Heritage Tree Update by Jim Renner

Hanley Farm Willow Headlines Statewide Event
The Oregon Heritage Tree Program, sponsored by the Travel Information Council, will hold its annual statewide dedication event at the historic Hanley Farm near Jacksonville on April 11th at 1:00 PM.

Southern Oregon Historical Society, who owns and operates the property, will host the event.  The Hanley Farm is located at 1053 Hanley Road (Hwy 238), Jacksonville, OR  97530.

At the event, the Hanley Farm Willow will be officially inducted into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program.  This weeping willow, delivered as a cutting from the pioneer Luelling Nursery in Milwaukie, was planted in 1860 by Martha Hanley to commemorate the birth of her son.  The tree flourished and the Hanley farmstead eventually became know as “The Willows.”

Also on April 11th, a second Heritage Tree dedication will follow at 3:00 PM just 5 miles from the Hanley Farm.  The Silver Maple at Seven Oaks Farm will also be inducted into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program.  Remarkable for its size and age, the Silver Maple was planted about 1860 adjacent to the historic log cabin that served as the store for the pioneer-era stagecoach stop that operated here for many years.  Seven Oaks Farm is located at 5504 Rogue Valley Highway (Hwy 99), Central Point, OR 97502. 

Both events are free and open to the public.

For Directions and Invitation:

Oregon Heritage Tree Dedication Ceremony, Jacksonville, April 11th

Caples House Museum Orchard dedication on April 20

The Oregon Heritage Tree Committee under the Oregon Travel Information Council has designated the century-old orchard at the Caples House Museum as Columbia County’s first Oregon Heritage Tree site.  The museum is owned and operated by the Oregon State Society Daughters of American Revolution (DAR).

A free public dedication ceremony for the trees will be held Sunday, April 20th at 1:00 PM.  The pear and apple orchard is estimated at more than 135 years old, planted soon after Dr. Charles Caples built his home in 1870 which also house his medical practice.  Caples was Columbia County’s first doctor.