The photo below was given to me by my neighbor Art Souder, and is the earliest image I’ve seen of the Kluckhuhn family tree—which, of course, grew to become The Big Christmas Tree. This view of Brooklyn Bridge Road looks up the hill toward the Phelps mansion, now Laurel Manor House Bed & Breakfast. Mr. Kluckhuhn planted the tree shortly after World War II—the family’s best guess is 1947 or 48. At the time this photo was taken, the tree wasn’t much bigger than a Christmas tree you might have in your house.
Sadly, the tree was cut down 10 years ago this August. It had suffered arson damage by vandals back in 1996, and was decimated by the heavy snows of 2010. I was fortunate to obtain a slice of its massive trunk, which I’ve preserved. I’ve also found a rare Cat’s Meow ornament from 1999 commemorating the tree. Christmases haven’t been the same, but between the photos, ornaments, and a box of vintage Christmas bulbs from Cook’s Hardware, the memories are still very much alive each holiday season.
Pete Lewnes is a founding member of The Laurel History Boys, and a prolific collector of Laurel historical memorabilia from all eras.
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