End of the Line for Wilmington's World's Largest Living Christmas Tree?-- Part 1

From the Wilmington (NC) Star-News.

This could very likely be the last Christmas lighting for the live oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, after an 82-year-lighting display. It's not that the city doesn't want to spend the money and effort, but the poor old tree is showing its age.

The Oak, located in Hilton Park, was first lit in 1928, and after all these years has become a tradition for many local families and even visitors who go out to look at its Christmas finery.

It once stood 70 to 95 feet tall, it is now down to just 50 feet. It's branches still cover 110 feet, though. But, now, the lights are suspended from a utility pole instead of its branches, to take the weight off. They have been weakened from 400+ years of hurricanes and ice storms.

Save That Old Tree Which was Standing There During Both Battles of Fort Fisher and Wilmington's Occupation During the Civil War. --RoadDog