Tree planting to honor a Baker founder

Baldwin City, Kan. — A bur oak tree will be planted at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, in front of Old Castle, 511 Fifth St., in honor of Henry Barricklow, one of the founders of Baker University. The public is welcome to attend.

The event will include a performance by Baker’s Speech Choir, directed by Susan Emel, professor of communication studies. The group’s performance will be based on one of the family’s historic letters recounting events and conditions relative to the founding of the University in 1858. Members of the University administration also will participate in the program.

Barricklow made exploratory trips to northeastern Kansas from his home in southern Indiana throughout the early 1850s. Determined to help establish Kansas as a free state, he moved his family in 1855 to a homestead near the small settlement of Palmyra, the predecessor of present-day Baldwin City. It was in Barricklow’s home, known as the Kibbee/Barricklow Cabin, where a group of Methodist ministers met to form Baker.

Tammy Silva, a Barricklow descendant, has partnered with Roger Boyd, director of natural areas at Baker, to organize the tree planting. Silva said she hoped many Barricklow descendants and their families would attend the event. A plaque will be placed at the site to commemorate the dedication.

For more information, contact Tammy Silva at tahampt17@gmail.com