This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Salmon Brook Historical Society (SBHS), and one of the least known, but most enduring, symbols of that legacy is thriving quietly on the SBHS Main Campus at 208 Salmon Brook Street. Known informally as Granby Oak II, this majestic tree was grown from an acorn gathered in 1980 or 1981 by longtime SBHS board member Dave Laun. That acorn came from the iconic Dewey-Granby Oak on Day Street—perhaps Granby’s most recognized natural treasure, estimated to be over 450 years old.
Thanks to Laun’s foresight, that single acorn was planted and nurtured and today, almost 45 years later, it stands tall and healthy, offering both shade and inspiration to visitors and passersby. As the original Dewey-Granby Oak continues to age, Granby Oak II carries forward its legacy with strength and vitality.
The Dewey-Granby Oak has long served as a symbol of Granby’s identity. Towering beside the road on Day Street, it has inspired photographers, artists, and generations of residents. Known for its massive limbs and sprawling canopy, it is one of Connecticut’s most beloved trees. In fact, the tree is so cherished that it was officially adopted as the Town of Granby’s symbol in 1975. And now, through Granby Oak II, its living lineage continues, rooted on a site of deep historical significance to the town.
Granby Oak II is flourishing—a testament to both thoughtful planning and a profound respect for Granby’s natural heritage. As the Granby Conservation Commission continues its mission to highlight the town’s historic landscapes, trees like Granby Oak II provide compelling, living examples of what preservation can achieve. It stands as a symbol of continuity, rootedness, and community pride.
As SBHS celebrates its 80th year of preserving and sharing the town’s rich past, Granby Oak II is a shining example of how honoring the past can help sustain the future—leaf by leaf, limb by limb.