Local companies working to preserve part of historic Westfield tree

WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A more than 200-year-old tree that stood outside a place of worship in Westfield had to be removed recently. It was a sad sight for many in the area, but now, local companies are looking to preserve the landmark and give a piece of it back to the church.

It was 18 days ago that an old American beech tree was taken down and moved away from the Episcopal Church of Atonement in Westfield. It was a moment that brought sadness to parishioner Debbie Randzio.

“My most immediate attachment to the tree is through the Westfield Farmers Market,” Randzio said. “The musicians set up under this tree, we had picnic tables where people could bring their lunch, mothers would bring their blankets and the kids would dance to the music all under the shade of this tree.”

However, despite some rotting, Mill River Slabworks co-owner Gerry Lashway told Western Mass News the tree can still be preserved.

“What’s unique about this tree is the size of it and that the bottom of the tree (the butt of the tree) is very much still usable, so we’re able to take that and make that into some nice slabs and other products,” Lashway said.

LEARN MORE: 200-year-old tree gets taken down in Westfield

Knowing this tree meant so much to the church and the community, Lashway is planning to give a piece of the tree back to the church. He and his brother, Larry, also own Lashway Lumber in Williamsburg, where three eight-foot sections of the tree currently sit. He said it is a bit of a process to turn part of a section into a slab, which begins with Lashway Lumber sawing the tree and putting the portion into a kiln. It’s then all Mill River Slabworks from there.

“We can finish it, we can fill in any knots or any holes that might be in it, and we kind of can take it from the slab to where it is to finished product,” Lashway added.

The church is aware of part of the tree returning and hearing this kind of news turns Randzio’s tears into joy.

“I just have so much restored faith in the idea that people care about nature, about history, (and) about personal memories,” Randzio explained.

“To know that we can kind of help extend the life (and) to extend the history of this tree, it’s a great feeling,” Lashway said.

Lashway said it will take a few months to complete the process. The hope is to give the church the slab by the middle of summer.