Simply a seedling a few seasons ago, the newest addition to Oak City’s long-standing fondness for Oak Trees was planted last Friday, April 27 on National Arbor Day.
The Oak City ceremony fulfilled it’s Arbor Day commitment when people across the nation plant trees for future generation, while signifying it was planted during Martin County’s 250 year celebration.
A brick commemorating the 250 anniversary tree planting was presented to the town and placed at the base of the tree.
“You could have picked anywhere to be today, but you chose to be here, and we appreciate that. Most of y’all know that it’s the 250th anniversary for Martin County,” Sue Harrell said. “And back in March, when they started it off, they wanted the towns to submit a float for the parade.
“So I went to the board, and they agreed and I got sponsors and our float reflected the three name changes of Oak City,” she continued. “First, the Goose Nest, then we named it Conoho after Conoho Primitive Church and then Oak City after a laundromat.”
Back in the early 1880’s in the midst of a small collection of farm houses, the Goose Nest Post Office was commissioned. The community was officially named Goose Nest in1888. For a short period it was called Conoho.
In 1905, the town’s name was changed to Oak City because a town citizen visiting Raleigh saw “Oak City Laundry” on a delivery wagon and liked the name enough to urge the N.C. General Assembly to effect the change.
Harrell and Town Historian Michael Taylor made an earlier decision to plant the oak tree somewhere and, according to Harrell, planting it on Arbor Day and dedicating it to the 250 anniversary just fit.
Oak City Mayor Eddie Brown and Commissioner Kevin Turner joined Martin County Commissioner Joe Ayers in the celebration, along with town employees and a handful of citizens.
Taylor grew up at Oak City and after college was away for 40 years, but always planned to return to Martin County to live. He returned in 2016 and now serves as the town’s historian.
“How exciting it has been to participate in such a wonderful event celebrating Martin County’s 250th anniversary,” said Taylor.
The commemorative tree will also be the latest addition to the third annual Oak City Goose Nest Festival taking place on May 18 in downtown Oak City.
Last year, over 2,000 festival-goers converged on the one-square mile town of 260 residents to partake in the day’s festivities.
Oak City Town Clerk Vonetta Porter and a team of volunteers organize the annual event featuring music, food trucks, a variety of vendors and activities for the children.
Taylor is also a member of the original Goose Nest Festival committee and will be exhibiting a collection of Goose Nest’s history.
“My interest in history and its preservation and my love for the community motivated me to share this with others,” said Taylor. “Since the festival is only a one day fun-filled event, our aim was to also promote the history spanning 140 years of the community that led us to celebrate what a special place this is in which to live”
The display will be moved to Oak City Town Hall in June for public viewing throughout the month.
The third annual Goose Nest Festival is set for May 18, 2024. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and runs throughout the day, ending at 7 p.m.
For more information contact Vonetta Porter, 252-798-0410.
Most Popular
Comments / 0