transform the tree into a monument to the local community's history. A local tree surgeon trimmed the span to a manageable level, and local artist Brian Ackley was tasked with transforming the tree using a chainsaw and other tools.
Work began in November, 2016 and finished a month later. On it he carved images of historical significance to the local community. The railroad features prominently, as do various business fronts, schools and churches.
Marker text reads:
"THE TREE MONUMENT"
Here stood a mighty white oak tree for 235 years (approx. 1780 - 2015) next to a saw mill that led the way for the once mighty railroads to criss-cross here in Richland. When time took the life oif this tree it still had a 125' wingspan. It was trimmed to a contemporary piece of art by local Tree Surgeon Gary Heist and carved by Cchainsaw Artist Brian Ackley. The result is this Tree Monument - perhaps the most unusual tree in of New Jersey.
Dedicated Saturday May 27, 2017
by Buena Vista Township Committee
Mayor Chuck Chiarello
Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly
Committeemen:
John Armato
Steven Martinelli
John Williams
Mayor Chuck Chiarello served as mayor of the Buena Vista Township Committee from 1997 until 2019, when he passed away while in office. He had served the Township since first elected as a Committeeman in 1992.
What was opened/inaugurated?: The Monument Tree
Who was that opened/inaugurated it?: The Buena Vista Township Committee.;
Date of the opening/inauguration?: May 27, 2017
Website about the location: [Web Link]
Website about the person: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
-Please provide a photo you have taken of the site.
-Tell us something about your visit!
Recent Visits/Logs:
| There are no logs for this waymark yet. |
|
|
|