Tree Planting Group

Item Information

Title:
Tree Planting Group
Description:
This photograph depicts a group planting a tree in the Cathedral of Living Trees on East Campus of Springfield College, at the time known as the International YMCA College. The group featured in the photograph consists of fourteen people including former Springfield College President Laurence L. Doggett, his wife Olive, Frank Seerley, George Affleck, Elmer Berry, Edgar Robinson, and, grabbing onto the the tree, Minnie Taylor Mallory who donated the trees. There is a duplicate of this image in the collection. It is a copy of the original photographic print and actually shows this image reversed. It is not sure which is the correct order at this time. The image can be seen at rg121-01-01-12-005. The Cathedral of Living Trees was donated to the school by Minnie Taylor Mallory in memory of her parents. It was erected under the guidance of Edgar W. Robinson on November 17, 1935. According to an Olean Times-Herald article published on July 20, 1938, “It will be ten years before the Minnie Taylor Mallory Cathedral of Living Trees at Springfield College freshman camp attains its full stature, [and] more than 50,000 persons from all parts of the country already have visited the outdoor sanctuary. The Gothic arches of the cathedral, its tall, rugged pillars, will be live trees. Sixty elms will form the pillars, and the natural curve of the branches will form the ‘interior’ arches and dome. Cathedral wall will consist of 123 bush plants, spruce, hemlock and pine. A huge natural stone alter eventually will be erected, and cedar-wood pews will be placed in the interior. Electric candles will furnish the lighting. Three large Gothic arches, of elms, will comprise the front exterior. The cathedral is in the shape of a cruciform. College students are making a 12-foot clearing round the exterior of the natural cathedral. The first tree, the chancel tree, was planted Nov. 17, 1935. At the time it was estimated that lights, alter and pews could not be placed for 10 years.” An article published in the December 2, 1963 issue of Sports Illustrated claims that “the college did away with worship in the Cathedral of Living Trees, which is located in an 86-acre campsite adjacent to the campus, because there were murmurings about paganism.” The Cathedral of Living Trees can still be visited today on East Campus. For biographical information on Edgar M. Robinson, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/554. For more information on L.L. Doggett, see https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/589. On the back of duplicate is the following text, "Trees to Form Living Cathedral / Springfield, Mass. --Nature's own rival to man's most magnificient religious monuments is the Minnie Taylor Mallory Cathedral of Living Trees at Springfield College Freman Camp here. Although it will be ten years before the cathedral attains full maturity, more than 50,000 persons from all parts of the country, have visited the outdoor sanctuary. Sixty Elmas form the pillars and the natural curve of their branches meet to make the arches and dome. 123 bush plants, spruce, hemlock and pines form the walls. This picture, taken on Nov. 17, 1935, shows Springfield City and College officials as they attended tree-planting ceremonies. Mrs. Taylor Mallory has her hand on tree. Cridit Line (ACME) 7/13/38 (Bur #1B CL)"
Date:
November 17, 1935
Format:
Photographs
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Subjects:
Springfield College
Springfield College--Faculty
International Young Men's Christian Association Training School (Springfield, Mass.)
International Young Men's Christian Association College
Springfield College--Presidents
East Campus
Springfield College--Campus
Doggett, L. L. (Laurence Locke), 1864-1957
Affleck, George Baird, 1876-
Berry, Elmer E.
Doggett, Olive E.
Seerley, Frank N.
Robinson, Edgar Munroe, (1867-1951)
Springfield (Mass.)
Snow
Winter
Trees
Chapels
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Springfield
Extent:
15.5 x 20 cm
Link to Item:
http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/183
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield College
Identifier:
rg121-01-01-12-006
SC24463