Mississippi tree has Holyoke roots

     On the coast of Mississippi, an awe-inspiring tree is registered as a historical oak, named HolyOke, in tribute to the owners’ roots in Holyoke, Colorado.
    “The roots of Holyoke run deep — all the way to the Gulf of Mexico,” shared Mary Ann Puckett, telling about her parents, Corwin and Dola (Chandler) Wood, who were both born and raised in Holyoke.
    Like many, World War II took them about as far away as you can get from eastern Colorado and remain in the U.S. — Miami, Florida.
    “They fell in love with the rolling surf, fishing and beach combing, despite the sadness of war,” said Puckett. “Dad was serving in the Army Air Corps, working on our country’s new ‘secret’ electronic warfare — radar.”
    Following the war, Puckett said her parents settled on the coast of Mississippi, where her dad was instrumental starting the Air Force School of Electronics at Keesler Air Force Base.
    Mississippi became home, but they faithfully returned to Colorado every summer, usually at harvesttime.
    Together, the Woods built their house and enjoyed their life in that humid, tropical place, but the sand and prairie dirt never left their fingers.

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