Fourways family branches out with majestic, generational tree
What happens when a curious 10-year-old boy plants a few acorns in a park? 65 years later, a majestic oak tree stands tall, holding secrets and stories of a family's love and tradition.
The phrase ‘family tree’ takes on a profound new meaning for one family, as a majestic oak tree stands tall as a living proof to their love and legacy. This oak has become an integral part of their heritage, nurturing generations and fostering a sense of connection that transcends time.
The story begins with Joseph Jones, a curious 10-year-old boy who, 65 years ago, carefully selected acorns from a stately oak tree in his backyard and planted them in a nearby park.
Little did he know that this simple act would set in motion a chain of events that would weave his family’s history into the very fabric of the tree’s existence.
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As Jones recounts the tale, you can see his eyes sparkle with nostalgia. “I am now 75 years old. I loved living in a house in Craighall, and in the back of the house, there was this big oak tree. I took acorns from the tree and started growing them. Across the road where I lived, there was this small park. So, I planted about ten of them. I went away because, you know, life, but my mom took care of them. Unfortunately, only one of them survived.”
Years passed, and John’s life took him on a journey that would lead him to build a family of his own. But the memory of that oak tree remained etched in his heart.
One day, he decided to share the story with his loved ones, gathering them around the tree, now a towering giant with a trunk so wide it defies embracing.
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As they stood together, Jones revealed his dream of ensuring the tree’s legacy lived on through future generations. With the help of his family, they collected acorns from the tree and, with the blessing of Ward 94 councillor David Foley, planted them in Beverly Park.
“I have four sons, so each will have their own tree. The councillor has been kind and agreed to show us where to plant them in the park. I wish that in years to come, my granddaughter will come and show her family the ‘family tree’, and tell them the story.”
He hopes that, as the seasons pass, the newly planted acorns will take root, growing into sturdy saplings that will one day become mighty oaks, just like their patriarch.
“I even wrote a little book for my granddaughter about the tree. It is titled: Big Huge Gigantic Enormous Tree. A fun fact about the original tree is that it came from Stellenbosch, and was planted next door to me, and then from that tree, I planted my tree. I believe this [one planted at the park] is the forth generation of the tree.”
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