I’m working on a story which which I consulted the Missourian archives and it was a timeless experience. My story is about a man very involved in the community who owns the big Burr Oak tree in McBaine. The archives went back to 1966-1994 in paper copy and the more recent online.
It was interesting because I was able to get an insight on this man’s life just going through the paper. I saw a picture of him of what looked like he was in high school back in the day. I learned that he joined the Air Force and stories about his farming.
He has had the Burr Oak tree in his family for six generations and other people in the community also water the tree. It takes a couple 1,000 gallons a week to water it.
I saw his political standings because he was on many committees in the community over the years. He was passionate about changing roads and the Katy Trail near the end of the Missouri river where he lives.
He has also ran for presiding commissioner and has been frequently asked questions about community and farming issues.
I was able to get a perspective of this man’s life because of his involvement in the community, his farming and his care of a Missouri landmark: the big Burr Oak tree.
I’m planning on making my story about why he chose to be involved in the community and take care of the magnificent tree after all this time. I have read other articles that were just about the logistics of the tree and what it takes to water it, how old it is etc. But I want to know why he took care of it? How is it beneficial for him? What other things is he still involved in and how has being an active part of the community been an advantage?
I feel that making the story more about the man who takes care of the tree personalizes it on some level. Without the back story there would be no tree at all.
KC Digital Marketing | Becky Neems 