The old pine tree, shaped like a lyre (the Greek musical instrument), the emblem of the famous Woodstock School in Mussoorie, which has been an inseparable part of the school’s history and ethos, is no more.
It was cut and laid to rest recently, as it died a natural death. The school has plans to protect the precious timber. Hopefully, some remnant of the lyre Tree can remain, perhaps as a seat commanding the same view which the Tree has commanded for all these years of the Doon valley and Mussoorie. The lyre Tree will always be remembered as an idea of love, care and loyalty that should endure beyond the physical. Memories of thousands of students and ex-students of the school are associated with this tree that died this month, on August 6. Eulogies for the tree were received by the school from ex-students from all over the world.
In an article in the school magazine “The Quadrangle”, Dr Jonathan long, the principal of the school, wrote some months ago about this tree .
He has quoted a poem written on the tree by Mary Burgoyne.The poem titled “The lyre Tree” was written in 1954 at the time of Woodstock’s centenary. It says, “Storms of a hundred years have bent your branches, Snows of a century have crowned your head, Over the hills you’ve watched Spring’s soft advances, Summer and winter under your boughs have spread Needles of green and needles of gold that shower Over the students passing beneath your shade. You have been waiting this Centennial hour Facing your life of struggle unafraid. Teach us your steadfastness, your quiet growing, Sending your roots deep into the living earth. Tell us the sacred peace you gain in knowing Sunshine and sorrow, solitude and mirth..”
In the article titled “Of Kings and lyre Trees”, Dr long says the poem prompts vivid emotions about this beloved tree overlooking the Doon Valley on the school’s campus. The lyre tree was chosen as the symbol of the school in 1954.
Before 1954, the Woodstock symbol had taken various forms – at one time a Deodar tree and at another, a maiden with a torch. “These days, the once splendid lyre Tree carries the weariness of age in its tired limbs. The thorough concreting of the surrounding area many years ago may well have been an unintentional fatal blow which has only now become apparent as a devastating one,” wrote the principal.
He wrote that they had an expert advising them on a possible remedy but, “as is the fate of all things natural, the tree is in terminal decline. Of all the challenges we face at Woodstock, the demise of the lyre Tree may prove the most insoluble.”
As Dr long wrote time has now come for the transition of the lyre Tree from symbol to metaphor. He said the lyre Tree will remain a powerful symbol of some fundamental Woodstock “truths”.
The principal added that if we are looking for meaningful symbols, we are surrounded by them – for in these inspiring Himalayan foothills, we find ourselves embraced by majestic forest.
The lyre Tree may be dead but it can never actually die. It will live on in the hearts of students and teachers as a memory and a culture. It will become known to future students and stories about it will be told to them. Students, ex-students, staff and parents gathered to say their last farewell to this wondrous tree.
Alison Thursfield of the Class of 1954 wrote “When I left in 1949 it was called ‘The Whispering pine’ which is how I always remember it! That name seems to be completely forgotten…..! I’m glad they will be planting another tree in its place.” Ruth lacy long from the Class of 1960 send a message saying ‘Sounds like a very fitting memorial for our beloved lyre Tree. Thank you for doing this on behalf of all of us who attended and loved Woodstock.”