GOD & TEXAS: Ancient Landmarks

On Thursday, July 5, 1951, they cut down the old oak tree that stood near the well in Mason, Texas. For over 100 years, the tree had provided silent vigilance over the founding and growth of the town. Though it never moved, the authorities deemed that the tree was in the way of progress.

Those who advocated to save the tree claimed that it should be kept for historic preservation. Many a resident had watered his horses at the adjacent well and shaded himself under the old tree. Some remembered that as children, they ate watermelon as their folks exchanged town gossip beneath the leafy canopy. 

In the mid-1800’s, court proceedings were held under the old tree. Trials, hearings, disputes, appeals, ceremonies, and other judicial matters were litigated and resolved under the unbiased oak. It did not matter if you were a saint or a sinner, enslaved or free, the shade was spread equally for all. 

Named after military hero Lt. George T. Mason, nearby Fort Mason was founded on July 6, 1851. Under the protection of the fort, the town of Mason was built on Comanche Creek near the Llano River in what is now Gillespie County. The old oak tree was already a landmark.

The old tree was a witness when pioneer cattle baron and landowner John Gamel built the Gamel House in 1869. Legend has it that Gamel’s wife stockpiled gold in hidden areas of the house. It could still be there. 

And the old tree kept watch as another two-story sandstone house was built in 1875 for Mrs. E.B. Taylor. She was an Irish immigrant and renowned rancher. Later, the home was purchased by M.F. and Julia Carter and is known today as the Taylor-Carter House.

In 1887, the sandstone and limestone Seaquist House was designed and built by the Rev. Thomas A. Broad. It was located just north of the courthouse square, not far from the old oak tree and the town well. Pastor Broad and his wife immigrated from England, and he was as well-known for his popular sermons as he was for his stone cutting and building abilities. 

The Seaquist House has 22 rooms, 15 fireplaces, a third-floor ballroom and game room, a wine cellar, wrap-around porches, hand-cut and carved stone, stained glass, and a three-story water tower with shower room. It was sold in 1919 to Swedish immigrant Oscar Seaquist, who made several improvements.

There were many other historical events that transpired around the old oak tree and the town well. By 1951, the old well had already been abandoned and filled. Though the calls to remove the tree got louder, advocates prevailed, until hope was lost. Those who insisted that the tree was impeding progress celebrated as preservationists grieved. 

Preserving historic landmarks encourages community self-respect, maintains cultural identity, and keeps us connected with our roots. The wise preserve, treasure, and maintain the past. Proverbs 22:28 ASV advises, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”

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