The 'park's heartbeat': Beloved tree in Perth to come down

The residents of Perth are bidding farewell to an old friend and treasured member of the community this Thursday. Jessie, the 27-year-old silver maple tree that sits in the centre of Stewart Park, has been deemed unsafe by local arborists and will be cut down on March 15.

Jessie Mabel Stewart deeded the land that the park now sits on to the town of Perth in 1947, where her husband’s distillery once stood. Named after her, Jessie the tree has provided comfort and shade to the community for years and has become a symbol for some.

“It was such a large presence in the park. Over the years, when you saw photos of the festival’s main stage, you often saw the tree. It became one of the identifiable symbols for summer and Stewart Park Festival,” said chair of the Stewart Park Festival, John McKenty.

Several years ago, Perth was hit by a windstorm that left Jessie missing a major part of her trunk, leading to a slow deterioration of the rest of the tree. Rotting has gotten to such a state that Jessie now presents a public safety hazard.

But this might not be the last the Perth community sees of their beloved maple.

“It is our understanding that the Town of Perth is looking at ways of using the wood to provide a lasting remembrance of our majestic silver maple,” McKenty said. “I understand that depending on the condition of the wood, the town may turn the stump into a bench or something. So, there may be something new in the park this summer.”

Community members have taken to Facebook to propose ideas for Jessie’s future. From re-purposed sculptures to benches to cutting boards, there are several options for keeping Jessie’s memory preserved in the park.

One community member, Joanne Hollywood, suggested carving the trunk into something beautiful, “I think it is in Galveston, Texas where all trunks of fallen trees go to be carved. We have seen many in our travels.”

Though no plans for the leftover wood have been set in stone, residents are hoping that a meaningful and lasting memorial will take Jessie’s place.