What is the Story?
A mystery has captured my attention. In West Chester, PA, among industrial buildings, sits an American Weeping Beech Tree, which was planted by Alexander Bane in 1703. My family has lived in the Chester County area for over 200 years. 300 years old is a long time ago! (Just think… Great Britain was formed. The piano was invented. William Penn times. George Washington wasn’t inaugurated yet. No cars!)
I pass this sign all the time, but this time listened to its calling “Historic Weeping Beech Tree”. I followed the arrows, and there it was! A huge, tangled beauty! Pictures were a must, of course.
I’ve mentioned this to quite a few people, as it’s aroused my curiosity. “I know where the tree is, but I don’t know anything about the tree”, the most common response. “I always thought it was kind of odd that a tree had signage pointing to it.” Chris told me on 
Twitter.
I’ve made some phone calls, I’ve spent time Googling. This sad tree has but a quick mention in another blog – that’s it! So I had to create something in my mind… come wander with me…
A tree full of stories. A tree that has had many a visitor. Alexander Bane, a local citizen, must have cared a great deal for the tree, not having pesticides and the chemical fertilizers that we have today started its life off right. I wonder if he ever thought about The Beech Tree aging so well.
Back in the day, people would meet for their family picnics after a Sunday buggy ride at The Beech Tree. Children would climb the branches and get lost in its puzzling twists and turns. A background for many a portrait. A beautiful, yet difficult image taken to canvas by the daring artist. As time passed, teenagers would sneak off to a secret place to meet: Smoking, Parking, and Hiding. Everyday people would follow the signs, and let their minds wander.
I’m saddened it has to be fenced in. The respect for living things is not instilled in human beings as it used to be. How long will this tree live? I’m anxiously awaiting Spring so I can capture some pictures with its coverings. A new friend.
If you are curious to see The Beech Tree in person, set your GPS to
700 Old Fern Hill Rd.
West Chester, PA 19380
Follow the signs.
(Thank you my friend, Sarah, for helping me with this post. Especially how to deliver such a mysterious message!)
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Ha…Now I know!!! I used to frequent Norristown for Regional Meetings. Been lost in that area a few times…probably passed that tree many times.
Awesome Kim, I bet someone comes forward and knows the history.
What a great tree Kim – you did know I’m a tree hugger right? (and not afraid to admit it).
You did a great job with this! Love the mysterious aspect.
What a great story Kim. Hope you can find out more about it.
Bob, Norristown is right around the corner!
Stay tuned…
Missy, Coming soon ….
Ines, No, learn something new everyday!
Sarah, Thanks to YOU
Chris, Me too! I think I have
Alexander Bane was born 1690 in Scotland, brother to Mordecai Bane of Chester County. Alexander bought 200 acres of an 1100 acre subdivision East of High Street in 1711. Alexander’s 200a were the farthest East in the subdivision(this description from old records coincide with the location of the Beech tree). Alexander was married to Jane Moore at Marion Meeting in Chester County in 1713 and they had at least 6 children.
This is a great story. Alexander Bane was my 5th. great grandfather on my mother side. I have been researching his family for better than 35 years. I have a family Bible of his grand son Jesse 1755-1831.
Thank you again.
Ron McAvoy
Do you know the scource of this information?
I just met this tree for the first time this past Saturday and wrote a very similar story. The tree has that effect on people. It is awe inspiring!
This past week, I’ve been driving by the sign on the side of the road “Historic Weeping Beech Tree” twice a day taking my 3-yr-old grandson to/from day care. His mom just had a baby, so am visiting and doing all the “grandma-helps” for a few weeks.
So I’ve seen that sign more than once and, finally, it intrigued me enough to NOT drive by once more without taking a look. And so, on the way home the other day after picking Thomas up from daycare, we drove up the street. Of course, Thomas told me I was going to the wrong way. He wanted to know why grandma was doing so.
When we stopped to take a good look at a bunch of green trees, I had the opportunity to tell Thomas that this tree was very, very old and was planted a very, very, very, long time before grandma was born. Of course, his little mind can’t comprehend all that just yet, but it felt good telling him what I knew…you know, passing on the legacy of life.
I hope he will remember this day, the one when grandma didn’t take the right road home…just yet…to show him something special! If not for Thomas, at least I will!
Thanks for putting up the sign, whomever you are, and for not cutting the tree down…just yet!
I’ll bookmark this page to keep up with any more info gathered and shared.
Blessings everyone,
debra
BTW, I spelled my last name incorrectly…LOLOL It’s Halsmith!
Have known this tree for a while now. Rode by this am. Looks like there is a dead branch on the left of it. Couldn’t find the sign. Any one want to be a “Friend” of the tree??? Always the best.