Scenes of Vermont Forums

Hi, I just saw a photo of what was called the "Witness Tree" in Peacham. It appeared to be a lone Maple on the top of a hill. I'm wondering if any one here has ever heard of it and if so where it is located.

Al

Hi Al: I've been there and saw it but I have to look back on my photos. I can't remember where it's located! The town of Peacham has a tree board and you can also call their contact at the town hall there...........CT


Could it be at the Mack Mountain Road entrance? I'm wracking my brain and that came to me...…………………..

Thanks CT- Do you think it might be around the cemetery by the fire station. That would be around the start of Macks Mountain rd.

Al

Hi Al, I was thinking more of Mack Mountain at route 2, north side of the road on the hillside. I have a pic from way back but I also emailed Phil from this forum because he was with me that day. I know someone in Peacham who will know who is on the town council. I'll call the tree warden to confirm.

Thanks Ct - I look forward to hearing back from you as it's a shot I'd love to get.

Al

Al, can you clarify something for me? Are you talking about a presettlement/original growth forest tree or a witness tree surveyors use for boundary markings that is also old growth.

Also, there are witness trees that have "witnessed" an historic event (ie in Gettysbury) but are not true old growth, original witness trees. I should have an answer for you tomorrow. (You may have seen a marker for a boundary tree, did it say witness tree?)


CT

CT, This was a picture of a maple in peak foliage. It looks like it's all by itself, possibly on the top of a hill. Supposedly in Peacham. I just saw this photo today but I can't find it again.

Al

Hi Al, I spoke with several people regarding your witness tree, one of whom, an expert in the data collection of such in New England. There are no pre settlement witness trees in New England. They thought maybe it was a marker boundary tree or someone randomly put "wisdom tree" on the photo they took. One person in Peacham suggested you try East Hill where you might find the tree photo but I still feel like it is on Mack Mountain for some reason. It is like finding a needle in a haystack! I spoke with several folks, no answers yet...……..

Hi CT,
I found the photo. It's in Yankee's Ultimate Guide to Autumn in NE on page 17. The "witness tree" is in parentheses which leads me to believe that it's not a specific tree. The photo is by Peter Miller. I just sent him an email asking it could tell me the location of the tree. I'll let you know if he responds and what he says.
Al

Hi Al, I just saw that photo and it has been around many years on Yankee's site. Unfortunately, its been spread all over the internet with the photog and his tripod cropped out as well and without credit due him I'm sure. I saw it on the web last night and was wondering if that was the one you were speaking of. You have sparked my curiosity so let me know what you find out. I'm sure it is in Peacham and hopefully, he will tell you his shooting location. CT

Hi CT,
Where did you see (find) it on the web. I'll check it out to see if it's the photo I'm talking about. Have not heard from Peter yet.

Al

Hi Al, I just googled Peacham VT foliage maple tree on hillside and it was there a few times and also on some art website where they cropped out the photog! Maybe at least five different popups, same scene. It happens...…….

Hi CT, That's it, now all we have to do is find it. I went right to it by googling "Sugar Maple Tree on a Hill Peacham". The tree in the photo isn't at peak like Peter Miller's is.
Al

That's too funny! Let's find it! I'll meet you there and celebrate. I am going to hunt around and locate it if you don't hear back. I'll be in Peacham an entire week. I also thought of another rise and also a great road - take Town Road off Mack Mountain to Academy Hill. Maybe it is on Academy Hill?

Hey, once I get going on a search I can't let go! I talked to a few Peacham residents the other day and gosh they were so nice and helpful. I even got to listen to their stories of how they transplanted to Peacham. So special there!

Hi again Ct-When are you going to be in Peacham? I live in S NH and I commute on a daily basis once everything begins.

Al