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Cutting of historic oak tree begins at Fair Street Elementary
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Dave Shumake, project administrator at Fair Street Elementary School, takes a snapshot of the ancient oak in front of the school Saturday morning before it is cut down. Some of the wood from the tree will be used as school benches and a plaque and young white oak will take its place. - photo by NAT GURLEY
Tree company workers started work Saturday morning cutting down the old oak tree that has stood in front of Fair Street Elementary School for many years. Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Merrianne Dyer, Transportation Director Jerry Castleberry, Director of Maintenance and Operations Adrian Niles and project administrator for Fair Street Elementary Dave Shumake turned out early to see the old tree’s last day standing. Niles and Castleberry attended Fair Street’s second building incarnation as children.