There are many examples of things in our lives that we don’t notice until they are gone. One such example is a large beautiful oak tree (or what remains of it) in the median of Clark Avenue across from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. What makes it a bit more peculiar is the makeshift cross and wreath as seen above. At first glance, it looks to be a small decoration put up for the holidays.

After stopping to take a photo of it, a resident who lives in the house across from it gave me a bit of insight. The tree sat upon a manhole cover and after more than 20 years of being strange neighbors, the city needed access to it. It turns out that it wasn’t a holiday decoration at all–it was a memorial to the beloved tree that has provided shade for passing pedestrians and motorists, as well as many doves that called it home.

Even with the loss of the tree, Clark Avenue  remains a beautiful street: it’s one of only a few thoroughfares that have a tree-lined median so close to the city’s core.

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From all of us at Goodnight Raleigh, we wish you a Happy Christmas, Hannukah, Ramadan, Festivus, or whatever holiday you celebrate.

Articles from Christmases Past:

• A Ghost of Christmas Past
• Happy Christmas from the Dogs