THE ANCIENT OAKS AT WAYSIDE INN 



Oaks, measuring i8 feet, 2^ inches, and 17 

 feet, 7 inches respectively, and spreading their 

 powerful branches over a space of more than 

 200 feet. They are so nearly ahke in form 

 and in the color of the bark that they are 

 usually mistaken for white oaks, and con- 

 sidered the largest pair of this species in New 

 England. But upon more careful study it 

 will be noted that the smaller tree, i.e., the 

 one within the bounds of the highway, is a 

 red oak, while the one within the grounds of 

 the Inn is a white oak. 



These trees were standing here in June, 

 1775, when Washington passed on his way 

 to Cambridge to take command of the 

 Patriot army; and again about a century 

 later they were rendered famous by Long- 

 fellow in his "Tales of a Wayside Inn," 

 when 



Through the ancient oaks o'erhead. 

 Mysterious voices moaned and fled. 



The age of the Ancient Oaks is unknown, 

 but it is claimed that they existed full grown 

 before the Inn was built, and are at least 500 

 years old. The white oak is hollow, and 



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