Journaling Some History: "Signal Oak"

Once in a while I review my journals, and in so doing, I run into something noted years ago which resonates again the second (or third…) time around.  This entry concerned a small day trip which I made with a friend.  I have since made three more trips to share this special place with family and visitors.  It’s one of those “to do” with guests.  There is a place about 15 or so miles out of our small town, high on a hill, and is locally referred to as “Signal Oak.”  In my journal, I noted the rather obscure and complex directions to get to Signal Oak, not only so I can find it again, but also as a way for future readers of my journal can also find it.  I’ve included a bit of abridged information from a local news article about this place:

“SIGNAL OAK STANDS PROUD IN BALDWIN CITY HISTORY

By Jeff Myrick

March 3, 1999

The tree provided more than shade to residents as the community sprouted out of the Kansas prairie.  Its branches signaled a warning to others. Through time it was known as Baldwin City's beacon -- a messenger. Tall and firm, bending with the extremes of the region's weather.

Signal Oak.  It conjures the good spirit of all that has made Baldwin City. Its memory serves as a beacon to the future…The history is documented in local historian Katharine Kelley's brochure titled simply "Signal Oak."  Kelley's work cites numerous examples of the tree's storied history, but one -- from the Orange Blossom, a Baker University annual -- might sum it up best, the Civil War beacon
"During the time of the Civil War communication was slow. Neither the wires nor the air flashed a world's intelligence from coast to coast. Still, a lantern from the branches of the Signal Oak near Kibbee Cabin telegraphed a code of signs across the Coal Creek Valley to Blue Mound, where they were flashed in turn to Mount Oread at Lawrence and back again. Thus the settlers rallied when the ruffians came."

The site of Signal Oak, which is marked by a sign and a monument thanks to the work of dedicated local historians, is at the top of Simmons' Hill just north of Baldwin City. The hill is named for Dr. John Simmons, a farmer-physician whose home was at its brow, according to Kelley's work. She states: "He was also a benefactor of Baker University in one of its most difficult times when he mortgaged his farm for $500 and gave the money to save the school."

For those who haven't been to Signal Oak, take Vinland Road (County Road 1055) north to the turn east to Douglas County State Fishing Lake (County Road 12), then turn north again at County Road 1750. Follow the dirt road as it bends east, then north again. As the road turns east once again, stop.
There's the valley that Signal Oak stood atop for centuries. It is one of the most painted, photographed and viewed valleys in all of southern Douglas County.

A protected site
The quarter acre at the crest of the hill where the monument and sign are located is owned by the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society. It was given to the society in 1987. It was purchased in 1974 by historically minded Baldwin City residents John Burns, a Baker professor; Ivan L. Boyd, another Baker professor; Amelia J. Betts; and Kelley. Their only stipulation when it was deeded to the society -- that "the land be left in natural state with no buildings or towers." So it is.

And why? Beside the red quartzite glacier boulder that marks the exact spot where the mighty white oak stood, donated by Hallie Cowles of Sibleyville, is the green and white historical sign donated by Zella and Chauncey George in 1988. But, there's more. Much more. Kelley explains:
"The view from Signal Oak is magnificent. It overlooks three valleys -- the Coal Creek, Wakarusa and Kaw (or Kansas). Mount Oread, where Kansas University is located, is seen to the northwest. Blue Mound and Bald Mound (once known as Willey's Mound) are straight north. The farm adjacent to the Signal Oak site on the north is the former Bishop William Quayle's farm that he laughingly called `my farm that stands on end.' The woods to the north and northwest of this farm are known as the Bridenthal and Rice Natural History Preserves. To the east of the Rice tract is the recently acquired Baker University Nature Study Area.

"A short distance to the east of Signal Oak is the site of Kibbee's Cabin. Later this area was the site of the Barricklow Cabin. … "On June 7, 1909, the Kansas Methodist Historical Society erected a monument of red quartzite glacial boulders on the spot where the Kibbee and Barricklow cabins stood. But possibly the most important information about Signal Oak to us today came during its demise in 1914. The tree was dying and needed to be captured forever. The Topeka newspaper printed the following comment… on June 25, 1916, …"The Signal Oak which stands on a knoll between Lawrence and Baldwin (Old Palmyra), played an important role in Kansas border warfare. On July 4, a celebration will be held in Baldwin to commemorate the events of 1856, and the old tree will have a part in the play that will be produced at that time."

The last time I visited Signal Oak, it was a beautiful day in late June.  It is still on a dirt road.  The orange daylilies were in bloom, making a path of color all the way to the top.  A light breeze stirred the leaves of the branches of a big old oak tree, a descendent of the original oak, still marking the spot.  And it can still be seen miles away. 

A journal is a good place to store information, lest we forget how our ancestors toiled to leave us these pieces of our heritage, things otherwise lost, which have special meaning, stories, memories, pictures, touchstones with our past.

 

Some Words of Encouragement:

·        Give yourself assignments – then do them

·        Try new things

·        You learn as much from failure as you do from success

·        Include clips, photos, ideas, sketches, bits of art, cartoons

·        “Absence of ideas does not mean evidence of absence.” [paraphrased from William Safire, NY Times, 5/19/2004]