The first reference to Linfield’s “Old Oak” appeared in the 1908-09 course catalog. In the century that followed, the stately tree outside Pioneer Hall stood as Linfield’s symbol of grace, majesty and quiet contemplation. That ended Jan. 8, 2008, when it fell. Over several weeks in March and April of this year, cooper Rick DeFerrari of Oregon Barrel Works used wood from the Old Oak to create a wine barrel – and burned into it the symbol of the new Grace and Ken Evenstad Center for Wine Education at Linfield College. Honoring Linfield’s past, while looking to the future.
– Timothy D. Sofranko
See a gallery of photos at linfield.edu/photogallery.