Special to the Transcript
The Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association (W.I.H.A.) is excited to announce its annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 26th, Saturday 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on the grounds of the Historic Deane Winthrop House at 40 Shirley St. for an inspirational event in Celebration of Trees!
W.I.H.A. is proud to carry on this tradition, which was incorporated into its 1908 By-Laws to observe this day of service by planting trees and providing an event for the community. The Arbor Day origin goes back even further, in this country to 1872, when in Nebraska, the state planted 1 million trees on that day. Thirty (30) years later in 1908, President Theodore Rosevelt issued the first Arbor Day Proclamation and declared it a National Holiday. The most common date for Arbor Day is usually observed on the last Friday in April, but warmer states may celebrate earlier to make the most of ideal tree-planting weather.
This year W.I.H.A. will collaborate with the Town of Winthrop Tree Committee, who will give out 100 free baby trees and promote the towns “Adopt A Tree Program” with a goal of increasing Winthrop’s tree canopy along with sign-up sheets looking for an army of citizens ready to water newly planted trees in case of drought. The Mothers Out Front Organization will hand out free Seed Packets and the Odd Fellows Zenith Lodge is the sponsor of W.I.H.A.’s 50 Eastern Red Bud baby tree give aways. The Winthrop Girl Scout Troop and the Winthrop Art Association will also be in attendance, as we all inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, aiming to create a world where trees are abundant, healthy and sustainable.
Included in the festivities are craft-making supplies, theme related gardening raffles, Artwork on view and finally Cherry Pie, coffee and refreshments for all to enjoy.
The Memorial Tree Dedications will start at noon with a reading of the historic Arbor Day Proclamation for a
Magnolia Tree in memory of Barbara Harrison, past Caretaker of the Deane Winthrop House and a Dogwood Tree for Deboria Murphy, followed by 19 other Memorial Plantings, including 4 Rose Bushes, 5 Holly Shrubs and 10 Hydrangeas. Families present may take part in placing their memorial markers and receiving their memorial plaques. Later in the year, the Memorial Trees and plantings will be illuminated with solar lighting. Many thanks to their loved ones who have made donations in their honor to make this day possible and the garden at the Deane Winthrop House more beautiful than the day before.
We hope to see you at this inspiring event for a Healthier and Greener World.
The Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association (W.I.H.A.) thanks all the residents of Winthrop for their continued support of our events.