The cottonwood in this screengrab from the 1955 movie “Oklahoma!” is still standing on Upper Elgin Rd. The train station was a prop built for the  film’s production. 

This tree is a very ancient Fremont Cottonwood and a movie star. She appeared in the movie Oklahoma! in 1955 and still stands proudly in historic Elgin. She has weathered storms, dropping water tables and witnessed many changes in Elgin. These days she provides roosting opportunities for Gould turkeys, hawks and owls. 

Seventy years after the making of the movie, this Fremont cottonwood is still a landmark in Elgin.  Photo by Carrie White

Previously in “Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County”:

“The Wise Old Emory Oak of Mowry” by Perin McNelis

“A Pleistocene Juniper” by Jim Koweek

“The Leaning Pine of Duquesne” by Bekki Jaynes

“The Hollow Tree of Harshaw Townsite” by Cassina Farley

“The Mexican Blue Oak of Sonoita Creek” by Vince Pinto

Do you know a great tree? Share it with us! Submit photos (or artwork!) and text about your favorite tree to prtadast@gmail.com. It can be any tree on public or private property in Eastern Santa Cruz County. (You don’t have to disclose the tree’s exact location unless you want to.) Tell us what makes the tree great: maybe it’s the tree’s size, shape or age; or its leaf color; or the animals and insects who inhabit it; or the special events or family traditions associated with it; or perhaps something more personal. Whatever it is, share it with us. Let’s celebrate our area’s natural splendor and heritage!