Here stands the stump of the old oak tree immortalized in The Old Oak Tree mural that was at one point the focal point of Silverton. The gazebo, built by local Boy Scouts, houses the stump and provides benches for contemplation. Signs on the gazebo explain the significance of the tree, and offer an excerpt of Homer Davenport’s writings for reflection on the historical beauty of Silverton. This gazebo stands on the edge of Coolidge McClain Park, behind the Silverton Country Museum.
Sign #1 Text:
‘”GAZEBO”
This gazebo was built by the Silverton Boy Scouts Troops #159 and #485.
“TREE STUMP”
This tree stump was used by Indians and the early settlers as a meeting place to trade and rest. The tree stood downtown Silverton at Main and First Streets.’
Sign #2 Text:
“The stump of Silverton’s giant oak tree made famous by Homer C. Davenport once stood in the center of Main Street at First Street. Tree was cut down in 1893, unearthed in 1968, and moved to this site in 1975. Gazebo was constructed as a project of Silverton Boy Scouts of America troops 159 and 485, and members of the Silverton community coordinated by Brent Hatfield as his Eagle Scout project”
Sign #3 Text:
“The Old Oak Tree
(An excerpt from The Country Boy by Homer Davenport)
I have told people of this little town’s beauties till they have yawned and finally left in disgust, yet it holds me with a something that I cannot describe. Strangely I find that I have forgotten all the many rainy days, the boyhood fights and the neighbor quarrels. They with the petty pains and pangs of life have been forgotten, and while I know that some of my expressions of love for this little town have been misunderstood by the newer and younger generation, yet I am certain that the pioneers, the men and women who belong to the old oak tree, have all seen in every word I have written or line I have drawn pertaining to Silverton and the farmers around it, nothing but love.
___ Homer Davenport”
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[...] This mural commemorates the oak tree that was the center and gathering spot of Silverton in its beginning. Despite the great importance of the tree, it was eventually chopped down. Later on, the trunk was uprooted and moved behind the Silverton Country Museum, and now stands housed under a gazebo. [...]
[...] This mural commemorates the oak tree that was the center and gathering spot of Silverton in its beginning. Despite the great importance of the tree, it was eventually chopped down. Later on, the trunk was uprooted and moved behind the Silverton Country Museum, and now stands housed under a gazebo. [...]