Suffield’s sycamores are a part of our town’s long history. These impressive trees generally have a life span of two to five hundred years. Known for their striking color and size, sycamores are loved by many in town and none more so than the one found in front of the Phelps-Hatheway House.
A magnificent and showy Platanus occidentalis (sycamore tree) towers over the Phelps-Hatheway House, dominating the property.
Although it is not known when this tree was planted or by whom, or even whether it predates the buildings on the property, we do know it has spent much, if not all of its life gracing the oldest part of the magnificent center chimney house built by Shem Burbank in 1761.
One of Connecticut’s Notable Trees, this Platanus occidentalis while not the largest in the state, is truly Suffield’s grandest sycamore. This year in May, to recognize and honor this ancient tree, we’re giving it a name – The Burbank Sycamore.
Please join the Suffield Tree Committee and CT Landmarks in a Tree Naming ceremony and celebration on Saturday, May 4 from 12-1 p.m. on the grounds of the Phelps-Hatheway House.
Refreshments will be served in the Visitor Center where the winners of this year’s photo contest will be on display at the Hatheway House Visitor’s Center, 55 South Main Street, from May 4 until October 13. The Center is open the second Sunday of the month from noon to 4 p.m. or during any scheduled event. There will be an opening for the exhibit on May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome!