#ThrowbackThursday from the #MonmouthCountyArchives Division:
Monmouth County’s “Moon tree” was dedicated in a small ceremony outside of the County Courthouse on May 7, 1976. Moon trees were grown from seeds that traveled to the Moon and returned to Earth on Apollo 14. After their return, the seeds were germinated by the Forest Service and dispersed throughout the country, and were planted in various locations, including here in Monmouth County. Often, the trees were planted as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations.
In the above photo a group of adults, including County Freeholders Larrison, Kramer, and Lynch are showing the 18-inch cutting to a group of children during the dedication ceremony. In the next photo, Christine Crooks, daughter of Shade Tree Commissioner Margaret C. Crooks, is shown caring for the American Sycamore tree prior to its planting. The Moon tree has survived and is currently located on the grounds of the Courthouse.
Original source can be found here.
