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A beloved 60-foot spruce tree that stood for decades on the Redding Town Green was cut down Friday morning by the town's Public Works Department.
The tree was originally planted 50 years ago and dedicated to Edith Pharr, the town's civic beautification chairman. Officials say the spruce had become diseased and could no longer be preserved.
For half a century, the evergreen served as a gathering point for the community. Hundreds of holiday lights were strung from its branches each winter, while concerts, weddings and picnics were held beneath its shade.
Wood from the 50-year-old tree will be used by schoolchildren and artisans for craft projects, according to town officials.
A lumber mill will assess the wood to determine how much of it can be used.
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