Yesterday, “06880” reported on the questionable status of a jinormous sycamore arcing across Long Lots Road.
Today’s post is about another tree. This one is going nowhere. Harding Lane residents make sure of that.
The story begins with Orvis Yingling. He, his wife and their 3 kids moved to Westport in the early 1960s, and took full advantage of the town. They were avid sailors. Orvis joined the board of the Nature Center (now Earthplace), and was a longtime Y member.
He and his wife climbed Mt. Everest before it was trendy. Back at sea level, Orvis walked up and down Harding Lane even after suffering a series of strokes.
When he died at 90, everyone on his road — honoring his fondness for nature — bought a tree in his memory.
Orvis’ wife thought ahead. Knowing she’d be moving — and unsure what would happen to her home — she asked Josh Koskoff and his wife Darcy Hicks if it could be planted on their lawn. (They live on the corner of Hillspoint Road, so everyone on the cul-de-sac enjoys it.)
A couple of weeks ago, Orvis’ daughter brought over a plaque. It reads:
In memory of Orvis Yingling, Jr.
1919-2009
Gardener, Gentleman, Friend
Given by his neighbors
It makes his memorial a bit more official.
Though his tree will live on long after the lettering fades.
Sad footnote: Orvis’s wife was right. Her property is in the midst of being completely razed — trees and all.
