TOMBSTONE'S SHADY LADY
by Janice

Tombstone is home to quite a "Lady". Many people have never heard of or even witnessed her elegance. In the month of April she adorns herself beyond compare. She embellishes herself with remarkable grace and the waft of her fragrance can be noticed throughout the streets. Age has not dampened this "Lady's" charm it has in fact enticed many to specifically visit Tombstone.

 Many things have been written about our "Lady" here in Tombstone. Her history is steeped in romance. Her "arms" have encompassed many a new and blooming love. Her "roots" have held captive those who have found themselves ever appreciative of just knowing her.

You too may visit with our "Lady" here in Tombstone. She always welcomes you to her home and encourages you to spend a little time enjoying her company. She may not say much out loud, but do listen intently and you can "hear" her story. Perhaps you may feel the love of the many who have proclaimed their bond with each other under her "arms". Try and picture the family and the joyous times they may have shared in her presence. Picture the tables and chairs where afternoon tea may have been served in her shadow. Listen and hear the children who would have enjoyed playing on her carpet under the sun. All this and more can be felt and observed in the back yard at the Rose Tree Museum.

By now you may have figured out that our "Lady" in Tombstone is the White Lady Banks Rose. She has touched many a life in her days. She found her way here to Tombstone in 1885 as a gift of love to a new and yet homesick bride from Scotland. She found her way into the hearts of that bride and her close friend as together they placed her where she is today. A gentleman who wrote about her and gave her a title that still applies today was touched by her. And yet how appropriate that even today she still encompasses those who's heart she has touched by being the leaning post to their love. For under her arms, many a newlywed couple has exchanged their vows of love and devotion to each other.

Every year in April Tombstone celebrates the "World's Largest Rose Tree" at the Rose Tree Festival. Come on down and see the town too tough to die and be sure and stop by the Rose Tree Museum and see our wonderful "Lady" in Tombstone.