A Freak of Nature (1917)

BRYAN, FOSTER, NEEDHAM

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/9/2010 at 16:50:36

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) June 8, 1917

A FREAK OF NATURE

Tree In Grinnell Has Scythe Blade Buried in Its Sturdy Trunk--Has Odd History

HAS BEEN THERE FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS

Early Patriot Left Scythe in Fork of Tree in Civil War Time--On Bryan Property

There is a tree on the Jesse Bryan property on south Park street that is decidedly different from other trees in the world probably. On the inside is a scythe blade with over a foot sticking out on one side and the reason for its being there is a bit of history which The Herald is able to give through the courtesy of A.A. Foster and because he always takes a keen interest in anything pertaining to Grinnell.

In 1861, acccording to the story, the man who occupied the property was called to fight in the Civil war, hung his scythe in the fork of a small tree and went forth to fight for his country. He was one of those to come back when the war was over, but the tree had grown, and instead of the scythe being as he had left it, the tree had grown around it and the blade was sticking fast, but still with both ends free and visible. Throughout the many succeeding years, like Mr. Phinney's turnip, the tree grew and grew and with each year the blade became more firmly imbedded in the heart of the tree until now only a third of it can be seen. The snathe or handle has long since been removed.

It was in 1877 that Mr. Foster first heard of the curiosity. At that time he was in business with the late Still Needham, and it was Mr. Needham who told him of it. Since that time Mr. Foster has taken an interest in the tree and looks upon it with almost a personal feeling. It is close to the alley and can easily be seen without trespassing on private property. It is unfortunate that the name of the patriot is lost to history.