"The anniversary of the two hundredth birthday of George Washington, in 1932, could be much more fittingly marked by the establishments of community forests rather than by high price trees of doubtful history," writes J. G. Jack in a recent number of the Arnold Arboretum bulletin, in discussing alleged descendants of "the so-called Washington Elm."

The historic tree on Garden Street fell to the ground on October 26, 1923. "There is no proof," says Jack, "That Washington either assumed command of the 'American Army' under the shade of this tree, or that he noticed it or cared for it; and there is certainly very much doubt with regard to the authenticity of the origin of some of the offerings made by professional nurserymen."

The "Diary of Dorothy Dudley" "faked" a connection between the tree and the stirring event on July 3, 1775.