Trees have both common and scientific names, such as Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). On June 6, Trees for Suffield will give a third name, a personal name, to two “notable” trees located in Sunrise Park: the Smith Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and the Loomis White Fir (Abies concolor). Naming a tree with a personal name makes it stand out, gives people a closer connection to nature and in this case, celebrates the life of two men who made lasting impacts on Suffield.
The Smith Sassafras will commemorate Lester Smith, who died in 2024 after decades of service to the town as Town Historian, The Suffield Observer writer and photographer, King House Museum curator, Boy Scout leader and Kent Memorial Library supporter. Smith knew Sunrise Park well from his years marking trails with the Scouts. He loved trees. Writing about the mighty Spencer Oak, a famous Suffield tree, he mourned its demise when it fell several years ago.
Photo by Marty Aligata
Burbank Sycamore was named in 2024 by the Trees for Suffield Initiative.
The Loomis White Fir will honor Roger Loomis, Sunrise Park’s first superintendent (1966-1982). He developed the Park’s trail system, planted extensively and maintained the grounds. Loomis was also a Boy Scout leader, an officer of the Historical Society and a Town Forest Commission member for 40 years. His exceptional photographs chronicled Suffield’s events and people. Loomis died in 1999.
The Smith and Loomis trees join the lofty ranks of other historically significant Suffield trees, including the Spencer Oak, Trumble Oak, Granger Maple, Washington Elms and Burbank Sycamore, living (and once-living) symbols of the town’s past.
The Spencer Oak, once the largest chestnut oak in New England, was perhaps a seedling around Suffield’s founding in 1670. It stood for over 300 years. In the 1930s, Samuel Reid Spencer, a Connecticut lieutenant governor and Suffield resident, bought the old Egan farm on North Stone Street where the tree had rooted. Spencer cared for the tree and when he sold the property to John Beresford transferred the care of the tree to him. In 1955, Beresford deeded a path to the tree ensuring public access to it. Visitors, including Katharine Hepburn, came to admire the tree. In 1989, its enormous size was recorded: 65 feet tall, with a 8.5-foot girth and a sprawling canopy spanning 117 feet.
The Trumble Oak, a beloved landmark along River Road (now River Boulevard), marked the ancestral home of the Trumble/Trumbull family. One descendant, Jonathan Trumbull would become a colonial governor of Connecticut, and John Trumbull, Jonathan’s son, would earn fame as the “Painter of the [American] Revolution.” The historic tree was cut down in 1910.
The Granger Maple was planted by Launcelot Granger, a first Suffield settler, who moved to town in 1674. The tree, planted in front of his house on High Street where the Suffield Academy is located, survived until 1922, aged 248.
The Washington Elms, twin trees planted on the southern Green in the early 1700s, shaded George Washington when he greeted Suffield residents in June 1775 on his way to assume command of the Continental Army. One of the elm trees fell down, but the other remained standing for many years — as a real, physical tree and an important symbol in the town’s lore.
The Burbank Sycamore towers over the Phelps-Hatheway House. Its origins are unknown, but it has likely stood beside the circa 1761 Shem Burbank house for most of its life.
Being recognized as a “notable” tree is a distinction. The Connecticut Notable Tree Project, established in 1985, identifies trees which stand out for their age, historical significance and remarkable size. Some trees gain a higher distinction when designated as a Champion, Biggest, Tallest, Largest-Trunked, Charter Oak descendant or Nationally Notable. Suffield boasts 33 notable trees: three are considered Connecticut Champions, three are in the Biggest category and four have the Largest Trunks.
Naming a tree fosters a personal connection, encouraging better care, observation, and appreciation for nature. It helps people remember the tree’s unique characteristics and the history of a place.
Trees for Suffield promotes the preservation and planting of trees and educates the community about their importance. Join them for a Double Tree Naming Ceremony at Sunrise Park at 1:30 pm as part of Picnic in the Park, a program in partnership with Suffield Parks and Recreation. The event is Saturday, June 6 from 1 to 3 pm. Cost for the picnic is $5 per person. Register on the Suffield Parks and Recreation website to enjoy your own summer picnic under lofty trees supplemented with ice cream, drinks and nature-themed activities.
Suffield post card – Washington Elm is the second tree from the left.
Tree Naming Ceremony at Sunrise Park, June 6 at 1:30 p.m.