On Jan. 8, 2008, the Old Oak – Linfield College symbol - falls

Oregonian, 1/8/2008 

McMINNVILLE -- A crash that shook the ground startled much of the Linfield College campus in McMinnville this afternoon. It took only seconds to find the heartbreaking cause. 

The Old Oak, which stood majestic when Linfield was founded 150 years ago, had fallen. 

Efforts to preserve the white oak -- to keep the 80-foot-tall tree standing a few more years -- had failed. No one was hurt, although many gathered in sadness through the afternoon to stare at the fallen tree. 

"It's that point that people look at with a lot of affection," said college spokeswoman Mardi Mileham. 

The tree was estimated at 200 to 250 years old, and was described by the first settlers to the valley. It grew alone, a short distance from the college's oak grove, and its branches spread wide. 

The Old Oak was mature when Pioneer Hall opened in 1882, the first building on the new campus of the then-McMinnville College. 

The graceful building and stately tree became the symbol of Linfield College. Commencements were celebrated for decades near the shade of the Old Oak. It stood over weddings and memorial services. 

But its decline became evident in recent years as the overall health of the tree declined.