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'They paved paradise, put up a parking lot'

By Howard B. Owens

Each June, one of the most stunning sights in Batavia came as you made a corner on West Main Street and were confronted with the sight of a giant Catalpa tree in full flower near Colonial Boulevard.

A blue sky and a shock of white flowers made for a beautiful scene, even amid cars, trucks and business signs.

The tree came down this morning to make way for retail development next to a planned new Tim Horton's between West Main and Lewiston Road.

I can't think of any place else in Genesee County that has a Catalpa tree in easy view of the public. There's apparently no tree museum around, either.

Previously: Photos: Tree on West Main Street, Batavia

Elizabeth Downie

I clicked on the link to remind myself of what tree it was and noticed a comment that mentioned the "string bean pod like things" that hang from the tree.

I have actually seen those "string bean pod like things" recently around Batavia, but I just can't remember where. I do know, however, that it was not at the location mentioned above. Sorry that I can't be more help.

Oct 9, 2013, 12:47pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Pretty sure I never read a poem about a driveway or parking lot..........

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer

Oct 9, 2013, 1:43pm Permalink
Christopher Putnam

There is another catalpa tree on Woodrow street in the city. At the Putnam family homestead. Its in the back yard, but it so large you can see it blooming from the street.
Also there are a few at the sandwash, but they are on the side that is now owned by the Post family. However, It is private property for liability reasons and you have to have permission to go there.

Thanks Howard for posting this under the title you did, I felt strongly about it.

Oct 9, 2013, 2:15pm Permalink
Kurt Schwab

We recently made a trip to the Smokey Mountains and went to the Joyce Kilmer/ Sliprock Wilderness area in the Nantahala National Forest, where we were privileged to see the trees that were the inspiration for the poem that Dave quotes here. Photos can be seen at:

http://kyleschwab.com/recent/

Now that the pesky tree is gone, there should be room for a roundabout.

Oct 9, 2013, 5:56pm Permalink

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