Location: 1021 8th Ave SE
City of Olympia landmark tree
The Leitgeb children in front of the tree, 1955, courtesy of the Leitgeb family |
Leitgeb tree 2008, photograph copyright Robert Whitlock used by permission |
The weeping cherry tree (prunus suphirtella) at the corner of 8th Avenue and Eastside street in east Olympia was a well known and beloved landmark for eastside residents and workers. According to historians, the tree was planted in 1924 by the then-resident Johnson family. For many years the Leitgeb family that later lived at this location lovingly maintained it, and it continued to be maintained after the demolition of their home and construction of a modern office building on the location. The plaque at the foot of the tree, shown at above right, is a testament to the care and love that the Leitgebs bestowed not only on the tree but on their family, who still live in the area. The tree was a designated Olympia Heritage Tree. Unfortunately it had to be removed in 2016.
Thank you to the Leitgeb family for their assistance
Copyright © 2022 Deborah Ross