This tree stands in front of an old farmhouse, parts of which could be 240 years old. In its early years the property belonged to Capt. Thomas P. Whiteside (1736-1805), a Revolutionary War veteran who lost an arm while fighting at the battles of Princeton, Trenton and Monmouth, NJ. He later became a well-known judge in Lancaster County.
In 2018 the old Silver had a trunk circumference of 18 feet, a height of 90, and a spread of 85 (approximate figures). The tree is thus one of the largest Silver Maples in Lancaster County, is 150-200 years old, and may have been planted by a Whiteside heir.
This amazing species sports leaf and flower buds that become an important food source for squirrels in the spring after acorns and other food have become scarce.
