Darlington holds Arbor Day Remembrance
Approximately 30 people attended the Arbor Day Remembrance service at the Old Millworkers Monument for the dedication of 4 newly planted Japanese Maples. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
editor@newsandpress.net
“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain; who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”
Joyce Kilmer, 1886-1918
Recently, an Arbor Day Remembrance was held at the Old Millworkers Monument on Pearl Street. Approximately 30 people gathered for the event and to celebrate the planting of 4 Japanese Maple trees, donated by the Darlington Tree Board. Darlington Mayor Curtis Boyd addressed the crowd on the importance of trees, not only to the environment but also to the beauty of any city. Local attorney Albert James told of how he moved away to go to college but was always thrilled to come home to Darlington and see all the lovely trees planted around town.
Rosanne Brasington read Joyce Kilmer’s famous poem, “Trees”, reminding the crowd of how important they are to not only the community, but also the peace of the human soul and spirit. Peggy Sheffield, Secretary of the West End Heritage Corp., gave a history on the monument itself. All in attendance were urged to not only plant more trees but, to also enjoy them, preserve them and keep them as a part of our history and our future. The service was coordinated by Darlington City Planner Merry Morgan Smith, the Darlington Tree Board and other concerned citizens of Darlington. Stop by the monument, located at the corner of Pearl Street and Cleveland Street. It is dedicated to the many workers of the Darlington Manufacturing Company, which operated from 1883 to 1956.
