Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
Want to give a tree in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away?

Ken Wolke, Ada War Memorial Park manager, said to see him to talk about giving a tree to the park. His number is 419-634-0074.

Over the years, individuals and clubs have donated trees to the park where about 2,000 people a day see them at reunions, festivals, sporting events, swimming, and picnicking.

Kiwanis Club has led the way in replacing trees that have died of old age or storms. The club, for many years, has donated a tree in honor of a member who has done outstanding service to the community.

Wolke said that, when meeting with him, a site location will be chosen and the variety of tree will be discussed. The giver pays all of the costs of purchasing the tree, its planting, and memorial plaque.

The old, tall trees in the center of the park are known as Ream Grove. Abraham Ream came to Ada before the start of the Civil War. He built a house on what is now Main Street. The home, one of the oldest in Ada, exists today as Carol Shane Florist.

Ream owned land from Main to what is now the park, where Ream and his heirs planted trees, that became known as Ream Grove. Today, the grove provides cooling shade in the playground area of slides, swings, and a merry-go-round.

Time has taken its toll on the original trees planted in Ream Grove many years ago. Those wishing to donate a tree--an individual, club, or business--are encouraged to do so in order that  coming generations can enjoy the beauty and benefit of shade trees in a park that has been an asset to the community for a long time.

Pictured: Tree donated by Kiwanis Club in memory of Dr. George E. Hassell, longtime ONU Vice President of financial affairs, dedicated in 2008.