By Joel Berson
On September 14, 2017, a mighty Northern red oak that has overlooked Fiske Terrace since it was originally laid out was removed from the mall in front of 840 East 17th street. This massive tree rose over 80 feet, higher than the adjacent six-story apartment house. It was an impressive 154 inches in circumference. Imagine an observation post at its very top. From such an aerie one could observe over 100 years of evolution and development in Fiske Terrace, houses being built and renovated, the coming of the subway system, and the street life below. At first, horse-drawn carriages and wagons intermingled with a few horseless carriages on our streets. That tree witnessed the blossoming of FT as well as grand old houses torn down and replaced with more modern structures, even a few apartment houses. The comings and goings along our homey Avenue H commercial strip were at its feet, as well as traffic to and from our beloved Avenue H subway station. (Some of us recall being warmed by its pot belly stove. All of us love that the station has been restored to its current glamorous condition.) 
