Centenarian to light Troy's community Christmas tree

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

A Troy woman who on Nov. 29 celebrated a milestone birthday will commemorate another milestone in Troy.

Hazel Walch, who turned 100 on Wednesday, will light the community Christmas tree for its 75th year.

The lighting for what's known as the nation's largest living Christmas tree in Troy's downtown begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

"I thought it would be neat," said Troy Mayor Jim Hammons. "She turns 100 the same year the tree turns 75."

The evening will include a visit by Santa - who is actually Libby Mayor Tony Berget - and free cookies and hot chocolate.

Troy in 1931 began its tradition of lighting the 80-foot tall Ponderosa pine. The 150-year-old tree has been lit every Christmas season since then except for the national blackout during World War II.

The civic improvement committee and Troy Commercial Club put the lights on the tree. Over the years, lights and wire strands have been replaced and electrical upgrades were made.

Civic organizations will make cookies, which will be available under the big-top at Kootenai and Second streets. Santa will arrive after the tree is lit.

"It's tradition in Troy. A lot of different groups get involved," Hammons said. "It's neat for people that have children to come see Santa Claus."

The tree's 600 multi-colored lights are left on year round. In September, the lights were checked to see how many bulbs might need replaced.

"We check them out to see if they need changed," Hammons said. "We see how bad they are."

If a lot of new lights are needed, city officials round up volunteers for the four- to five-hour project.

"It can be quite something," Hammons said. "You have to climb the tree and have to unhook them and pull them down."