NORFOLK
In 1682, a live oak sapling was mentioned in a land deed. The land would become downtown Norfolk.
In 1783, John Boush built a house next to the tree. A wall around the property had an opening to accommodate the tree’s roots – which extended into Granby Street – and its branches, which overhung the sidewalk.
In 1810, the house and the tree were purchased by Littleton Waller Tazewell, who, with the people’s approval, soon became governor. The tree also gained popular support, for two reasons.
First, a little girl sitting beneath it was said to have wished for a gold ring she had seen in a store, and the next day received it from her aunt. The aunt said she had dreamed of the wish.
Also, an elderly man walking to work was said to wish every day, as he passed by the tree, for something pleasant to happen. He said it always did.
Soon, engaged couples began walking past the tree, wishing for happiness in marriage. People carried its leaves with them for luck. Norfolk itself prospered and grew, its commercial district crowding near the tree.
In 1901, a young woman published a lengthy poem called “A Talisman from The Wishing Oak.” She sewed a leaf from the tree into the front of each booklet with red thread .
Around the same time, the house was dismantled and moved by oxcart to a more residential setting. The Wishing Tree was cut down.
The Virginian-Pilot, on Nov. 8, 1901, reported, “There was nothing but expressions of sorrow heard yesterday when the pedestrians saw the final scene in the life of the gigantic forest king ...”
The poet wrote, “But at last 'Men of Progress’ made the decree/That they must cut down this famous old tree.”
The house, at 6225 Powhatan Ave. , is on state and national historic registers. The tree is gone, except for one thing:
In 2008, just before Arbor Day, the city’s historian opened a locked cabinet in Kirn Memorial Library and took out the “Talisman” booklet. The leaf is in perfect condition.
Wish the tree was, too.
Diane Tennant, (757) 446-2478, diane.tennant@pilotonline.com