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Beloved Toomer's Corner Oak Trees Coming Down, Auburn Fans Say Goodbye

By Heather VacLav

Story Created: Feb 2, 2013

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2013

It's been about two years since Auburn's historic Toomer's Corner Oak trees were poisoned, and after unsuccessful attempts at saving the trees, Auburn University announced Friday they will be cut down this spring.


It has Auburn fans thinking about the past, and looking to the future.


Bits of leftover toilet paper on dying oak trees, show the end of a longstanding sports tradition.


Generations of students, alumni and Auburn residents now rush to visit the historic Toomer's Corner oaks, to say goodbye before they are removed.


"I think it's really sad that its going to be the last toilet paper rolling for these trees, because they were very beautiful," Tori Buchanan said with a camera around her neck.


Stopping to snap pictures in front of the now gated oak trees, families like the Buchannans say it's a very sad time for the Auburn family.


"She's rolled Toomer's corner several a times," Michael Buchanan, Tori's father said. "And for the trees to just not be here anymore after the A-day in April, that's sad for the community."


Auburn will hold one final roll on April 20th after the A-Day spring football game, and soon there after, remove the trees all together.


"But I dont think it will be 100-percent the same because it's not the same trees, these trees have been here for years and years and years," Tori Buchanan said.


Couples like the Millers posed in front of the trees, saying Toomer's Corner holds a special place in their hearts. The Millers drove down Saturday from Birmingham to capture final memories.


"This is where we met several years ago, so this is kinda home to us, and we just wanted to come down and take some photos and feel like we were at home again," Keith Miller said.


Miller believes even after the iconic oaks come down, life will go on at Auburn.


"The Auburn family goes back many, many years, and there are many, many more years to come," he said. "They'll continue to have the same tradition and same spirit that they always come out with, no matter what they put here."


Come April 20th, Auburn will host a block party at Toomer's Corner after the A-Game, but the school is not releasing exactly when the oak trees will be chopped down.


As for rolling next season, the school says it plans to construct other structures for students and fans, and possibly plant two new oak trees.


The Alabama fan charged with poisoning the trees, Harvey Updyke, has yet to stand trial due to numerous delays. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease. The trial is set for April 8.

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suzanne said on Wednesday, Feb 13 at 1:22 PM

I Do not want the Trees cut down they been there for long time since i been going to games . And the man said he did not do it he LYING right out his mouth . Since he is ALABAMA FAN .

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