What’s the one tree that stands out most in your Vassar experience?
You probably remember the larger than life London planetree, and the (unconfirmed) legend of its embarrassing de-listing from the Guinness Book of World Records. But what you probably don’t know is that this “Vassar Sycamore”, Class Tree of 1906, is part of a unique history that is as long and beautiful as its branches.
The first tree to grace Vassar’s soil was the Swamp White Oak west of Main building. Planted by the class of 1868 in that year, this marked the beginning of what would become a first-rate arboretum. For years after that, every graduating class would hold a tree-planting ceremony shrouded in secrecy and an air of mysticism, burying class mementos at the base of the chosen tree. Through the years, however, the tradition of the Class Tree has evolved, with some classes simply adopting a tree, and others delightfully innovating– the class of ’97’s variation of the tradition featured burying a time capsule in a cement vault by the Terrace Apartments bridge (but hush, that’s a secret).
The college did not formally create an arboretum until 1924 when the class of 1875 donated a capital fund to its creation. Since then, the continuing tradition of the Class Trees and the college’s commitment have made certain that the landscape continues to blossom beautifully, beyond the boundaries of Matthew Vassar’s original dream. Today, Vassar’s arboretum boasts an enviable array of over 230 species.
One of our treasures, the majestic Weeping European Beech, sits grandly on Joss Beach. This Class Tree of 1963 is possibly the most picturesque of weeping trees. Generations of Vassar students have found in the leafy embrace of this tree’s enveloping branches a great hangout, and with a lifespan of about 200 years, will very likely continue do so for years to come.
Regally set against the backdrop of the South Wing of Main, another of our more modest gems is the Goldenrain Tree. Although an invasive species, the tree has enjoyed a history of reverence. Known as the Pride of China, an early Dynasty named it one of the five official memorial trees, and planted it on tombs of scholars. In 1809, when it first took root in the US as a gift to Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Tessé, the Founding Father is said to have considered it a symbol of their friendship.
From the breathtaking stand of Bald Cypress on the west edge of Sunset Lake, to the Yellowwood, which is extremely rare in eastern North America, to the unassuming Bristlecone Pine which might still be standing 5000 years from now, it would be impossible to overstate the variety of arboreal wonder that blesses our campus.
But if “all our wisdom is stored in the trees,” we are a very wise campus.
VASS 101: 