When Nebraska was still a territory of the United States, it was a vast sea of grass stretching from the Missouri River to Wyoming. While a few trees could be found along the river systems of the territory, for the most part this enormous area had no trees.
With the passage of the Homestead Act in the 1860s, immigrants flocked into Nebraska. As could be expected, the eastern part of Nebraska was the first to be settled. In Nebraska City, a prominent businessman named J. Sterling Morton decided that the Great Plains needed to have trees. He organized the first Arbor Day April 10, 1872.
This event grew in popularity throughout the United States and eventually spread to many other nations. Kathryn O. Galbraith writes a lovely story of how Arbor Day began on the Great Plains. The title of this touching story is "Arbor Day Square."
Papa and Katie have just moved west. They are excited about the land they are farming. Everywhere you look people are creating farms, schools and towns. It is exciting to see all these changes. But all of the people have come from eastern states that have many types of trees and forests. As they look across the swaying grass of the Great Plains, they feel a need to begin planting trees. Without trees there is no shade, little fruit, and no wood to burn in the winter.
So the town people come up with an idea. Why don’t we take up a collection to buy 15 trees and have them shipped to the town? The money is quickly gathered and the order is placed. In a short time the immigrants look across the huge horizon and see a train chugging into town. The trees are unloaded and the people begin planting the trees at various important places in town.
Katie and her dad have a special reason to desire a tree. Katie’s mother has recently died and they want to plant a tree in her memory. They find a quiet part of the city square and plant a flowering dogwood for their beloved wife and mother. Afterward, the entire town has a celebration with music, food and dancing. Katie calls it "Mama’s Tree" and feels comforted lying next to the sapling. She wants the small tree to grow quickly and wonders how long it takes for it to become large.
Katie’s dad tells her that she will just have to be patient, but he promises that the tree will grow. They go back to their farm and Katie can’t wait to see the trees grow and bloom.
A year later they have a second Arbor Day and more trees are planted. This continues year after year as the young girl grows into a lovely young woman. The people like the trees so much that they just keep planting them year after year, making the Great Plains more beautiful.
So how many trees do they plant on the first Arbor Day? Why did Mr. Morton’s idea bear such great fruit? Do you like to climb trees? What is your favorite tree? How does Mama’s Tree help to heal Katie’s sad heart? To find out, go to the library and check out this touching picture book, "Arbor Day Square," by Kathryn O. Galbraith.
This is a poignant tale of a young father loving his daughter in the settlement days of Nebraska. Both have suffered from the loss of his wife. Galbraith uses Arbor Day to help the healing process of this family. The pictures in the story are simple, beautiful and joyful. I hope you get a chance to read this fine picture book with your family. I liked it and think you will as well. Enjoy!
