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FDNY Veteran Donates His Tree To Rockefeller Center
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 11, 2010
Modified Nov 11, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 11, 2010
Modified Nov 11, 2010
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Seems like just yesterday that a giant tree in Easton, Connecticut was being chopped down and dragged to glory as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. That tree has since been broken down and become part of a Habitat for Humanity home, and a new tree is moving into the spotlight. According to the NY Post, that tree is 74-feet-tall (2 feet short of last year's) and belongs to a 12-year FDNY veteran Peter Acton, who works at Engine 79 in the Bronx.
The tree—which was chopped down this morning—is a 75-year-old Norway Spruce and is coming from his yard in Mahopac, New York, and Acton says, “It was tough to see it cut down, it was like an extra room in our house. We have had my picnics and barbecues underneath it's shade. I'm glad that other people will get enjoyment from it.” He added that he thought it was a hoax when someone from Rockefeller Center first knocked on his door to take a photo of the tree, he said, “I thought he was joking. I told her to get the guy off our property."
This year's tree lighting will take place on November 30th, and next thing you know, it'll be MulchFest time again. In the meantime, here's a look back at Rockefeller Center trees of the past.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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