Eat spaghetti for Honking Tree

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Photo by Monica Isley If only... Whether in jest or out of wishful thinking, someone on 7th Avenue in Two Harbors has dubbed another tree the "honking tree." It's not a white pine, and it's not out on the highway, but it is a big, tall, green tree. People who miss the real Honking Tree can contribute to its replacement, or the restoration of its trunk, through a Black Woods fund raiser on Monday.

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Although the initial flurry of alarm has died down, people haven't forgotten the Honking Tree, and everyone is waiting to see what the plans are for the trunk that remains.

Among those wanting to help is Black Woods Bar & Grille, whose logo was inspired by the Honking Tree.

The tree, which has been a coming-home icon for those returning to Two Harbors or the North Shore ever since the expressway was built in the early 1960s, was felled by vandals last month. Immediately, people asked for a way to donate to the preservation of its trunk, possibly the restoration of another tree, and even a reward to help find the culprit.

Black Woods' answer is to hold a spaghetti dinner fund raiser on Monday, June 1, starting at 4 p.m.

"Our kitchen normally closes at 9 p.m., but if people are still coming, we'll continue to serve," said manager Jessie Larson. "People are pretty excited about this."

Although Black Woods' regular menu will continue to be available during those hours, it's only the spaghetti meal that will be designated for the Honking Tree fund, with $3 from each meal going for that purpose.

At the same time, Bob Schutes, author of A Society of Pines, will be there to autograph his book, the front cover of which is a photo of the Honking Tree. Schutes will donate $3 for each book sold, to the fund.

Donations to the Honking Tree Fund can also be made directly to The Lake Bank, 613 1st Ave., Two Harbors, MN 55616.

Tags: honking tree, two harbors, news