If you’ve ever sat in our Woodstock backyard, you’ve felt the presence of the massive Winged Elm that anchors the space. It’s more than just a tree; it’s a host to our concerts, our celebrations, and our quietest moments. Ahead of Elm Fest on April 25th, Reformation co-founder Spencer Nix reflects on the wisdom of anything alive that’s this old and the privilege of stewarding such a historic gift:
“Ten years ago, on Elm St., a large Winged Elm tree stood alone on the east side of Main, in Woodstock’s backyard, surrounded by an overgrown lawn and a locked chain link fence. But her story is far more historic. Old fragments of a homeplace lay around her trunk and just beneath the soil. No doubt provided comfort and shade for generations of kith and kin. As we were scouting a downtown location to root ourselves in the community that birthed us, this old tree, behind an old, retired furniture warehouse, spoke without saying a word.
There’s real wisdom in anything alive that’s this old. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, she’s the 2nd largest Winged Elm tree in Georgia. Experts estimate her age at 150-200+ years. When we found her in 2017, there were signs that her growth was done, she may have gone dormant, and who could blame her, the 1st largest Winged Elm has experienced the same fate. We were content with her status as is and committed to love and care for her as long as we were privileged to steward this gift. And then, she gave us a surprise. After a few years of some love and care, she awoke from her slumber and began spreading her arbor higher and wider. Maybe the 2nd largest wasn’t in her DNA? She’s well on her way to taking the top spot. But I’ve read “The Giving Tree,” so I like to believe it’s deeper than a trophy or a milestone. Our Winged Elm is a giver.
And she has given so much. She’s not only a beauty, but she’s also a gracious host. She’s seen our best, and she’s seen our worst, and has stood tall and wide beside us in both. She’s hosted concerts, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals. And of course, she hoists our golden keg for every NYE Keg Drop celebration. One memorable personal moment was when the Braves finally won the World Series, as we sat under her branches in the cool fall air. The Braves win, and in that moment of sheer exuberance, I threw my cap as high as I could in celebration. She caught it and joined right in the joy of it all.
But it’s the small, unassuming moment that’s perhaps her specialty. The couple shares a first kiss as the moonlight dimples through her limbs. Kids playing on a picnic blanket stare with wonder at her sheer size. A community sitting under her shade, listening to local music. Conversations that stretch a little longer into the night as a breeze quietly hums through her arbor. Her presence is hard to deny. How many joyful occasions have been lifted up over a well-made beer? How many heavy burdens have been laid down over a pint? All under her watch. Without asking us for anything in return. She just stands. Holding space together, offering her shade to the worthy and unworthy. A silent witness to the real untold and unpolished stories of a community.
Yeah, she means a lot not only to me but also to Reformation and the Woodstock community. Preserving and caring for this giant is a privilege. Legacy is about leaving things better than we found them. It’s about honoring the deep roots that anchor a community. Providing space for authentic connection is a root that metaphorically runs deep within Reformation and literally runs deep in the Winged Elm in Woodstock’s Backyard. In this space, life can unfold with all its light and shadows.
So we like to take a moment each year to honor the Winged Elm. Join us, and take a moment to look up at those branches. It has been holding space for Woodstock for a long time, and it is absolutely worth celebrating and preserving for not only another year, but for generations to come. And who knows, maybe she’s going to get that 1st place milestone?”
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