| Subject: Article On Aunt Euple ("Penny") |
Author:
Ronnie Joe
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Date Posted: 09:18:00 08/04/04 Wed
I recently received a copy of the following Leeds, Alabama newspaper article which made me very proud. The editor of the Leeds News was nice enough to e-mail it (on my request) so that I could post it here for all to see. Here is a good example of the kind of "stuff" we Greens are made of (way to go Aunt Euple!):
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By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
The Leeds News
Twenty years ago officials with the City of Leeds felt there was a need to establish an organized means of assuring that the city would protect its natural beauty, while at the same time, adding to it. The city council formed a tree commission and looked to a seventh grade science teacher to lead that effort. Penny Harding has retired as a science teacher, but she is still working hard as the chairperson of the Leeds Tree Commission.
As one of the leaders of the city's beautification efforts, Penny has played a key role in many efforts that sometimes are taken for granted by the general population. While others simply use trees for shade or casually admire their beauty, Penny has a story for many of them, especially those in the downtown area and the local parks.
"We have planted a lot of memorial trees, seedlings and even some historic trees over the past 20 years," she said. "Every tree we have planted has a purpose and they add to the beauty of our community."
After 20 years, Penny still does not know exactly why she was asked to be the chairperson of the tree commission.
"I guess because I was a science teacher they felt I would be a good choice," she said.
Penny does know why she continues to give her time and energy to the many causes of the organization.
"It is a lot of work, but seeing the results makes it all worth while," Penny said. "Trees are an important part of making a city an attractive place to live and do business."
A native of Mississippi, Penny found herself in Leeds after meeting her late husband, George E. Harding Jr. She met her future husband while attending the wedding of her roommate, who just happened to be George's cousin. Once they met and were married, life became one journey after another for the Hardings.
When they were married, the couple's first move was to Auburn, where George was attending college. It was here that Penny found another life-long love - Auburn football.
"I became a big Auburn fan while I was there and I still go to all of the home games. There is nothing better than going to an Auburn football game," she said.
Penny, who was educated as a dietician, found that her talents were appreciated on The Plains.
"I would feed all of the football players at the old Graves Dining Hall. It was a lot of fun," Penny said.
The Tigers had such a large impact on Penny that those who visit her home will notice a large Auburn flag in her yard and, in many cases, an Auburn Tiger pin on her collar.
George's college education was interrupted when he joined the military and headed off to World War II.
When her husband came back from war, the couple looked to move back to his hometown. So in 1950, Penny found herself in Leeds. Later that summer, the couple welcomed their first son, George Edward Harding III.
But, the new family found themselves moving around a lot over the next few years. From Alabama to Texas, the couple moved from job to job until 1957, when they moved back to Leeds. This time, Penny began teaching. After one more move in 1960, the couple finally decided to settle down in Leeds in 1963.
Penny began teaching seventh grade science in 1963 and remained in that position until her retirement in 1989.
"I have been through a lot of kids. Since I was the only seventh grade science teacher, I know just about all the kids who grew up in Leeds," she said.
Penny and George added two more sons to their family over the years and Penny began taking part in more community organizations. But her life changed in 1976, when her husband passed away.
Being a widow, she was eager to find more things to do to help her keep busy. That is why she accepted the position of tree commission chairperson in 1984.
"I felt that I had time to give to the community and that it would give me something to do that I could be proud of," she said.
In 1983, then-Leeds Mayor Jack Courson, State Forester Lee LeaChelt and Jane Culbreth, chairperson of the Leeds Clean City Commission, joined together to see if the city met the requirements as a Tree City. The first step was to conduct a "tree survey" on the variety and size of trees in Leeds. The group looked to Penny and Suzanee Remien, a college student at the time. In 1984, a tree care ordinance was adopted by the city and an eight-member, all-volunteer tree commission was established.
"We became a tree city that year and have remained a tree city every since," she said. "Being a tree city tells residents and businesses that your city takes beautification and protection of natural resources seriously."
The first goal of the new tree commission was to establish a list of the resources available to Leeds. From that list came the birth of two downtown parks, including the gazebo area on Ninth Street and Parkway Drive in downtown Leeds.
"We took an eye soar and turned it into something very nice for the entire community," she said.
One of her favorite projects over the years was the placement of Leyland and Cypruss trees at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
"By putting those trees along that stretch of road, we were able to make a barrier between the cemetery and the highway. I think it makes the cemetery more attractive as well as the road into Leeds."
Recently, the tree commission performed a similar job at the Leeds Fire Department's new station two.
"I think those trees are going to go a long way to break the fire department building from the businesses next door, while adding beauty," she said.
Under her leadership, the tree commission also planted four historical trees at the Leeds Memorial Park. One of the seedlings was taken from a tree planted by George Washington. There was also a maple from Mount Vernon and another, the only one that survived, is from the home of Robert E. Lee.
Penny said Leeds' greatest gem is a true American Chestnut located at the home of Sam Blair. The species was believed to have died out after a blight in the 1930s.
"We've had several experts come out to identify it and they all agreed. It is quite a rare tree," she said.
Penny said the tree commission planted an Elm tree in memory of Leeds' three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients during the dedication of the Historical Park. An Elm was chosen because the first initial from the names of the recipients spells out ELM (Erwin, Lowley and McLaughlin).
Penny is also quick to point out that there are many people involved in the success of the tree commission.
"There are many volunteers that help make things happen. They work really hard.
"We have also benefitted a lot by receiving grants from the Alabama Power Foundation. They made it possible for us to plant the trees in front of Cedar Grove Cemetery," she said.
But, the tree commission is only one interest for Penny. She is a member of the Leeds Arts Council and has served as the groups president for two terms; is a member of the Pine Brook Literary Club and served as the president for one term; is a member of the Leeds Historical Society; a member of the Leeds Music Study Club; was a member of the Business Professional Women; teaches adult Sunday school at the First United Methodist Church of Leeds.
"I like it that each club does something special and unique for the community," she said.
Penny is also an avid bridge player and is in two bridge clubs. She also plays "Mexican Train Dominos," with six other ladies.
"Bridge keeps you thinking ... it is a real challenge. I love playing," she said.
Even though she is retired, Penny said she stays a busy as ever.
"Being a part of these clubs keeps you busy and being a widow, that is very important. I would go crazy sitting in the house looking at four walls all the time," she said.
Penny also stays busy with family. Her three sons: Eddie, Jimmy (Bubba) and Billy now have children of their own. Penny has three grandchildren and one great-child.
While her life stays busy, she said she will continue to devote a portion of her time to the beautification of Leeds.
"I've been doing it for 20 years and I'm going to keep working to beautify Leeds," she said.
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