If this old oak tree could talk, it could tell you some interesting stories about itself. It might say, “I have stood on Summerall Hill for over 200 years. I measure 57 feet in circumference and my crown spread is 14 feet, 4-1/2 inches. Strong ropes tied to my long sturdy limbs have allowed children to swing and my limbs have been great climbing places for them.

“With my wide expanse of limbs, I have furnished shade for picnics in spring, summer and fall reunions. After a tiresome reunion in the 50’s, the family began to get children bathed and ready for bed in the home nearby. The three-year-old could not be found in the house, as the family started searching outside, they found him hard and fast asleep under the old Oak tree on the picnic table. He was quietly moved without awakening him to a more comfortable bed inside.

“A small beautiful outdoor wedding was performed one summer in my shade. When the law still allowed it, animals would gather there to rest and get some relief from the heat. When the land was still farmed, some workers would bring their lunch and have their noonday meal and maybe a nap in my shade.”

This old Oak tree is a Georgia state tree, a Live Oak. In 1937, the Live Oak was adopted as the official state tree at the request of the Edmund Burke Chapter of the Georgia Daughter’s of the American Revolution. The Live Oak tree contributes to the beauty of the State of Georgia, especially on the coast. You see much larger and more beautiful ones, such as the “General Oglethorpe Live Oak,” but I choose to write about the old oak tree I will always remember and know most about.

A thirteen-year-old member of the family used to climb in the tree, find a large limb she could be comfortable on, and read stories from books she had checked out of the school library. Sometimes you would have to look for her at meal time.

Most recent gatherings for birthdays under the old Oak tree were on September 2007 and 2008 when we celebrated a 90th and 91st birthday. Family, friends and loved ones enjoyed birthday cake with all the trimmings, gifts, barbecue, salads and desserts. Highlights of this gathering were fellowship with 100 friends, family and neighbors on a beautiful day under the old Live Oak tree.

If a moral could be drawn from this brief story, it would be, “Stand tall, be strong, do for others as the old Live Oak tree does by furnishing a shade for many to enjoy, and you will be remembered too.”