Fall was a popular time growing up in a small rural community. The maples and oaks, though never quite as majestic as their eastern states counterparts, nevertheless provided a wealth of color and anticipation for the autumn holidays which were sure to follow. Our favorite trees were known by heart, each special limb or crook or natural perch a place of childhood wonder and familiarity. But in my small town there was one tree that was valued by a few kids more than all other trees combined. It wasn’t due to its size (it was in fact diminutive) or its foliage or location or even climba...