Celebration Marks Long Life of Historic Liberty Tree

Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

History lovers, tree “huggers”, and just curious folks — wanting to get up close and personal with a tree that’s been declared the oldest in the state— gathered to pay tribute to “Frank the Liberty Tree” on Saturday, December 6.

Located in the side yard of the residence of Thomas Harris and Jessica Thomas at 328 S. Monroe, this burr oak was already over 100 years old when their home was built circa 1900 and has sheltered and offered shade to generations since.

“Frank” was cataloged as a Liberty Tree during the American Bicentennial in 1976 and was nominated by then-owner Frank McLaughlin. Owners Harris and Thomas found the original certificate hanging in the home when they purchased it last August and decided to call the old oak “Frank” in his honor.

Concerned about Frank’s age and health, they contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation and received the sad news that a root fungus had taken hold and for safety concerns, Frank would have to be removed.

With a tree that is so well-known to the community, Harris and Thomas, along with second-floor tenant Crystal Beasley, decided to honor Frank’s long life with a party, champagne toast, and a chance to share memories with others. With being new to their home and the Northeast community, “We don’t have memories,” Thomas shared on Saturday.

Invited guests included Fourth District-at-Large City Council representative Crispin Rea, who spoke about all the events that have occurred in Frank’s lifetime.

“I had to do some research to look back on what was happening 250 years ago,” said Rea.

“On this date, 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress wrote their first formal response to King George’s Proclamation of Rebellion. A year later, and a couple of weeks later, Washington crossed the Delaware (River) on that fateful night on December 25, 1776. This tree is pre-Revolutionary Way, pre-Lousianna Purchase, pre-Civil War, pre-World War I, World War II- all these incredible things that have happened in the world.”

“I look forward to what we can grow next- I don’t know that we’ll plant a tree that will last another 250 years,” said Rea.

To answer questions about the tree’s health and how it will be removed, Ron and Tiffany Gamm of Alpha & Omega Complete Tree Services spoke about how the root fungus was caused by improper pruning, which caused a cut that didn’t heal and allowed water to seep into the tree. While damage at the base of the tree is clearly visible, they won’t know how much the tree has rotted until they begin to take it down.

Ron Gamm announced to the crowd in attendance that after discussions with the home owners, they believed there was no immediate danger and would not begin removal until January 4, 2026, when America would begin celebrating 250 years of independence.

Following a toast (champagne or sparkling cider) led by Beasley to Frank and his legacy, attendees walked around the tree, took photos, and gathered bits of loose bark as mementos. Thomas said the Gamms had offered to salvage a piece of the Liberty Tree and have it made into a cutting board or some other useful memento.

On Sunday, via email, Beasley, Thomas and Harris thanked everyone who came by and visited with them and Frank.

“What began as a simple idea to honor a part of Missouri history became one of the most heartfelt community events we have ever been part of.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help defray the cost of removal, which has been estimated to total $9000, an unexpected expense.