Glorious trees

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

Did you ever ask anyone what he/she likes about Columbus? The Chamber has published various booklets which discuss why anyone would choose to come to Columbus. The most frequent response to the question is - “I like the houses and the trees”. Now, one has to believe the “house” answer relates to the historic homes which have often been on tour. The Stafford Opera House, the Delue-Rose Harris, the Colorado County Court House, the Seftenburg, and others of that era are also included in this discussion.

Then, one points out the presence of the glorious trees. Now that Columbus is home to the largest live oak tree in Texas, our trees may have gained more significance. Once visitors get off the freeway, they begin to note the size and beauty of the oaks. The first fine example is the oak on the east side of Schobel’s Restaurant. It is a perfect greeting to our town. Moving on down Milam, the trees at the Tait house and the large tree on Bonham continue the story. The tree on Bonham was once the recipient of the ladies’ “flower brigade” led by former Mayor Paula Frnka. Now one comes to the square and sees the oak in front of the law offices on Spring St. This tree is often measured by visitors. It seems that our trees could be the source of a nice booklet that provided a tree map. To go along with the booklet, it would be great to have a bicycle rental for visitors’ pleasure.

One subject I’d like to explore is “who decided to leave the trees in the middle of the street”? What a marvelous idea!! By the way, do you know the location of this magnificent tree pictured?

by Joyce Kilmer Trees

“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.

A tree that looks at God all day And lifts her leafy arms to pray Poems are made by folks like me But only God can make a tree”