What is the Significance of the Sycamore Tree to Newtown?

The owners of Mélange, a new restaurant to be located at the Sycamore Grill site at 255 N. Sycamore St,, are seeking a zoning variance to add six (6) etched sycamore tree window signs (see image), to be 27” x 30” each, on the four (4) windows (60” x 34”) on the left side of the entrance and two (2) windows on the right side of the entrance facing Sycamore Street. Such signs exceed the maximum number of signs allowed and size of signs allowed in accordance with the Newtown Township Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance of 2007, as amended.

The applicant – owners of the Stocking Works on S. State St. – claim that “The six custom etched windows have already been for at a cost of over $100,000. Denying the variance,” they said, “would create a significant loss and delay the restaurant’s opening.” Of course, that’s on them and should not be a factor for the Zoning Hearing Board to consider when deciding whether of not to approve the zoning variance.

That, however, was not the only interesting comment made by the applicants.

Historical Significance of Sycamore Tree

According to the Mélange Restaurant zoning variance application “The Sycamore Tree holds historical and natural significance and would serve as a symbol of strength, stability and community – qualities that reflect the values of our township.”

I was unaware of any “historical significance” of the sycamore tree to Newtown and decided to ask ChatGPT, the AI assistant, “What is the significance of sycamore tree to Newtown Township PA?” Here’s what it said:

The sycamore tree has historical and symbolic significance to Newtown Township, Pennsylvania, primarily tied to the region’s colonial and Revolutionary War heritage. Here are the key points:

Historic Marker Trees

In colonial Pennsylvania, American sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis) were often planted or noted as natural landmarks along early roads and property lines.
In Newtown Township, several historic sycamores have stood for centuries, marking old farms and paths, some dating back to the 18th century.

Connection to the Revolutionary Era

Bucks County, where Newtown Township is located, was a hub of Revolutionary War activity. Local tradition holds that large sycamores—known for their longevity and massive trunks—served as meeting points, boundary markers, or shade for soldiers and travelers during that period.
George Washington’s army camped and moved through the area before the crossing of the Delaware in 1776, and sycamores are among the few living witnesses to that era.

Cultural and Environmental Symbol

Sycamores are iconic in the Pennsylvania landscape, valued for stabilizing creek banks, especially along Neshaminy Creek, which runs through Newtown and is central to the township’s history and geography.
The township and local historical societies often feature the sycamore in heritage discussions as a symbol of endurance, strength, and local history.

Possible Township Emblem / Local Recognition

While not the official township logo, the sycamore tree is often referenced in local history tours and preservation efforts.
Newtown Township has documented several “Witness Trees,” including sycamores, that are celebrated for surviving centuries of development and being alive during significant historical events, including the Revolutionary War period.

According to James Esposito in a Facebook response to my post about this:

“The Lenni Lenape would plant Sycamores next to water sources because they grew tall and could be seen in the distance. They planted them along the Newtown and Neshaminy Creeks which is why when European settlers came here they called it Sycamore Street because the trees were along the creek when they arrived and the street is parallel to the creek.”

Now I know why the township’s main street is named Sycamore Street!

Posted on 03 Aug 2025, 01:31 - Category: Newtown