White Oak couple keeps white oak's history alive

Everybody Gardens | Doug Oster
Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 8:55 p.m. | Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 8:55 p.m.

Doug Oster | Tribune Review

Betty B. Barlow (left) and her husband Alan F. Balsam of White Oak show their love for a 300 year-old white oak tree with a rich history. The couple believe the tree was used to name the borough. General Edward Braddock's troops camped under the tree on July 8th, 1755. Days later Braddock was killed during the French and Indian War. “We love nature and history, Barlow says with a smile, we’re the stewards of it right now, she says. We need to make sure whoever’s next that it continues in life.”

Doug Oster | Tribune-Review

Alan F. Balsam (left) and wife Betty B. Barlow of White Oak believe the white oak tree on their property was used to name the borough.

Betty B. Barlow, 80, serves an amazing homemade pawpaw and banana cake as she tells the fascinating story of the giant white oak tree that towers over the home she shares with her husband, Alan F. Balsam, who's a year younger.

The couple has lived here since 2003, and they love to share the tale of this historic tree with anyone who's interested. At the entry gate of their home, a red sign reads “Serenity Oak.”

It's hard to miss the huge tree on Franklin Street, which has towered over the borough of White Oak for more than 300 years. The name of the borough is not coincidence, as many believe it was named after this old tree or a stand of trees that was here.

“This is what we were told,” Barlow says. In 1948, they were informed, the tree was used as the starting point of a survey, which mapped the new borough.

They take great pride in the behemoth that shaded the troops of Gen. Edward Braddock on July 8, 1755. It was days before Braddock was killed in an encounter during the French and Indian War. Back then, the tree was a mere 44 years old.

In 1988, a certification of recognition was awarded by the Allegheny County Bicentennial Committee, which stated the tree was 277 years old.

“We're lucky having a tree like this,” Balsam says, proudly. But the couple doesn't feel they own it. “We're the keepers,” his wife says.

There are a few downsides to having a tree this size near the house — it's 16 feet around at the trunk and anyone's guess as to how tall.

“When a storm comes,” Barlow says, “to be honest with you, I run to the other side of the house.”

One year, the wind caused a cacophony of noise on the roof and windows.

“The acorns were falling off the tree in such bounty,” Balsam says. “It sounded like a machine gun.”

After the storm blew through, he collected eight gallons of acorns, which eventually went to feed deer at a friend's house. The other chore is raking the leaves, which a friend helps shred with a mulching mower.

They love to sit and watch the wildlife enjoying the tree. She loves the goldfinches in the morning.

“The squirrels especially, they love that tree,” he says. “They scamper up there and bounce from one limb to another.”

In summer, the tree keeps the house shaded and cool, especially in the morning.

Barlow has planted hostas at the base, giving her another reason to enjoy the tree.

For more than a decade, they have happily shared the tree with visitors. Some come to poke, prod and measure it; others just stand in awe, some want to hear its history and there are even visitors who arrive to search underneath with metal detectors in hopes of unearthing ancient artifacts.

The tree is in good hands now, and the couple hope that the next homeowners appreciate it with the same passion they have.

“We love nature and history,” Barlow says with a smile. “We need to make sure whoever's next, that it continues in life.”

Doug Oster is the Tribune-Review Home and Garden editor. Reach him at 412-965-3278 or doster@tribweb.com . See other stories, blogs, videos and more at triblive.com/lifestyles/dougoster .

Article by Doug Oster,
Everybody Gardens http://www.everybodygardens.com

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