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Regional Water Authority Offering $1,000 Reward For Information On Vandalism Of The Door Tree
Jul 19, 2019The Regional Water Authority (RWA) announced today that it will offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for destroying the historic “Door Tree” in Hamden. This reward is in addition to a private reward offered for information, bringing the total to $2,000.
On Thursday, July 18, 2019, the RWA learned that Hamden’s iconic landmark “Door Tree” was cut down. It is not yet known exactly when this act of vandalism occurred.
The tree gained its name due to a thick branch that extended from the trunk and arched downward, connecting with the ground and forming a doorway-like shape. The tree has been photographed as far back as 1898 and is believed to have been alive for approximately 30 years before that photo was taken. The tree was featured on the television show, Ripley’s ‘Believe it or Not,” and in Rachel Hartley’s book, The History of Hamden Connecticut – 1776-1936. The Door Tree was a White Oak and was in exceptionally good health for a tree of its age. It would likely have lived for many more years were it not the target of vandalism.
The RWA’s Police Department and environmental management team are currently investigating the tree and seeking to determine what occurred and who may have been responsible. The RWA asks that anyone aware of vandalism on their property contact them at 203-562-4020. In addition to the reward announced today by the RWA, a private reward of $1,000 has been offered through the Hamden Historical Society.
