Waterville says goodbye to its oldest resident, a 150-year-old elm tree

CENTRAL MAINE • June 14, 2026

Since sometime in the 19th century, Ellie the elm tree has watched Waterville transform from her home in Castonguay Square. But now, it’s time for her to say goodbye. For years, the city has been taking meticulous care of Ellie. She became particularly important after Waterville, known as the Elm City, lost most of its elmsto construction projects and Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960s and 70s. She’s long been believed to be the oldest and largest elm in Waterville, but despite a healthy past, Ellie has succumbed to what the city thinks is Dutch Elm Disease, and will be cut down later this month.