Ode to a Fallen Oak

The old Oak tree, located near the corner of Lake and Brown Street in Penn Yan, was chainsawed down to make room for a new, drive-through Dunkin' Donuts. The new building will be built very close to the sidewalk. The planning boad dismissed concerns from the public that the location of the building, so near the road, will add to traffic problems on Lake Street. Some residents begged the Planning Board to force the Dunkin' Donuts building further back on the lot - to improve visibility for vehicles trying to pull out from the parking lots on either side - and also to save this beautiful tree. Their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Here are some pictures of the tree before it was cut down.

Our village streets no more shall see
A site as lovely as this tree

The oak was planted long ago
She stood and watched our village grow;

For years she kissed the sky each day,
and lift'd her leafy arms to pray;

In summertime the oak did wear
a nest of sparrows in her hair,

Upon her rough limbs snow was lain;
She intimately lived with rain

Two Hundred Years a proud oak tree
Then chainsawed down by your decree