Giant Sequoia

2011 Preparation for the Holiday Tree Lighting

1967 Holiday Tree Lighting, Fire Truck

1968 Holiday Tree Lighting Preparation

Campbell Hall Covered in ivy with Giant Sequoia

Graduating Class, 1888

History:

The tree was planted in 1887 by the graduating class of 1887.
In 1972, lightning struck the tree and a tree surgeon was brought in to see if the damage would wither the tree or if it would be capped. The decision was to ultimately have the tree topped and capped.
It was once the tallest Sequoia in the state, but a tree at Willamette University now holds that title.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Every year, the sequoia is adorned with christmas lights to celebrate the holiday season. The first tree lighting was in 1968, and has been celebrated every year since that time.

Vern McFarland, Oregon College of Education employee, was responsible for climbing up the tree and securing the lights. At this time, they used a pulley system to get the string of lights up to the top where Vern secured them. It was during the beginning years of lighting the tree, that pranksters climbed up the tree and stole some of the lights.