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THE SEA COAST ECHO - HOME & GARDEN 2012
BY ELLIS C. CUEVAS Publisher Emeritus
n old live oak tree designated by the name of Ouida Sue, with a .diameter of 7.5 feet, is estimated to he between 248 and 540 years old and - along an old house on a large lot - was recently featured on the Bay-Waveland Garden Club Spring Pilgrimage.
Ouida Sue, is named in memory of an aunt of the property's current owners, Kevin and Christine Stouder of 516 St. Charles Street, Bay St. Louis.
"Shawn Prychitko, registrar of live oak trees for the Bay St. Louis-Waveland Garden Club, said, "I recently measured Ouida Sue's circumference to be a healthy 23 feet, four inches. The property was the home of Kevin Stouder's Aunt Ouida and Uncle John Parker for more than 50 years, and was in John Parker's family for several generations before he acquired the property.
"John Parker knew this was a special oak tree and he had the tree registered with the Society des Arbes Pin in 1990. Back then, the measurement calculation of the age was on the generous side and it was estimated to be 540 years old.
"Either way we look at this treasurer," Prytchitko said, "no matter what age we give it, it has withstood the high winds of many hurricanes, droughts, wet years, freezing temperatures, and even hot summers. Ouida Sue, probably the oldest tree in Hancock County, continues to thrive and survive and remains a treasure for the city of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County."
Kevin Stouder said he has many fond memories of the times he visited and stayed with his Aunt Ouida and Uncle John Parker at their home, going back to when he was six years old, "playing under, around and on this wonderful live oak tree."
The beautiful setting with this old tree combined with the love and support from his aunt and uncle, created a romantic opportunity for Kevin, for it was here that he proposed marriage to Christine 20 years ago.
"Ouida Sue stood watch over us that afternoon," Kevin said.
If your property has a large live oak tree and you would like to have it registered, you can contact the Hancock County Historical Society at 228-467-4090, (Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m..
except holidays). Prychitko will give you the details for the registration of large live oak trees.
The registration of live oak trees is a cooperative effort between the Bay-Waveland Garden Club and the Hancock County Historical Socictv.
Insurance Claims Welcc
228-467-50!
The Ouida Sue Oak tree belonging to Kevin and Chris