By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN – It was a day of double celebrations Friday for the City of Buchanan and its residents. Not only did the city recognize the 2008 National Arbor Day, but city officials and state representatives also celebrated Buchanan's founding 150 years ago.
"My great-great-great-great-grandmother was one of the early pioneers of Buchanan and I am proud to honor her," Mayor Patricia Moore said during the ceremony. Moore was dressed in pioneer attire to show how the early settlers of Buchanan dressed.
"My relatives came to Buchanan in the 1850s and my family has been here since. One of my family members, Captain Caleb Ingersol, was responsible for building one of the first buildings in Buchanan, as well as the Masonic Lodge," Moore explained.
She added she is very proud of her family and the many other area residents who are descendants of the town.
"It says a lot when so many people have stayed here for so long. Buchanan truly is a wonderful place to live," she added.
The Buchanan Garden Club hosted the Arbor Day celebrations, which were located at the corner of Front and Oak streets. President Liz Miller introduced the dignitaries for the ceremony, which included Senator Ron Jelinek, State Representative Neal Nitz, Berrien County Commissioner Donald Ryman and Buchanan City Manager Meg Mullendore, among others.
Buchanan High School students Leah Hunt and Jayme O'Bryant had a chance to read essays they wrote about Arbor Day and the City of Buchanan and the Buchanan High School Redbud Chorale performed two songs under the direction of Sharon Bitterman.
"Redbud City found its nickname because of the Redbud trees that line the city. Trees have been very important to the history of Buchanan. I want to thank the Garden Club for being so proactive and keeping us a true tree city. It's not an easy task," Mullendore said.
At the end of the ceremony, Father Mathew Manalel gave a blessing of the trees and benediction.
According to Moore, Buchanan will continue to celebrate its 150th anniversary throughout the year, with a big celebration at this year's Old Mill Festival.
"And I am going to try to wear my pioneer outfits at much as possible this summer," Moore added.