Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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Trysting Tree 19

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Disease and age end an era of memories On a cool, crisp Saturday morning, a group of OSU alumni, students and visitors gathered to toast their dear old friend that had been standing guard over this campus for well over a century. Known more to an older generation of Beavers, this otherwise ordinary Canadian poplar tree was nicknamed the Tryst-ing Tree because of the unique services it provided. A clandes-tine meeting arranged by lovers, is the dictionary definition for tryst. This is precisely what the tree provided. It was a place for young lovers who had met in school to secretly meet. In the 1920 Beaver Yearbook, the Trysting Tree is pictured by daylight and moonlight with an inscription beneath it stating, Full many a tender fancy then — This old tree brings to mind. For him who wanders once again. In paths of Auld Lange Syne. I love to wander on the pathway down to the Trysting Tree ... These words from the OSU Alma Mater gives honorable mention to this monument. Standing just north of Education Hall, it was one of the earliest trees planted on the 35 acre farm that became Corvallis College. Despite all the sentimental value attached to the tree, it had to be cut down on September 27 because of advanced decaying of the trunk and limbs. The Trysting Tree ceremony, planned by the OSU office of University Relations, was held under the tree in the morning. OSU President John Byrne was present and gave a short talk followed by the singing of the Alma Mater by OSU music students who concluded the ceremony. It's been there all this time. It's been a meeting place for me, a very special meeting place, said Estelle Barklow, an OSU graduate of the class of 1925. She called the ceremony very well done, but admitted a little sadness seeing the tree cut down. Tom Caffa .o, a Corvallis tree specialist appropriately dressed in a suit, began the removal of the Trysting Tree by cutting away some of its smaller branches after the conclusion of President John Byrnne and his wife. Shirley, along with several alumni members of Oregon State toast the Trysting Tree with sparkling apple cider on a brisk Saturday morning. the Alma Mater. Barklow took home a cutting from the tree to serve as a mo-men to for all the special memories the tree gave her. Nothing remains of the tree except a rock with a weathered inscription 1901 on it. The plaque was presented as a gift for the university by the graduating class of 1901. Perhaps anticipating the tree's unfortunate fate, the 1981 horticulture students have taken a cutting from the Trysting Tree and planted it. Today Trysting Tree II stands strong and proud at 15 feet, ready to carry on the great tradition of its predecessor. At the same time that the Trysting Tree II was planted, the OSU Dad's and Mom's club built a bench next to it, possibly hoping that in years to come students roaming the campus in search of a place to rest will come across the bench. It is a perfect spot to sit and chat with friends, and to enjoy a beautiful day beneath the branches of the Trysting Tree II. □ by Diana DeStafeno A crowd sings the OSU Alma Mater under the Trysting Tree near Benton Hall. Trysting Tradition Dies Mjrk Crwmmti Corvallis tree specialist Tom Cafazzo surveys the task of cutting down the Trysting Tree. Mm Crummrlt ■ I » •« 18 Trysting Tree

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Jodi Welch, freshman in businoss representing the sorority Alpha Xi Delta, pauses during one of five events that occurred on Games Day. Andrr SlMdoun Performing as a cocktail waitress to score points in the Costume Contest between coaches is Scott Fegles. a Sigma Chi member and Kappa Kappa Gamma coach. Stephanie Astley. sophomore in business. points out the coaching assets of Scott Fegles who aided her sorority's overall victory. 20 Derby Days