Readfield Union House gets new tree to keep century-old tradition alive

READFIELD — A maple tree celebrating the 200th anniversary of Maine’s statehood was planted recently at the Readfield Union Meeting House to replace one of the maples that had to be removed earlier this year.
The tree was donated as a public service by D.R. Struck Nursery and Greenhouse in East Winthrop. Old photographs of the Meeting House dated in the 1890s show three young maples spaced out in front of the building, indicating they are about 125 years old.
Earlier this year, old age caught up with one of them this spring and it had to be cut down. It was thought appropriate that a young New England sugar maple would be appropriate to match the two remaining maples, said Marianne Perry, a RUMH board member.
When the Meeting House board asked the nursery about a tree, Robin and David Struck immediately offered to donate the tree to continue the tradition of the three trees in front of the church, said board member Marius B. Péladeau.
“The Board extends its thanks to Robin and Dave Struck for their involvement and kindness in making available a strong, young maple for the Meeting House’s present enhancement and into the future,” the board said. “Everyone hopes the new tree will live to see Maine’s tricentennial.”