Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve
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The Old Oak 



Presumed to be a "wolf tree" ( a tree left standing to provide shade for livestock or a farm house when a field was cleared) on the Oviatt farm. Photos of the oak during the construction of Kirby House circa 1920 show that that it was already old back then, and one of few trees in the picture. ​

Construction of the house so close to the trunk undoubtedly severed large tree roots. Perhaps this slowed down the old oak's growth.  But still it thrived.   
Picture
Kirby House construction nearing completion, probably 1921. The old oak is immediately to the right of the house. Except for a few trees nearby, the surrounding gentle slopes are clear of forest. Farmers would typically leave a few isolated trees to provide shade for livestock in otherwise cleared fields.

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Picture
Undated photo of Kirby descending the stairs outside his house- presumably between the year 1925 ( long enough after construction for ivy to have grown to the second story windows of the kitchen porch over the garage ) and 1937 ( when he sold the property to the Girl Scouts).
 

The Old Oak became an iconic part of camp Julia Crowell.  A popular camp history probably written sometime between 1940- 1960 starts its second paragraph, "The great white oak that looks down on all who pass by Kirby House could, if it could speak, tell us more about the history of our camp that probably any of us will ever know....... "
www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/camp-julia-crowell-nature-notes.html


Picture


​It was in danger of being cut down in 1984 when the Kirby House footers needed repair.  But instead drain tiles were installed in the hillside between Kirby & Hilltop houses, which diverted water away and 
saved the tree.  

The Old Oak has been called "Big Jim" by some, and "definitely female"  by others. The gender of its dryad spirit aside, it belongs to the  species Quercus alba - White Oak. ​
Picture
The woods have grown up around Kirby House and the old Oak Tree, now focal points for Richfield Richfield Heritage Preserve. The famous, statewide Buckeye Trail was re-routed through the park and past these important landmarks; as evidenced by the blue blaze on the trail post to the left. Photo by Beth Sanderson 2016.
The planned re-configuration of the Lake Jinelle Dam in 2018 prompted landscaper and FoCH member Cynthia McWilliams to question how heavy construction equipment and the raising of the nearby road might impact the old oak. Consultants from Davey Tree Company and ODNR were brought in by FoCH VP Beth Sanderson.  Some pruning of dead branches was recommended-  but otherwise the tree appears healthy.  The work crew came out October 26, 2018. 
Picture
Picture
photos of Davey Tree Company pruning crew by Beth Sanderson 

Projects

Kirby's Mill Restoration
Historic Home Stabilization
Native Species Restoration

Contact Us

Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve
P.O. Box 194 
Richfield, OH 44286-0194
​(Our address change took place in October 2023.  Our former address is the home of our founder who is still very involved in Friends.  He will make sure that any mail sent to the old address will get to the right place!)  
​

[email protected]

​© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • What's Here
    • Directions
    • The Property >
      • Google Map
      • Video
    • History
    • Maps
    • Nature Sightings
    • Memorials
  • About Us
    • What is a Friends'Group?
    • Reports to the Community
    • MillWrite News
    • Board of Directors
    • Bylaws
    • Board Portal
    • FoCH History
    • Partnership with RJRD
    • Incorporation
  • Get Involved
    • Contact
    • OUr Supporters 2024
    • Our Supporters 2025
    • Kirby's Mill Restoration
    • Education and Outreach
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • Events / Hikes