Barham Family Tree Project
From the very beginning, Gaylon Barham was one of Fox Lake Preservation Foundation’s most dedicated and generous supporters. He gave his time, energy, and resources wholeheartedly from the Foundation’s inception to the end of his life. His passion for preserving both the natural beauty and the rich African American heritage of Fox Lake never wavered.Even in passing, Gaylon continues to champion this place he loved so deeply. In his memory, the Foundation launched a special initiative to honor his legacy.On Foundation-owned property stood a large, old cottonwood tree, once proud, but burned and worn with age. This tree was carefully tended for years, but its time came to an end. In Gaylon’s spirit of renewal and stewardship, we removed the damaged tree and replaced it with two native Ginko trees more fitting to the landscape.With your donation, we will continue to maintain a serene, welcoming space where passersby can take in the view of the lake, read the historical marker recognizing Fox Lake’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places for its African American heritage, and reflect in peace under the Ginkos. We will also support appropriate stewardship of the serene, natural beauty that surrounds us all! Please help us continue Gaylon’s work; his vision lives on through all of us.