Century-old tree finds enduring purpose in Brunswick’s new fire station

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Once upon a time, a pin oak tree began to grow in a sleepy little farming township that most people had never heard of or seen.

A hundred years went by, and the majestic tree thrived at the edge of a lot on Hadcock Road as the community grew.

The tree’s description? “Three people holding hands could scarcely encircle it.”

Now, the busy city needed a new fire station. The property had been cleared of most of the obstacles -- except for the enormous tree.

“I didn’t want to cut it down, but it was necessary,” Brunswick Fire Chief Greg Glauner said.

“But I wanted that tree -- I wanted to preserve the history of that property.”

That’s when Sam’s The Man, arborist and tree expert, came into the picture.

“He graciously and very generously took on the task,” Glauner said.