The Arboretum continues Beman Gates Dawes' vision of preserving history as a foundational element of its mission of enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history, by preserving history daily.
In striving to preserve the most significant components of the history of The Arboretum, four main collection interests have been identified; the history of Beman and Bertie Dawes, the history of The Arboretum, Tree Dedicators and The Pure Oil Company. These collection areas are key to understanding the story of Dawes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Beman Gates Dawes do for a living?
Beman Gates Dawes was an entrepreneur, founding the Ohio Cities Gas Company in 1914 with his business partner Fletcher Heath. Ohio Cities Gas was renamed The Pure Oil Company in 1920. After only 10 years, in 1924, Beman Dawes transitioned as president and CEO of Pure Oil to the chairman of the board position and remained on the executive committee until his death in 1953. In 1929, he and his wife Bertie co-founded The Dawes Arboretum.
What is the meaning behind The Arboretum’s logo?
The original design was created by Carlos Burr Dawes, son of the co-founders and The Arboretum’s first historian in 1968. It’s designed to mimic a bur oak leaf cluster. Bur oaks grow well in The Arboretum’s climate and their leaves and acorns have a distinct look. The logo also honors his mother, cofounder Bertie Dawes, since their maiden name was Burr.
Is the Dawes family still involved with The Arboretum?
Yes. Several members on our Board of Trustees are family members. To see who is on the Board of Trustees, please go here.
What did Beman Gates Dawes say about paid admissions?
Beman Gates Dawes has never commented directly on admission. To learn about why The Arboretum began charging admission, please go here.
What are Tree Dedications?
Tree Dedications at The Arboretum are chosen by The Board of Trustees to “honor individuals or groups of outstanding achievement in the stream of human history, or events of significance to The Dawes Arboretum.” Tree dedication began as planting new trees each time a new person was dedicated but transformed into carefully selecting trees that are already showing promise of a healthy and long life. To learn how to find a specific Tree Dedication, please visit our blog here. To see the list of trees that have been dedicated at The Arboretum, please view here.
Who can I contact about the Beard Green Cemetery?
To learn more about the Beard Green Cemetery, please reach out to Larry Myers at 614-499-1730. He can also be reached at myersle@twc.com.
How can I donate something to The Arboretum’s Archive?
Please email the Arboretum’s History Team at daweshistory@dawesarb.org and explain what you would like to donate. If the donation fits the collecting interests, then the History Team will reach out with further information.
How can I schedule a research visit to The Arboretum’s Archive?
How can I contact The Arboretum’s History Team?
To contact The Arboretum’s History Team, please email daweshistory@dawesarb.org or fill out the request form: here.
How can I volunteer with The Arboretum’s History Team?
To volunteer with The Arboretum’s History Team, please visit the Volunteer Portal or contact The Arboretum’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Conklin at volunteers@dawesarb.org.