Governor Stanley Wilson and other dignitaries were gathered on the front lawn of the Vermont State House on this day in 1931. They were planting a tree in memory of Clara Barton.

Barton had been an inspirational nurse, and was responsible for founding the American chapter of the International Red Cross. This day in 1931 marked the 50th anniversary of the American Red Cross, and the Honorable Mason S. Stone had donated a Siberian Elm in Barton’s memory.

The tree was intended as a living memorial to an outstanding woman. The tree is no longer there, but the plaque honoring Clara Barton remains.

Image courtesy the Vermont Historical Society.