Garden club tree, plaque rededication is Sept. 14

The plaque, seen here prior to the destruction, has been refurbished in advance of a ceremony later this month. (Courtesy photo)

LEBANON - A monument and special tree planted to honor a local garden club’s first president that were carelessly destroyed during renovation work at Lebanon’s Old Town Hall will be rededicated later this month in a ceremony at the Town Offices on Upper Guinea Road.

The tree had been planted at the Old Town Hall at the corner of Heath and Center roads to honor Ruth Fusillo, the Southern Maine Garden Club’s first president, who died several years ago.

Lebanon Historical Society President Nancy Wyman brought its destruction to the attention of selectmen early last month.

The maple tree planted was nowhere to be found, but Selectman Ben Thompson located the plaque among some rubble in back of the building and worked on salvaging it. It was later re-engraved and will be rededicated during a ceremony on the east lawn of the Town Offices on Sept. 14 with SMGG members in attendance.

The new maple tree that is part of the rededication, meanwhile, will be planted this weekend with the help of Farmfield Greenhouses owner Mike Minnon.