Tahoe City’s “Big Tree”
For over 125 years a grand pine tree known as the “Big Tree” stood in the centerline of Highway 28 in the heart of Tahoe City.
In 1940 the Federated Women’s Club literally joined hands around the tree when the California Division of Highways’ road improvement plan threatened to fell it. Their protests won the right to preserve the “Big Tree” in perpetuity.
The Tahoe City Rotary Club’s annual Christmas tradition of decorating the “Big Tree” with lights began in 1947. Each year Santa handed out presents to local [inscription appears to be left off of marker, as wording just ends].
The health of the “Big Tree” declined over the years as blacktop pavement encroached under its drip-line and drivers accidentally ran into it. In 1994 the decision was made to cut down the dying tree.
Today, a part of the “Big Tree” lives on for all to enjoy in the form of a wooden public sculpture commissioned by the Tahoe City Rotary Club and carved by artist Randy Oertle.
Marker can be reached from North Lake Boulevard (State Highway 28) west of Grove Street, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
