From Jeanne Grandy

In the 1740’s, when Holliston became its own Town, major byways between towns were edged with numerous elms, oaks, maples, and other species of trees. Accordingly, when officially named in 1856, some streets were named for trees. Aware of the beauty and value of trees, citizens like Mr. George Flagg, who lived on the current Holliston Historical Society property on Washington Street, began planting both native and exotic trees. There you will find a graceful Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica), an upright Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica, spp.) and a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), among others. By the early 1900’s, tree-lined streets were beginning to compete with paved roads and electric wires overhead. Some of these trees were seen as too “risky” and taken down. Others, like elms, would succumb to Dutch Elm disease.

Recognizing the value of trees, the Town of Holliston supported the planting of multiple Pine trees at Pine Crest Golf Course, and the Holliston Garden Club began celebrating Arbor Day by planting trees on the town’s public spaces. The record of that commitment is now accessible via the town website.

Now more than 100 years old, some of these and other Holliston trees, are being identified with the help of the Tree Warden, Conservation Commission members, and other “Friends of Trees” (an open ad hoc group of citizens interested in saving our old and significant trees) to be featured in one of the Holliston Garden Club’s efforts to celebrate our 90th year history.

The Public is encouraged to help by becoming informed about our effort to have Holliston designated as an Arbor Day Foundation “Tree City USA” and supporting the bylaw submitted by the Select Board when it comes to the annual town meeting on May 15, 7:00 pm at Holliston High School. Come and support this effort.