ROCKPORT — Noting its falling branches and rot, the board of directors for the Camden Rockport Historical Society voted to remove the willow tree on the property of the Cramer House out of concern for the public's safety, but not without sadness.

The Conway Homestead is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and Maine State Register of Historic Sites.

"It's a willow, and we're told it's 150 years old," said Maynard Stanley, Jr. "There was actually a lot of debate about cutting the tree. Some people did, some didn't and because it was deemed a hazard to the property and buildings and people it had to come down."

Brenda Barrett is the president of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society.

"I had a long talk with this tree yesterday," she said." It's kind of sad to see it come down. We go back a long way. As long as she could be put to the service of others, she could come down."

Barrett said some of the tree would stay on the property. Much would go to people who need firewood and mulch for gardens. She also said they were looking at ways to turn the cuttings into benches.

"I would like to see some of the stumps get faces carved into them," she said. "Nature or faces. It would kind of be nice to see them lined up and add a new attraction. And some of the burls on there, it would be nice t see if Maynard or myself can make them into some nice bowls."

Travis Hamilton of Arbor Tech did all the cutting.

"He's amazing," Barrett said. "This is such a science and art. People just think you cut down the tree, but there are all these safety issues to this. He's done wonderful."

Stanley said they could use the stumps to throw tomahawks and knives.

"Willow is one of the best trees to use as a throwing block," he said. "The wood on end will separate and hold a blade until you pull it out. You take pine or some of the other woods and the grain is so tight it will bounce right back out."