It’s not uncommon for those holding political office to make friendly wagers with each other on big games played between their cities and states. Many times it involves something small such as a jersey or a food that is local to the geographic region. But in 1958, a different kind of bet was made.
According to NBC 4 in Columbus, the governors of Ohio and Oregon made a bet on who would win the Rose Bowl featuring the Buckeyes and the Ducks. However, this time the winner would receive something that would last much longer than a meal. Oregon governor Robert Holmes wagered a Douglas Fir, Oregon’s state tree and Ohio governor C. William O’Neill bet a Buckeye tree, Ohio’s state tree. Whichever team lost would send the other a state tree to plant.
Ohio State would win in a hard-fought battle by a score of 10-7. Holmes upheld his end of the deal and sent the Douglas Fir to Ohio where it was planted at the governor’s mansion. However, O’Neill was so impressed with the Duck’s performance that he decided to send two trees to Oregon. Holmes being an Oregon grad, decided to have the Buckeye tree planted on campus where it still stands today outside of the Oregon College of Business.
Ohio State and @UOregon have 85 years of history with roots beyond football. Following the 1958 Rose Bowl, a buckeye tree was gifted and planted on the Oregon campus and has grown over 60 feet! 🌳 pic.twitter.com/8qQjw6evDB
— Ohio State (@OhioState) October 11, 2024
The Buckeye tree is still there today 66 years later, standing over 60 feet tall, dropping buckeyes each year. Though we probably wouldn’t see something like this today, it’s an interesting fact and a piece of history that connects generations of football fans.
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