‘Million Dollar Monarch’ and the latest goings-on
Posted on December 17th, 2007 by Alan Melson
Check out the Scene segment from last Friday’s “Think,” which features Gini’s Deep In The Arts calendar update. The main attraction, though, is a new short film from KERA’s Rob Tranchin called “Million Dollar Monarch.”
The film traces the history of a massive pecan tree in a stately neighborhood on the edge of the Park Cities. The tree was planted sometime in the mid-19th century and withstood harsh North Texas weather and development that plowed over a farm to become quite a landmark in the Dallas area, particularly during the holiday season.
More information on the film is coming to kera.org soon, but for now, take a few minutes and watch – you’ll be glad you did:
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Really nice film, well worth the time to watch. Thanks for sharing that. I love know the background of how that tree came to be. Very nice story.
I loved the short film. Knowledge of our city’s history is vital to keep us from being just random citizens but instead a community. It is perfect timing too, the holiday season is perfect to go and experience it in person. I love how knowing this about this tree now makes me feel small in a differnt sense; to know that the tree was here way before us and will hopefully be around way after us to tell its tale…our tale. Great job! Keep up the good work!
What a great short film! I knew nothing of this story, but I have often admired the tree since coming to Dallas in 1983. Beautiful job, and well worth watching.
I was just at an event that paid tribute to one of my ancestors who did a similar thing — bought the land called Redwood Canyon, and donated it to the country as Muir Woods 100 years ago. Each of us has a chance to be a steward for the earth; we choose to do so, each in our own small way, and some of them turn out large. I bow to those who have protected this tree over the years. “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.”
Didn’t realize when a group of 20 plus friends rented a bus to look at Christmas lights and ceremoniously circled the tree what significance was there. I was flipping through the channels and when I landed on PBS’s Million Dollar Monarch. I instantly recongnized the tree when they panned to it lit up with lights. We all had a lot of fun that night and took part in some history too, thanks to Rob(our ring leader)
It was wonderful to see the tribute to the “Hiland Park” tree that I looked froward to seeing each Christmas with all it’s lights. I now live a thousand miles away but have fond memories of the tree.
Unfortunately, it seems the tree is suffering:
http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/10/03/million-dollar-monarch-goes-to-wood-chipper/
Great story, where is it at? I probably have drove by it several times, but never noticed it. I would love to take some pics before its demise.
Thanks for reairing this film this evening, it’s a wonderful story.