ROCHESTER — Mack Phinney, the Rochester Historical Society president, will explain how pine trees started a war.

In 1722, because there were not enough appropriate trees in England, settlers could not cut white pine larger than one foot in diameter as they were needed by the English navy for their ship masts. Colonists had to pay England’s royalty to cut white pines on their own land. This did not sit well with the colonists. 

Come to the Rochester Historical Society’s meeting on Wednesday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at 355 County Road to hear the outcome of this situation as told by Phinney.

Refreshments will be served at the free event.