By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK—A familiar part of Ozark’s landscape is sadly gone, but in its place, a historic memorial has become far more visible to the public.
The City of Ozark recently removed a large, mature oak tree that had stood for decades on the grounds surrounding the memorial honoring Dr. Eratus Byrd Ard and his family. While many residents will miss the stately tree for its moss-and-green-lichen-covered beauty and shade, its removal has also made the memorial significantly easier to see and access.
The bronze marker commemorates Dr. Eratus Byrd Ard, his wife, Zenada Byrd Ard, and their family, who occupied the property from 1895 until 1971.
After the Ard family left, the property became home to the BellSouth phone company for years before eventually being purchased by a series of companies. An old phone booth, now without a working phone, remains at the site today.
The inscription on the memorial reads in part:
“This marker is placed here as a memorial to Dr. Eratus Byrd Ard and his wife Zenada Byrd Ard and to their family who occupied this property from 1895 to 1971.”
The marker also recognizes the couple’s children: Ligon Briggs Ard, Toxey Ard Sorrell, Waldo Emerson Ard, Jerome Cochran Ard, Lillie Ware Ard Morris, Eva Mae Ard Glover Keller, and Peggy Ard Taylor.
It concludes by honoring Dr. Ard’s lasting influence on the community:
“Dr. Ard was a pioneer doctor in Dale County, and he and his family were prominent in civic, professional and military service to their community.”
For years, the sprawling oak added shade and character to the property, becoming a familiar landmark for residents and visitors alike. Though its removal is a loss for those who admired the tree, city officials felt the need to cut it down for safety reasons. Additionally, while residents may lament the felling of the beautiful tree, its removal has opened an unobstructed view of the memorial, allowing passersby to more easily notice and read the tribute to one of Dale County’s pioneering families.
The tree itself appeared to be many decades old. Based on the size of its trunk and the visible annual growth rings after it was cut, the oak may have been at least 70 years old, though its exact age is unknown.
Its removal serves as a reminder that while natural landmarks eventually reach the end of their lives, the history they once shaded can continue to be preserved and appreciated. With the memorial now fully visible, a new generation of residents has an opportunity to learn about Dr. Ard and the family’s contributions to Dale County.
As one piece of Ozark’s history comes to an end, another has become easier to discover and admire.
OUR NEWS IS SPONSORED BY HER HAVEN
VISIT herhavenfoundation.org to learn more about this nonprofit and the important work it does within the community.
