The Old Guard Tree

I never saw the Old Guard Tree ... by my Cadetship (1978-1982) all that was left was the memorial.

But I often wondered what it looked like - and so to my wonder and surprise I discovered a photograph of the Old Guard Tree taken in 1921 submitted by LTC Keith Gibson to Virginia's significant Tree website.  That photo was in B&W - thus I used my imagination to spackle in the colors.

The Old Guard Tree was, apparently, a Hickory tree and many such lived on our Farm outside Warrenton, Virginia.  I know the Fall coloration of these magnificent sentinels of the Forest from years of raking their debris.

And Yes! There is Ivey crawling up the port-side of Barracks (in the background).  A scourge that was being sandblasted off the building when I arrived.  And to think ... we could have all say we attended an 'Ivey' :) 

This is a limited edition Gilcee 11x14 signed & numbered (250) print.