Berkeley, a Look Back: Cutting down palm trees triggers a wail of protest'

"Work was underway to prepare the ground for commercial buildings at the southeast corner of Shattuck and University avenues, and in the process four palm trees that had stood there for 42 years were threatened. Two of them were cut down, and a wail of protest arose. The remaining two were then saved to be moved to the Ignacio Valley walnut ranch, owned by the Warren Cheney Realty company."

"The Gazette reported that while the thousands stood silent with bared heads, an Army plane piloted by Lieutenant J. R. Glascock, a personal friend of the deceased, flew over the arch, and the ashes of Andrew Latham Smith were strewn over the field where he had directed so many battles, where he had won so many victories and where by example and precept he made men."

Work was underway to prepare ground for commercial buildings at the southeast corner of Shattuck and University avenues, threatening four palm trees that had stood there for 42 years. Two of the palms were cut down amid a wail of protest, and the remaining two were saved for relocation to the Ignacio Valley walnut ranch owned by the Warren Cheney Realty Company. Trucks and trailers were planned to move the trees on Jan. 16, 1925, and their survival at age 142 is unknown. A sorrowing throng gathered on Jan. 15, 1926, outside California Memorial Stadium for a memorial to Coach Andy Smith. Dean Frank Probert intoned that the last whistle had called him to his final rest. Thousands stood silent with bared heads while an Army plane piloted by Lieutenant J. R. Glascock flew over the arch and strewn ashes of Andrew Latham Smith over the field where he had directed many battles and victories and made men by example and precept.

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