A young Northern red oak with deep Westlake roots now stands at the Clague House Museum on Clague Road.

The tree was grown from an acorn of the Moses Cleaveland Northern red oak at Evergreen Cemetery, one of the city's most notable trees. The towering oak at the back of the cemetery measures 271 inches around and stands more than 85 feet tall. A plaque at its base reads 1780-1980.

Sean Webster of the Westlake Historical Society collected the acorns, planted them in pots and cared for six seedlings, which grew to more than 6 feet tall this summer.

The City of Westlake, the Service Department, the Westlake Tree Commission and the Westlake Historical Society agreed to plant the young trees at several sites around the city as part of Westlake's celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. Each tree will be protected and marked with a plaque noting its special lineage.

The first tree went into the ground Nov. 5. Webster and Stan Barnard, the city's urban forestry manager, planted it, with Service Director Chris Stuhm, Historical Society President Lysa Stanton, Dave Pfister and Tree Commission Chairperson Mary Beth Schneidler overseeing the work.

"Although we will not see these trees grow to enormous heights for some time, this has been a wonderful way for many to come together to honor our city and country in a special way during our 250th Anniversary celebration... and a very special gift to future generations!" Schneidler wrote.

The project was made possible by Tree Commissioners Mary Beth Schneidler, chairperson; Ken Sadd, Diane Morris, Richard Sebold and Kris Canepa; and Westlake Historical Society members Lysa Stanton, president; Dave Pfister, Sean Webster and Schneidler.