A TREE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD BE AS GREAT

To date we know the names of just over one hundred trees within Big Trees Grove. Some trees have multiple names like the Giant 
(a.k.a. San Lorenzo Giant, Fremont’s Tree, Rotary Tree).  

Early on most trees were named for prominent men and were identified with simple wooden signs. Starting in the late 19th century, large fraternal, religious and business organizations often made a visit to Big Trees Grove as part of their annual meeting or convention. Both Big Trees Grove and Cowell's Big Trees lured such groups by promising them a tree dedication as a feature of their picnic visit.

Many tourist seasons saw multiple tree dedications. Some of these groups prepared an elaborate bronze plaque to adorn the tree named in their honor. Several bronze plaques have been found in the park and placed in secure storage. 

Recently as I searched through copies of images provided to me by the late, long-time Big Basin volunteer Scott Peden, I noted an image that corresponded to one of the plaques in possession of the park staff. The plaque in question was for the Royal Neighbors of America.

This fraternal benefit society was founded by women in 1895 and was reportedly the first organization to offer life insurance to women.  

The Royal Neighbors of America was also one of the first fraternal societies to insure children and recognize mortality studies establishing the fact that women live longer than men, and to reflect that difference in life insurance premiums. 

Location of the Royal Neighbors of America Tree remains unknown.

Postcard of the Giant and image of the Royal Neighbors of America plaque from Author's Personal Collection.  Image of the Royal Neighbors of America Tree from the Scott Peden Collection