Historic maples are now just so much kindling

By David F. Rooney

Two of the historic maples that graced the front lawn of the Revelstoke Court House are just so much kindling now after being cut down — presumably by City workers.

Revelstoke Museum & Archives Curator Cathy English was upset by the news, which she received from someone who noticed their destruction Thursday afternoon.

“Some people in town just don’t know the significance of things,” she said, adding that she plans to raise the matter with City Council.

The trees were planted as living memorials during the First World War by the local Women’s Canadian Club. You can read two old news clippings regarding the tree planting here.

Officials of the City’s Engineering and Public Works could not be reached for comment late Thursday afternoon. However, it appears as though both trees suffered from some kind of rot.

Here’s the scene as of 5 pm Thursday:

Two of the historic maple trees in front of the Revelstoke Court House have been cut down. David F. Rooney photo
The trees are just two of several that were planted during the First World War by the local Women's Canadian Club. David F. Rooney photo
Now the trees, which appear to have had rot, are just so much kindling. David F. Rooney photo