Ilion High School - Class of 1928

The Utica Daily Press - May 10 1928

Article 4

Pine Trees on Oak Hill to Form Novel Aviation Signal for Ilion Within Few Years

Fish and Game Club Will Spell "Ilion" with 5,000 Trees

WHITE BIRCHES TO OUTLINE LETTERS

Group Will Plant "Sign" Saturday, Weather Permitting

Ilion, May 9 - Pine trees will be set out on Oak Hill Saturday on the John Casper farm on what is known as the 1,000 acre lot by the Ilion Fish and Game Club in a manner that will spell the name of Ilion. The letters formed will be 100 yards high and 20 yards wide, it being estimated that 5,000 trees will be used. The plot will be fenced off. This is the highest point on Oak Hill and the soil is adapted to pine trees. In four or five years, the letters should be plainly visible to aviators along the Mohawk Valley air route, which it is predicted will be a popular route for freight and passenger service.

It is also planned to plant berry bushes ... for game birds and white bleches ... The ... is unique and novel and the committee invites every person interested to help put Ilion on the aerial map.