History 1980'sA movie camera documents the introduction of new, lightweight chain saws in Philadelphia, 1977.1980’s1980 – Bill Graham, Chapter President. 1980 – The chapter introduced a certification program titled the Certified Arborists of Pennsylvania and Delaware or CAPD. To become certified, the applicant had to pass an exam. In order to qualify to sit for the exam, the applicant needed 2 years continuous experience in the field of arboriculture and had to have proof of insurance. The exam consisted of written and oral questions covering the general areas of identification of plants, trees, insects, diseases, or other subjects pertinent to the field of arboriculture. The ID portion of the exam was a “in field” examination during the dormant season. 1981 – Bob McConnell served as President of the ISA. 1981 – Bob McConnell donated the International Tree Climbing Championship Trophy. For many years it was called the McConnell Trophy. The name was eventually changed to the Presidential Trophy and that same trophy is still awarded to the winner of the ITCC. Bob McConnell and his pipes The 1984 19th Symposium was held at the Holiday Inn, King of Prussia. Dr. Larry Kuhns openedwith a discussion on tree fertilization. 1984 – John Ward received the Award of Merit for his efforts in promoting the Certified Arborist Program. 1984 – An Arbor Day ceremony and workday was held at Fairmont Park. 1984 – Dogwood Decline and Bacterial Leaf Scorch were a concern. 1984 – The Basic Arboriculture School offered instruction to 34 men and 2 women. 1984 – Bob McConnell retired as Director of Philadelphia’s Fairmont Park, the largest municipal park system in the world. He started at Fairmont in 1955 as a tree crew foreman and worked his way up to Director in 1972. Bob was a charter member of Penn-Del, chapter president in 1970, and president of the ISA in 1981. 1984 – The chapter donated $1,500 to the ISA Research Trust (now known as the Tree Fund) The 1985 20th Symposium was held. 1985 – An Arbor Day ceremony and workday was held at the ISA Tree Grove in Fairmont Park. 1985 – June 25, Western Members meet to become more involved. 1985 – Harry Dice organized the first Tree Climbing Jamboree in the Western part of the state. It was held at Eden Hall near Pittsburgh. Kevin Sheerin was the winner with Jeff Dice coming in a very close second. 1985 – Beginning of record keeping for the Penn-Del Tree Climbing Jamborees. 1985 – Steve Bannon became the first Penn-Del chapter member to win the International Tree Climbing Championship held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1985 – Interesting member news: Horace Thayer celebrated his 84th birthday in August. When last seen, he was operating a crane truck for his company, Thayer Tree Service, Inc. 1985 – Bob McConnell replaced Hyland Johns as an ISA Memorial Research Trustee. Hyland, who was president of ISA in 1977, and General Chairman of the International Shade Tree Conference (predecessor of ISA) in 1967, served on the Memorial Research Trust since it began in 1975 and as its Chairman from 1976 – 1977. 1985 – The Basic Arboriculture School offered instruction to 34 men and 2 women. 1985 – Verticillium Wilt was a concern. 1985 – The chapter donated $1,000 to the ISA Research Trust (now known as the Tree Fund) The 1986 21st Symposium was held at the Americana Host Farm Resort, Lancaster. Dr. Thomas Perry opened with a discussion on soil/root relationships. We had 21 Exhibitors 1986 – February 11, Western Members meet. 1986 – An Arbor Day ceremony and workday was held at the John Bartram Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden. 1986 – The Basic Arboriculture School offered instruction to 36 students. 1986 – November 28, CAPD Scholarship Fundraiser. The 1987 22nd Symposium was held at the Americana Host Farm Resort, Lancaster – Dr. Richard Harris opened with a discussion on Hazardous Tree Management. We had 27 Exhibitors. 1987 – An Arbor Day ceremony and workday was held at the Brandywine Battlefield Park. 1987 – Horace Thayer of Thayer Tree Service, Inc., received the National Arborist Association’s Paul Tilford Award. 1987 – CAPD Scholarship first offered. The amount was $500 for the 1988 school year. The 1988 23rd Symposium was held at the Host Farm Resort, Lancaster. Dr. Alex Shigo was the keynote speaker. We had 26 Exhibitors. May 1988 – Policies & Procedures were revised. 1988 – Bill Mifflin named as Director of Philadelphia’s Fairmont Park. 1988 – HylandJohnsmadea generous donation in the amount of $10,000 in stocks to the Research Fund. His donation on behalf of the chapter surpassed the chapter’s goal by 256%. 1988 – Dick Wells of PECO was elected President of the Utility Arborist Association. 1988 – December 12, CAPD Scholarship Fundraiser at the home of John and Fran Ward. The 1989 24th Symposium was held at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, Hershey. Dr. Alex Shigo was the keynote speaker along with Dr. William Chaney, and Dr. Michael Raupp. 1989 – The chapter mourned the loss of Past President, Bruce Armstrong, who died at 39 years of age. 1989 – Dave Poe stepped down as chapter liaison to the ISA. Bob McConnell replaced him. 1989 – The chapter voted to name a research grant in the memory of Horace Thayer. 1989 – CAPD awards 2 scholarships in the amount of $500 each. Peter McFarland and Heather Bohlman were the recipients. Peter McFarland attended Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts. Heather Bohlman attended Paul Smith’s College, NY. 1989 – Bob Weber won the International Tree Climbing Championship held at St. Charles, IL. 1989 – Oak Wilt is a concern in Western PA. 1989 – The Horticultural Trade Alliance became active. John Carson was Penn-Del’s delegate. Its purpose was to influence legislation favorable to the green industry. 1989 – Hyland Johns was selected as Director of the ISA Research Trust. He also served in this position from 1976 – 1977. 1989 - Dave Poe returned as Treasurer. Dave also held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for two different periods back in the 60′s. |