Imagined Glassboro Mural: People and their Trees

Reflection

     Our sense of place is reflected in this story. George and Esther obviously have had different experiences living in Glassboro at different times than the earliest settlers. Even their own experiences differed slightly, though they lived around roughly the same time and place. Their memories are different, but still share similarities, like those of spending hours with their favorite trees. There are also global implications just by our local trees. Not only did the trees allow the town to grow and thrive, but the glass produced here with the aid of trees was spread far beyond Glassboro. Then, later on, when the glassworks had switched to coal, there was a definite loss of trees from previous deforestation, and current burning of fossil fuels. This has helped contribute to a problem that is present globally: climate change. It is also important to note the inequalities present from the industry of Glassboro. While it brought prosperity to the town, the employees, were practically indentured, only allowed to spend Whitney money at Whitney stores.
     I began the research for this project through the use of Glassboro’s digital archives, as well the online version of The Glassboro Story. At this point, I was just looking for something vaguely related to trees or forests somehow. With the input of Mike Benson and Dr. Jennifer Kitson, I was able to pinpoint what I was exactly looking for. This led me to learn more about the history of trees, but more specifically, the trees that had been part of the lives of local community members. This part was possibly the most rewarding and interesting, because I was able to get a glimpse into their lives and learn what they knew. After getting local perspectives, it gave me even more respect for the place, as well as giving me excitement for the project. The personal connections of my interviewees led me to the human-arbor relationship that I featured in my mural.
     I think this project will be a benefit to the community. It gives them a way to look at the past both romantically and critically, while looking toward a hopeful future through education. After completing the project, I am also more interested in initiatives like the upkeep of the Eastern White Pine. I believe if there was also a spotlight put on these projects, it would lead to more of interest in the history of trees and people here in Glassboro. I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Kitson, Mike Benson, George Armstrong, and Esther DeEugenio.