Hay Tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hay Tree |
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Hynes hay framing 1920
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| Location | 16475 Paramount Blvd., Paramount |
| Built | 1883 |
| Designated | August 8, 2003 |
| Reference no. | 1038 |
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The Hay Tree is a special historic camphor tree. You can find it in what is now downtown Paramount, California. This tree was named a California Historical Landmark (No. 1038) on August 8, 2003. It is one of California's newer historic landmarks.
When the tree was planted in 1883, it was in the town of Hynes. The towns of Hynes and Clearwater joined together in 1948. They formed the town of Paramount. Paramount officially became a city on January 30, 1957.
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The Hay Tree: A Historic Landmark
What is the Hay Tree?
The Hay Tree is now about 50 feet tall. It stands in a small grassy park. This tree is the only thing left that reminds people of the area's busy hay and dairy industry. From the 1930s to the 1960s, the towns of Hynes and Clearwater were known as the “Hay Capital” of the world.
The area was also called “The Milk Shed of Los Angeles.” It was even known as “The World’s Largest Hay Market.” These names came from the huge hay fields and many dairy farms there. Over 25,000 milk cows lived in Hynes and Clearwater at that time.
Paramount's Dairy and Hay History
Every morning, the price of hay for the entire region was decided under the Hay Tree. This price was then shared with hay markets all over the world. It was a very important spot for farmers and traders.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the area slowly changed. It became an urban area with more houses and stores. Milk production moved away. Many dairy farms went to cities like Ontario, California and Chino, California. But the Hay Tree stayed right where it was.
The Tree Today
Today, the Hay Tree has a special marker from the State of California. It also has an educational display from the city. You can find benches there and even a wooden cow display. The Hay Tree is located at the entrance to the Paramount Civic Center. A local artist even wrote and performed a song about this famous tree.
The Historic Marker
The marker at the site tells the tree's story. It says:
- The Hay Tree: This 120-year-old, 50-foot-tall camphor tree is one of the few things left from the busy dairy and hay industry. This industry was very important in Southeastern Los Angeles County and Northwestern Orange County from the 1920s to the 1950s. Each morning, under the wide branches of the Hay Tree, the price of hay was set for the region’s dairies. That price was then shared in hay markets around the world.
