International World War Peace Tree

The International World War Peace Tree is a linden tree on the southwestern edge of Darmstadt, Indiana, serving as a reminder of Germany's armistice with the United States in 1918.

Description

The tree stands on the northwest corner of St. Joseph Avenue and Orchard Road, surrounded by cornfields. Its relative isolation from the nearby forests makes it easy to identify. In front of the tree is a wooden sign reading, "International World War Peace Tree - Nov. 11, 1918". The date marks the end of World War I. The tree is 40 feet (12 m) tall and is at least 107 years old.[1]

The sign in front of the tree is frequently adorned with small American flags, particularly around patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.[1]

History

The tree has its origins in Germany. It was brought to the United States in 1912 as a seedling by Joseph Freudenburg, prior to World War I. When the treaty with Germany was signed in 1918, a picnic was held on the property of his sister-in-law Mrs. Wortman, and during the picnic, Freudenburg's tree was transplanted to its current location at the intersection of St. Joseph and Orchard in celebration of the end the war. The planting and dedication of this tree by German American immigrants served as a sign of their loyalty to America and also to build local community harmony.[1]

Freudenburg mounted a flagpole near the tree, but the flagpole has since been removed, although its cement base remains. The garden of flowers that once adorned the tree has also disappeared.[1]

The tree has been maintained since its arrival in America by the same family:

  • 1912 or earlier - 1918: Joseph Freudenburg[1]
  • 1918 - ?: Son of Mrs. Wortman (nephew of Joseph Freudenburg)[1]
  • ? - 1988: Clarence Wortman, his son[1]
  • 1988–present: Charles Skeels, husband of Clarence's daughter Beth.[1]
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References
  1. Davis, Rich (May 25, 2008). "Family still tends to WWI 'peace tree'". Evansville Courier & Press.


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