The Tree that Owns Itself
http://www.visitathensga.com/listings/index.cfm?listingID=234&menuID=299The land on which the tree stands was originally owned by Col. William H. Jackson, a professor at the University of Georgia. Legend has it that in the early 1800s, Professor Jackson, out of love for the great oak, deeded to the tree ownership of itself and the land within eight feet of it on all sides. The marker at the foot of the tree reads as follows: "For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection, for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides." An original deed has not been located, but the Athens community has recognized the tree's title to the surrounding land and has taken measures to protect the tree. Philantrhopist George Foster Peabody paid to install the enclosure surrounding the tree.
The original tree became diseased and was blown down in a windstorm on October 9, 1942, and a new tree was grown from one of its acorns. The Junior Ladies Garden Club grew a sapling from one of the tree's acorns and planted it on the same spot October 9, 1946.
Its property rights have never been questioned.
BlueJazz
(25,348 posts)OnyxCollie
(9,958 posts)CaptainTruth
(6,585 posts)Gives a whole new meaning to "board meeting."
I hear the tree/corp started with a few products, then branched out into other markets.
A few years ago there were allegations of tax fraud, but investigators quickly discovered they were barking up the wrong tree.
A follow-up investigation got to the root of the problem.
You may think I'm nuts ... but don't call me a sap ... just leaf me alone!!!!
Old Crow
(2,212 posts)... pretty good there. You made me laugh.
I was going to add my own pun here, but I was stumped.
SnowCritter
(810 posts)lastlib
(23,208 posts)At the very least, it's getting a little a-corny, I'd say.
There is a deciduous irony to all these puns........
underpants
(182,752 posts)1dogleft
(164 posts)FAMILY TREE!!! yuck yuck
and ROOTS !! I GOTTA MILLION OF THEM
CottonBear
(21,596 posts)The Tree That Owns Itself has offspring all over our community, including our public school grounds and parks.
underpants
(182,752 posts)REM Interview from 1988
For those who don't want to watch the video - about a minute into it Berry and Mills talk about the tree and the double barrel cannon. The idea behind the double barrel cannon was that a chain would connect the two cannonballs creating more damage to the enemy forces. The problem was that there wasn't an equal charge behind each cannonball so they shot out and spun around in the general area from which they were fired. This obviously was very disturbing to the people near the double barrel cannon. As Mills concludes the story, "Only fired once".
CottonBear
(21,596 posts)My family and I drive by and walk by that cannon all the time.
The Tree is a wonderful part of Athens.
If you are ever here, please PM me so we can meet up!
I've met and heard in concert all of the rem guys.
They are true Democrats!
bench scientist
(1,107 posts)underpants
(182,752 posts)see above
I have never been to Athens GA. I should probably make a pilgrimage of sorts there.
hueymahl
(2,488 posts)Finest city in the Southeast!
trishtrash
(74 posts)The storied tree, the cannon, and of course the wonderful music. And politically, an island in the sea of right wing insanity!
Uncle Joe
(58,348 posts)Thanks for the thread, underpants.
kmlisle
(276 posts)We have a great one near my home town with a county park dedicated to it. They are dearly loved by the people of the South.
CottonBear
(21,596 posts)The Live Oak is a coastal plain & coastal tree.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)marlene.elyse
(20 posts)I grew up not far from Athens and I never heard of this - thanks for posting.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Hissyspit
(45,788 posts)in my way back to NC after seeing Michael Nesmith in Atlanta!
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Once one considers that theroot system and leaves are as much part of the tree as the trunk itself is. From the picture, the deed is probably being violated
underpants
(182,752 posts)apparently they just account for the legal elements as needed. I get that you were joking but I find this story really cool.
sarge43
(28,941 posts)hopemountain
(3,919 posts)trees are some of my best, best friends.
calimary
(81,200 posts)Love this, underpants! WUNNNNderful!