|
The 2012 Clark County Christmas tree was donated by the family of James O. Winburn, in honor of the World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. (James Mann/jmann@winchestersun.com / December 20, 2012) |
In 1991, Dorothy Winburn planted a tree in her yard on Locust Grove Road in honor of her husband, James O. Winburn, shortly after his death.
Now, more than 20 years later, that same tree has gone on to an even bigger job — serving as the 2012 Clark County Christmas tree.
“I wanted the tree dedicated to my husband, so I donated it to the courthouse,” Winburn said.
Although she is now a resident of the Windsor Care nursing center in Mount Sterling, the Winburns made Winchester their home for more than 40 years.
They built the home on Locust Grove that they shared for much of their adult lives, and Dorothy Winburn thought the tree would be a fitting honor for her husband.
“It was a big thing for us, for me and my children,” Dorothy Winburn said.
The tree was lit before the annual Christmas parade Dec. 1. The tree stands in front of the Clark County Courthouse and the Winburn family was recognized for their donation prior to the parade.
Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham presented them with a plaque, something he said the county likes to do for the families that make tree donations.
“It meant a lot to us because of the story behind it,”¿Branham said.
Dorothy Winburn said she hoped the tree would honor her husband for his military service, as well. As a World War II veteran and a survivor of the Pearl¿Harbor attacks, Dorothy Winburn said December was a fitting time to pay tribute to him.
“It’s a beautiful tree and it’s done really well as our Christmas tree. It means a lot to us when citizens participate like this. We really appreciate that donation,” Branham said.
