The Village of Oxford's oldest resident died last week.
It's estimated this grand old gentleman resided on Park St. for approximately 150 years, maybe more. He was definitely here before the village was incorporated in 1876. During his lifetime, he provided a sturdy home for creatures ranging from ducks to squirrels.
For many years, local school children visited him for lessons in math, science and history. In the summer, he helped cool the neighborhood with shade. In the fall, he displayed a spectacular array of colors. Though he slumbered all winter long, he never failed to wake up in time to let everyone know when spring had arrived.
Unfortunately, time finally caught up with this massive silver maple tree as sections of it became rotted and hollow, making it a hazard to both people and property. On July 16, one of the tree's limbs which was estimated to have a circumference of 30 inches and a length of about 45 feet, came crashing to the ground and through a neighbor's fence.
There were no storms or high winds that day. The culprit appeared to be the rot that was discovered inside the limb. The tree itself was examined and more rot was found. A combination of ants eating away at the tree and excess moisture getting traped inside caused the rotting.
references: c j carnacchio, oxford leader, bing
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