When a century-old oak tree outside the Bainbridge History Museum began to fail beyond repair, city officials asked BARN woodworkers for their help. Rather than letting this piece of island history go to waste, the City of Bainbridge Island partnered with BARN Woodworking and Small Boatbuilding Studio to repurpose much of the timber.

The magnificent red oak, believed to have been planted in 1903 after making a long journey from Kew Gardens in England, had become a beloved fixture at the Bainbridge History Museum property at 215 Ericksen Ave NE. With a trunk measuring 55 inches across and over 96 counted rings, the tree truly was a living piece of island history.

According to the Island Wanderer, the red oak was one of three historic trees on the museum property that Robert Cave, a renowned horticulturist who arrived on Bainbridge Island in 1888, originally brought as seedlings from Kew Gardens in London.

But despite years of dedicated care, the tree continued to deteriorate after suffering a severe crack. Disease eventually set in among the limbs, creating a hazard to public safety. It was taken down last month, with most of the valuable timber going to BARN’s Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio. The museum team has also retained a small amount of wood for special projects that will preserve the tree’s legacy.

Wood Manager Wayne Chang says the logs have been transported to a partner mill site near Battle Point where they’ll be processed into slabs and boards. While the wood will require a few years to properly cure, community interest is already strong, with several BARN members expressing enthusiasm about incorporating pieces of this historic tree into future projects.

For inquiries about the harvested wood, contact Wayne.