‘Silver Belle’: Capitol Christmas Tree stops in Washington County as part of cross-country tour
The Christmas tree that will soon stand in Washington, D.C., after making its trek across the country made a pit stop in Washington, Pa., this week.
The Capitol Christmas Tree has been on the move since the beginning of the month after it was harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada.
One of the primary sponsors of the tree’s tour across the country is 84 Lumber, and the tree stopped at the company’s headquarters along Route 519 Monday afternoon.
“This program connects people to the importance of the nation’s forests and the communities that care for them,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing for 84 Lumber, in a press release. “From Nevada’s mountains to Kansas’ heartland and on to our nation’s capital, the People’s Tree brings the country together.”
Duncan Leao is a forester with the United States Forest Service and the project lead for the Capitol Christmas Tree this year. He has been with the tree for its month-long journey.
Leao explained that in the 55-year tradition of a tree from one of the United States’ national forests becoming the capitol tree, this is the first one from Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
“What makes us really excited is every stop we go to, everyone greets us with smiles and questions about the tree and where we come from. So bringing that joy and positivity to all Americans is something that we’re really proud of,” Leao said at 84 Lumber on Monday.
Leao explained the process of selecting the tree began more than a year ago. They narrowed it down to 10 candidate trees, and then the Architect of the Capitol, currently Thomas Austin, selected the tree that would make the trip.
The tree was named “Silver Belle.” Leao said it stands 53 feet tall, with branches 16 feet wide.
“After that selection is made, our job is to harvest the tree. That set our planning in motion for the harvest,” Leao said.
A crane lowered it onto a tractor-trailer, and plywood walls were built around it. The walls contain a viewing window on either side so people can see the tree at its many stops.
The tree arrived at 84 Lumber with a police escort. Those who came to see it were able to sign the side of the truck.
“Silver Belle” has one more stop at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday, and will arrive in Washington, D.C., the following day. The tree lighting will take place on Dec. 2.
Leao gave credit to the many sponsors who made the journey possible.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without 84 Lumber and other sponsors,” Leao said.