McMinnville Heritage Preservation saved one tree in 2009 and did the same for downtown Christmas activities this year by donating one.
“We only received two calls regarding a tree this year,” said McMinnville Public Works director Bill Brock.
As it turns out, only one call was needed. Brock says this tree was the one.
“You couldn’t beat this tree,” Brock said. “It was grown to be a Christmas tree. The group wanted to donate it and we were glad to have it.”
McMinnville Heritage Preservation was the group that rallied for preservation of The Birthing Tree in 2009. The tree suffered damage after several days of rain resulted in the breaking of two limbs. A company was hired to trim the tree and prevent further harm.
The tree donated to be the center of downtown Christmas activities was owned by a group member — who prefers to remain anonymous and give all the credit to the group — and was grown from a sapling to be decorated as a Christmas tree in their front yard.
“The tree was just too far from the electrical outlet, which made it very difficult to decorate,” the donator said. “It was grown specifically to be a Christmas tree, so I called Public Works and offered it for the downtown activities.”
McMinnville Heritage Preservation is a nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserving local history. All resources are devoted to its various preservation projects. For more information, visit www.mcminnville-tn-heritage.org.