The idea was germinated last winter, following the deaths of Violet and Ray Tetreault, proprietors of the Vegetable Corner. Ray’s obituary included a request to make donations to plant a tree in a national forest. John Loyd read this, and thought “That’s a great idea, but why a national forest? Why not Harpswell?”

John contacted the garden club with his idea to plant a tree in Harpswell in memory of the Tetreaults. Tuckie Westfall, club president, and Becky Gallery, chair of the Harpswell Historic Park Gardens committee, took John’s suggestion under consideration. Having recently lost a tree in the historic park’s garden, there was a space for a new one. John and his wife, Susan, researched native trees, and settled on a Nyssa sylvatica, known as a black gum or black tupelo tree. Its size was right for the location, and it offers vibrant fall foliage. The Loyd’s also organized friends and neighbors  to collect funds with which to purchase the tree and hire an arborist to help with its transport and planting.

Volunteers dug the large hole for the tree, and on June 7, 2023, the black tupelo was placed into its new home. Mother Nature helped with the watering all summer, and the fall colors were spectacular. Working with the Tetreault family, John ordered a commemorative plaque, which was installed on a small rock and placed in the garden under the tree.

Finally, on November 10, 2023, the family gathered with members of the Harpswell Garden Club and those friends and neighbors whose generous donations had made the tree’s planting possible. A brief ceremony took place around the tree, and all were invited into Centennial Hall for refreshments and conversation. A tremendous thank you goes to John and Susan for their vision and efforts in pulling everyone together for the tree’s installation. The Harpswell Garden Club is proud to offer a home for this tree in memory of an extraordinary couple.

Tuckie Westfall gives opening remarks at the Tetreault tree dedication

Mary Evitts represented the Tetreault children with her comments.

Nyssa sylvatica with its watering bag and plaque, October, 2023. Photo by John Loyd.

Plaque installed by John Loyd and Mike Dana.

Members of the Tetreault family were in attendance.

Friends and neighbors gathered at Harpswell Historic Park Garden to help dedicate a Black tupelo tree.

Friends gathered inside Centennial Hall for food and conversation following the ceremony.