Cranford Native, Musician To Play Guitar Carved From Historic Oak

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — In the very spot where the historic great white oak tree flourished in Basking Ridge for 619 years, will be where a Cranford native and musician will perform on an electric guitar carved from the tree’s own wood on Charter Day.

The tree, possibly the oldest white oak tree in the country, was tragically cut down in April 2017 after it died in the summer of 2016.

Singer-songwriter Alan Grant, formerly of Cranford, will perform his song "United We Stand," on the hand-made electric guitar on the Finley Avenue Main Stage in front of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

The song is one Grant wrote in 2001, which talks about the American Flag.

"I would sing this song to troops in Afghanistan and now will play it on this historic guitar that dates back to George Washington," Grant said. "This is just awesome and unbelievable."

The idea to carve two electric guitars from the tree came from David Schneck and his partner Keith Keiling of Forged In Wood.

"The tree was such an iconic landmark that I was torn about its removal," says Schneck,
a self-described Revolutionary War enthusiast, "but I believe in leaving a legacy for the town residents and those who have fond memories and attachment to the tree and what it symbolized.

"My mission is to make pieces of the tree available to anyone who wants a piece of
history. It is important because of what occurred under and around it."

In an effort to preserve the history of the tree, Forged In Wood has also since created pieces of art from the wood that have been distributed around town and sold as part of the Basking Ridge Oak Collection.

For those interested in getting their hands on a piece of history, Schneck will have a booth open on Charter Day offering items ranging from bookmarks to American Flags, to a coffee table – all made from the historical white oak.

As for the electric guitars, Grant will perform with one of the guitars while the other will be auctioned off at a later date.

"This is such a unique thing, there is no wood that can match this — certainly not to that age. It is a really, really cool honor," Grant said.

Grant also plans to re-record the song "United We Stand" this summer and also create a music video featuring the historic guitar.

Charter Day, celebrating Bernards Township's 259th Anniversary, will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Basking Ridge. The event will feature including a street fair, amusements, entertainment, food and art and history show. (See Related: Basking Ridge Charter Day: 2019 Guide)

For more information on Alan Grant visit alangrantmusic.com.

• See Related: Basking Ridge's 600 Year Old Ancient Tree Has Died
• Related: Tears Flow As 600-Year-Old NJ Tree Is Being Cut Down
• Related: A Slice Of History: Basking Ridge Oak Tree Is Full Of 'Surprises'
• Related: Basking Ridge Oak Tree Was 619 Years Old
• Related: Own A Piece Of Basking Ridge's Historic 600-Year-Old Great Oak

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