At the recent 2nd Biennial John Updike Society Conference in Boston, members toured Ipswich and got to see the stately elm that Updike wrote about—one of the oldest trees in Ipswich that stood directly across from the Polly Dole House at 26 East St., where Updike lived in the ’60s with his family.

Society members got to see that tree just in time. Today, The Salem News reported that the tree was taken down—but not without a proper ceremony which included David (pictured) and Michael Updike.

But it wasn’t only a case of good timing.  Michael Updike knew the tree had died and called city officials to see if they could wait until after the society toured Ipswich before cutting it down.

Thanks to member Bob Batchelor for calling it to our attention.