Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
Capitol Tree familiar to local family
Katie Brown, 91, of Trout Creek was one of dozens of people to visit the U.S. Capitol Tree on Tuesday at Trout Creek Park.
The end of the trailer is clear so that visitors can see the tree and some of the thousands of ornaments.
Faith Stewart and her mother, Acacia Stewart sign the banner on the trailer of the Capitol Christmas tree.
The People's Tree heading to D.C. has become quite well-known. But no one knows the tree as well as 91-year-old Katie Brown and her son John Brown of the Yaak area.
Brown told of a story long ago while gathering at Trout Creek for the tree's celebration Tuesday afternoon. She reminisced that her sons John and George C. (Trout Creek), along with her son-in-law Richard Nygaard (Trout Creek) had spent lots of time with the same tree 46 years ago.
In 1971 the three boys stood on command while waiting for their dozer to be discharged to the Caribou Fire in the Yaak. Little did they know that the People's Tree just happened to be standing on post with them, and even though they didn't know it, it must have made an impression on the boys just the same. According to Brown, the boys had touted about a truck loaded with watermelon making a delivery to them as they were on call. They remembered sitting at the base of the tree eating watermelon as they patiently waited for their turn to "take action" with the dozer.
When John recently saw the photograph of the tree featured in Libby's local newspaper, he simply knew it had to be the same tree. He checked out the location of where the tree was, and after all these years he was right on the money. Apparently, he knows a good tree when he sees one.
Brown stated that the tree was planted by someone, though she could not recall who. It was planted in an area where no other trees were around to compete for survival, making it a great place for a Christmas tree to grow.
Brown said she has mixed feelings about cutting the tree. "It is neat to see it going to Washington, but it is kind of sad to see it cut," she said.
The Trout Creek People's Tree celebration was enjoyed by many, as a steady stream of people came to view the wonder.
Trout Creek Community Improvement Association (TCCIA) provided a bonfire and warm beverages for warmth and crafting booth to make ornaments. Trout Creek students sang carols to add a festive touch to the atmosphere. Although rain fell the entire day, it stopped in time for people to come out and celebrate the tree.
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