Ramsey Historical Association

As part of the Ramsey Centennial celebration, the Shade Tree commission (STC), at former Mayor Richard Muti’s suggestion, conducted an “oldest tree in Ramsey” contest and invited all residents to send in information on any tree they thought might be a contender. The STC provided a mathematical formula that enabled residents to estimate tree age by measuring the diameter in inches four feet above the ground, and then applying a multiplier based on tree species.

The winners were announced at Ramsey Day in September.

The oldest tree in Ramsey is a Copper Beach on New England Drive that is estimated to be 360 years old. Just imagine. When this tree was a seedling, growing right here in Ramsey, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony were just 28 years into their settlement. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, and Antonio Stradivari, Italian violin maker were just 4 years old. George Washington hadn’t been born yet. In fact George Washington’s grandparents probably hadn’t been born.

Sadly, this oldest tree in Ramsey is in a diseased state and will have to be taken down soon. Its successor to the title is another Copper Beech tree on Franklyn Street, a mere 343 years old, followed by a White Oak on Woodland Avenue that is a youthful 253 years old.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Ramsey’s Oldest Family Tree

Despite the disappointing rain cancellation of the Centennial Parade, Ramsey Day went on as scheduled on Sunday September 7th.

RHA Members Tom and Maryellen Branna helping out at our booth on Ramsey Day.

For the Ramsey Historical Association, it’s always a great opportunity to sign up new members, get reacquainted with existing members and raise funds through the sale of merchandise. This year’s merchandise included Joan Dater’s book on 19th century etiquette, Ron Kase’s book on Ramsey history, old Ramsey street signs, plus Old Stone House T-Shirts.

The RHA would like to thank Field Stone Fine Art gallery which graciously allowed us to sell limited editions of a Tom Austin print “Main Street Ramsey 1908”. Several of the prints were sold with a portion of the proceeds going to the RHA.

Also on display in our booth were photographs showing the progress on the May Barn, which generated a great deal of excitement and interest.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Old Stone House Will Be Open for History Day
• St. Nick’s Day – 2014
• 10/19 – Fall Open House at the Old Stone House
• Celery Farm’s Jim Wright to speak at Coalition Luncheon on October 29th at Ramsey Country Club
• 5th Annual Luncheon: NW Bergen History Coalition