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from the tree branches overhanging the sidewalk in front of Willie Hansen's home, another reminder of the beauty and necessity of such vegetation. The silk experiment, along with several others, failed, but some mulberry trees still survive. I remember the row of tall, stately pines which grew along the ditchbank between Hamilton Elementary School and the Carnegie Library. On Mondays we ran between them, jumping the ditch, as we hurried from school to Primary, which was held in our old North Ward chapel or the old Social Hall One day after I had left Mt. Pleasant, children from the nearby elementary school had just returned to classes from recess when one of the trees blew down.. . then another... as a result of high winds, the remainder were quickly removed before someone was injured or severe property damage resulted. Though I was no longer there to enjoy them, I was saddened when they no longer provided protection from the weather and beauty to behold. At another Seely home across the street from ours, I remember black walnut trees east of the house and an apricot tree which graced the southeast corner of the lot. When Mother was a little girl, she remembers climbing on the fence one day to pick some of the tempting fruit overhanging the walk. Joseph Seely, the owner, rather intimidating to a young child, came from the house and lifted the frightened girl in his arms, holding her aloft so she could pick all the fruit she desired. In Mother's yard I remember several different varieties of apple trees-none of which remains today. I remember the swings my parents provided for me-and the one they later hung on the black walnut tree for my children and my brother's children to enjoy while visiting their grandparents. (This one still hangs on the now-dead tree.) My swings were usually made from old tires; the later ones were rope with wooden seats. Once my swing on the limb of the old apple tree back of the house hung over the cesspool. We 48 |
