The iconic Scythe Tree, a symbol of young men going off to war, unexpectedly fell Wednesday evening in Waterloo on Routes 5&20.
The tree had experienced significant damage during the ice storm of April 2003 which prompted the need for restoration efforts. Despite those, the tree succumbed to its years, falling under pretty ordinary circumstances a little before 8 p.m. two days ago.
Restoration attempts were largely driven by the property’s owner, who approached the town of Waterloo for financial assistance.
All told, it’s unclear what’s next for the historic tree and location.
Want some history on the tree and property? Seneca County Historian Walter Gable talks about it in this episode of Our Finger Lakes History:
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