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The gift that keeps on giving
Topics: trees, living Christmas trees, Hart Park, local history
Posted by citizenjournalist Fri Sep 21, 2007 13:09:06 PDT
Viewed 1809 times
0 responses 0 comments They have been here for 77 Christmas seasons.

In 1930 the "North Of The River Association" held a gathering near The Cobblestone Fountain in Kern River Park, (Hart Memorial Park). As a gift to the people of Kern County, they planted a grove of Cedrus Deodora, "living Christmas trees," directly across the road from the new swimming and boating lake which Kern County Supervisor Johnny Hart had just built.

These trees are called "Himalayan Cedar" as they are native to the western area of the Himalayan mountains. Deodora in Sanskrit  means "Timber of the Gods." They are a beautiful, gracefully shaped evergreen that are a perfect example of everyone's impression of a classic Christmas Tree.

Even the small, miniature cones which form on the branches of the male trees in September resemble Christmas lights. These hardy trees have survived for 77 years and from the small seedlings planted in 1930 these lovely conifers now tower more than 60 feet.

The monument located in this grove is typical of the others one sees throughout the park. There are dedication plaques placed here in the early 30's by citizens, clubs and civic groups who donated hundreds of beautiful trees to our park when it was initially being built.

Next time you drive through Hart Memorial Park, stop at the Living Christmas Trees and and as you stroll among them you will literally feel the history and beauty of these majestic trees.

We are grateful to the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department for the care they have given these trees over the years that we may enjoy their cool shade and continually give us the remembrance of Christmas every time we drive by "THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREES".

                              Copyrighted by George Gilbert Lynch, Sept. 1, 2007

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