3 days ago
Who stole the tree? Bizarre crime reported at presidential library in Ohio
FREMONT, Ohio (WCMH) — An unexpected crime has occurred at the former Ohio home of the 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes.
The estate, known as Spiegel Grove, is the location of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and its grounds host an accredited arboretum featuring more than 1,700 trees. According to a news release from the organization, one of those trees — a tiny bristlecone pine — was stolen.
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The unusual evergreen was the only one of its kind at The Grove, a level II arboretum with more than 100 species of trees and woody plants. The organization noted that bristlecone pines are among the 'oldest-known living things on earth' and can 'live 4,000 to 5,000 years.'
The tree, reportedly pulled out of the ground, was planted as a seedling on Arbor Day 2021 as part of the strategically planted and cataloged collection on the historic property. Fremont police were notified of the theft, which is believed to have been perpetrated by someone trespassing around 1:30 a.m. on May 15.
The grounds crew took extra care to protect the tree by placing rocks around it to keep it from being disturbed near the front parking lot. Additionally, the tree added a charm to the property during the holidays, as its decoration of one red bulb gave it a 'Charlie Brown Tree' effect.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fremont Police Department at 419-332-6464 or Hayes Presidential Building and Grounds Superintendent John Havens at 419-332-2081.
The Hayes Presidential Library became the first presidential library in the U.S. and was the model for the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and is affiliated with the Ohio History Connection.
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