The Willy Tree
 

I took this pic today here in The Villages. The sign is hanging on a tree here in The Villages and is hanging upside down because one of the screws has fallen out (I flipped the image). The sign says The Willy Tree and below it says Florida Dept of Forestry. Looks like it has been there for quite some time. Anyone know where this is, or want to guess where it is and what is it's significance? I will post the location later.

Attachment 26067

Location: New villa development "Mission Hills" park area?

Nope, it is North of there.

Is it on Oak Island or in Paradise Park? I can't find anything about a Willy Tree and I'm a pretty good researcher. Still looking though.

Don't know anything about Oak Island, but you are getting closer. I couldn't find anything about The Willy Tree either, and the Florida Dept of Forestry is puzzling as well.

It has to be around the lake at the Veteran's Memorial or across the street, behind the Church on the Square. It is puzzling and very fun and interesting. Thanks!

I can't find any reference to the proper name, "Florida Dept. of Forestry." Even looking back through the history of the Florida Forest Service, it was never called the Florida Dept. of Forestry.

I think maybe Willy is a surname and someone made the sign and put it on the tree to honor their family. They used the ficticious name, Florida Dept. of Forestry, to make the sign seem official in hopes it wouldn't be taken down. Any better ideas?

LOL! have you looked at all the signs on bldgs. at LSL claiming to be placed there by the historical preservation league? and the signs at Katie Belle's? It's a goof!
FL does have a forestry division...
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divi...Forest-Service

This sign is hanging on the big oak tree by the ninth green on Hilltop Golf Course. It is weathered and looks like it has been there many years. Must be some kind of history behind it? Mystery?

Maybe, that's where Tim Robbins hid the money, in The Shawshank Redemption. :jester:

I couldn't stand it any longer. I just got off the phone with a gentleman by the name of Jim at Hilltop Golf Course. According to Jim, there is a large tree off the 3rd tee box-near the ninth- that has a plaque in recognition of a man named Willy who requested that his ashes be spread under the tree. Legend has it that Willy said he'd hit that tree so many times in his life he might as well be put to rest there.

Rest in peace Willy. Thank you rhood for a very enjoyable thread.

Some time ago I disremember reading about that. Thanks for doing the the research.

Z

Lol! thanks, I needed that.