The Davis Linden Tree


Edited by Mrs. Paul H. Walker

The top of Cole's Hill in Plymouth has changed over the years. Among other changes, the Wax Museum has replaced Plymouth Rock Hotel. Near the Wax Museum stands the a large linden tree. Through the summer's hot winds when the sun wilts the leaves, and wintry cold blasts, this tree has stood strong against the worst weather that this Northeast coast can provide. It has stood here for 186 years, from the time of its romantic beginnnings in 1809.

The tree, when little more than a sapling, was planted by a young couple to memorialize their engagement. Not long after it was planted, the engagement was broken. The young lady, saddened by this event, pulled the poor, unoffending tree from the garden where it had been planted so tenderly by the two lovers. So she would not be reminded by seeing this forlorn tree again, she flung it into the street.

William T. David in his MEMORIES OF AND OCTAGENARIAN tells this story, as it was his father who happened to be walking by at the time, and picked up the orphan tree, then planted it where it now stands. He lived in the Plymouth Rock House. Mr. Davis mentions that he used to climb into the linden's branches with book so he could be lulled by the breeze rustling through the leaves.

Davis's linden has seen many changes over the last 186 years. Let us hope that no one cuts down this majestic connection to a romantic past.

[from an article by Winifred L. Avery in the "Plymouth Collection News," vol. 1, #3, of January 1996]



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