Linfield College landmark
oak falls to its death
Jan 8, 2008, Pendleton East Oregonian newspaper
McMINNVILLE - A proud symbol of Linfield College
fell to its death.
The Old Oak, an 80-foot-tall tree that had been
standing since the college was founded more than a century ago, collapsed in a
matter of seconds Tuesday (Jan. 8, 2008). No one was injured.
The tree was estimated at 250 years old and was
described by the first settlers to the valley. The oak was mature when Pioneer
Hall opened in 1882, the first building on the new campus of then-McMinnville
College. Pioneer Hall and the Old Oak became symbols of the college, and had
been pictured together on everything from calendars to college stationery.
But the tree was starting to show its age. A
consultant who examined the tree last year found an infestation of carpenter
worms. The tree was labeled a hazard, because a branch could fall at anytime.
College officials took steps to keep the tree
standing as long as possible, but crews planned to move the senior class bench,
which was placed under the tree 60 years ago, to discourage people from getting
too close.
Light rain was falling Tuesday afternoon, but
there was no wind to explain the sudden collapse of the beloved oak.
"Incredible," onlookers said as they gaped at the dome-shaped base of
the tree, where spongy, rotten wood was visible.
