A fine old tree. One of the largest and probably the second oldest in the Borough. It is estimated to be 156 years old based on its diameter, indicating that it started life around 1870. There is a photo from 1860 showing the tree (see below). Using diameter as a proxy for age has its drawbacks. It assumes a steady rate of growth. After Main St. was paved the growth rate probably slowed significantly making the tree appear younger when using diameter for age.
While Sycamore is a native tree and can be found growing wild in the Borough, this tree was intentionally planted as a shade tree in front of the building.
The Syacmore in an 1860 photograph. It is the tall tree in the center of the image.
The Syacmore in an 1860 photograph. It is the tall tree in the center of the image.