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Arrowtown’s
Avenues
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One
thing that struck the early miners and settlers to Arrowtown
was the barren landscape, devoid of trees. |
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Many
of these early townspeople had come from countries like England
and Ireland where trees were a dominant part of the landscape.
It is no wonder then that Alexander Innes, a prominent Arrowtown
resident, and later mayor, formulated a
plan
to change all that.
In 1867 he sought out some trees of English variety to form
an avenue in Buckingham Street. Watching those first plantings
was two year old Mary Cotter.
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Arrowtown circa 1898 ::
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The workmen suggested she do a dance around one of the trees.
Ever since then it has been named the Mary Cotter tree. Over
the next ten years trees were planted in Buckingham Street,
Bedford Street and Berkshire Street to form the structural planting
of a town that is now renowned for its Oaks, Sycamores, Cork
Elms and Ashes. Later plantings of flowering cherries and Rowans
have carried on the tradition. Arrowtown is now known nationally
and internationally for its stunning Autumn colour. Artists
and photographers are drawn by the clear light and the reds
and golds and the people of Arrowtown celebrate with the annual
Autumn Festival. |
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Festival
Programme 