A tree along Pleasant Drive had witnessed just about everything during its more than 300 years.
However, Tuesday's rainstorm finally did it in.
Brenda Ruhlman, who lives at 328 Pleasant Drive, said the tree had been rotted and the weight of Tuesday's rain and accompanying wind knocked it over at around 9:20 p.m.
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Times Observer photo by Colin Kyler
Decked
A fallen tree has caused extensive damage to the deck of the Cataldo property on Pleasant Drive.
"We always say the tree saw Indians because it was so old," Ruhlman said.
All those years gave the oak tree that stood in the yard of Ruhlman's neighbor Karen Cataldo opportunity to grow. Ten years ago, the old oak was measured at 26 and a half feet at the base and had an estimated height of 60 to 70 feet before it fell.
In the aftermath, it was difficult to get any help. After calling 911, Ruhlman said residents were told to talk to their insurers.
As of Wednesday morning, nobody had been by to check the structures or see if any gas line had been ruptured. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
At Ruhlman's home, the tree damaged a shed.
Cataldo's house took the brunt of the damage.
The ceiling is down in Cataldo's laundry room and there are cracks throughout. Also, she said she doesn't know if the deck is salvageable.
"If it rains, we'll be in trouble," Cataldo said.
Just recently, Ruhlman said, she was camping when she heard a tree fall for the first time. It was a loud, crackling sound and she recognized it again immediately on Tuesday.
Even before the tree was down completely, Ruhlman was over at her neighbor's house to see if they were all right. Just 15 minutes later, another part of the tree fell on her own shed.
"My mom instincts kicked in and I went back to check on my four-year-old," Ruhlman said.
Despite their setbacks, the residents said they are still thankful the damage wasn't greater. No one property was hit by the entire weight of the tree.
Over the years, Ruhlman said the neighbors had talked about how the tree was likely to come down. With just a heavy downpour, they had their answer.