Woodstock Landmark Removed at Bethel Woods Center For The Arts

A landmark at the original site of the Woodstock Music Festival has now been removed.

The History of The Message Tree at The Orignal Site of Woodstock

At the corner of Hurd Road and West Shore Road at Bethel Woods Center For the Arts, stood a 60-foot red maple tree. The tree was known as The Message Tree during the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969.

The iconic red maple tree got its name as it was used as "a bulletin board with improvised notes on paper plates and signs on scraps of paper and cardboard" according to the Bethel Woods website.

bethelwoodscenter.org

Because of the tree's height and unique shape it made for the perfect landmark during the original festival.

Iconic Woodstock Landmark Removed

In a statement shared to social media Bethel Woods Center For the Arts writes "The Message Tree had low structural integrity and was in danger of falling, so it had to come down for safety reasons."

They believe the tree was anywhere between 100-125 years old and has "slowly been dying." Not because of how it was cared for, but old age played a major factor.

However, the legacy of The Message Tree will live on.

Bethel Woods explains further writing:

Beginning almost a decade ago, the original Message Tree has been propagated into numerous offspring trees, including one young tree that can be seen growing at Bethel Woods not far from the original tree at the festival’s crossroads, the corner of Hurd and West Shore roads.

And, Bethel Woods is looking for local artists to "create lasting works using the wood from the original message tree." The creations will then be presented as part of the Arts and Crafts of Woodstock exhibit in the museum in 2025.

Learn more about The Message Tree below:

Visit Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Year Round

While the warmer months are always a blast at Bethel Woods Center for The Arts with all the amazing talent that plays the famous stage, the "off-season" is just as fun.

There are artists scheduled throughout the year and during the fall months, Bethel Woods hosts Harvest Festival weekend and Peace, Love, and Pumpkins in October with thousands of pumpkins and spooky happenings.

Then during the holidays they transform into a winter wonderland light show with Peace, Love, and Lights and host a magical dinner with Santa.

If that hasn't convinced you to visit Bethel Woods at some point, take a look at these suggestions:

Road Trip! 13 Reasons You Should Visit the Woodstock Concert Museum

The 1969 Woodstock Concert Site in Bethel, NY is a must see for all ages, especially if you are from the Baby Boom generation. The center holds concerts and public events all year long, and the Woodstock Concert Museum is a real trippy way to enjoy a look back to the times of 50+ years ago. To stand in front of and view one of the most historic concert fields in the world is a special moment indeed.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio