Our Freedom Tree

By Ursula B.G. Kilner, Salisbury

In 1990 a new bridge was completed on Route 44 across the Housatonic River, connecting Canaan and Falls Village to Salisbury on the other side of the river. There has been a bridge at that point of the Housatonic River since about 1750. When the American colonies successfully separated from the British, many towns and many individuals planted 13 trees to represent the colonies’ success and the beginning of the United States of America. Many of the trees have died or been cut down over the years since 1776, but we have several still going strong in our area.

There were 13 sycamore trees planted in various places in Canaan to mark the success of our becoming free of British over-taxation without representation. Immigrants still seek the freedom from government oppression. The sycamore that I think of as "Our Freedom Tree" thrives right by the bridge over the Housatonic known as Dutchers Bridge, named for the Dutcher family, who lived in this valley many years ago. When the proposal was made to replace the aging bridge, one of the first things planned was to cut down the 1776 sycamore to eliminate the sharp curves on the approach from Canaan. So much for history! But people who knew the history of the tree objected, and meetings were held to discuss the road pattern and the bridge and the tree that was in the way. One person, Mary Wells, lived very near the tree, and she was the one person who objected and cared most about the tree’s history and the meaning it should have to all of us. It seems strange that at times we have to fight to keep the symbols of our freedom.

A new book has a title that says it all for us: Let Freedom Ring by Sean Hannity. Every new law (some make sense) circumscribes the area of our freedom and we have to be ever vigilant that we do not lose our great delight in our freedom as unnecessarily restrictive laws are passed. Common sense and common courtesy should guide our lives more than punishable laws.

"Our Freedom Tree," which I pass every time I cross the Housatonic, reminds me of the sacrifices our ancestors made to assure our freedom. At this time of September 11, 2002, we should all give the high five! to "Our Freedom Tree." It has survived, and we shall too!