WARREN, Ark. – A large gathering of community leaders, business owners, and local residents filled Main Street Wednesday morning as the City of Warren dedicated the downtown ginkgo trees donated by the Frazer family in memory of John B. Frazer III. The ceremony, held in front of Warren Bank & Trust, highlighted both the lasting beauty of the trees and the Frazer family’s deep connection to the Warren community.
Mayor Gregg Reep opened the event by welcoming attendees and introducing city officials, emphasizing the significance of the project to Warren’s historic business district. “This is a major thing for our community and our downtown,” Reep said, noting how the trees have already begun to strengthen the charm and character of Main Street.
Former Warren mayors Bryan Martin and Denisa Pennington were among the many present, standing alongside current city leadership to honor the gift. A permanent plaque commemorating the donation and the memory of John B. Frazer III has been installed on the exterior wall of Warren Bank & Trust.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Lewis Frazer thanked the city, volunteers, and everyone who helped bring the project to completion. He emphasized how meaningful it is for the family to see the trees thriving in the center of town. Maribeth Frazer, whose generosity made the project possible, expressed her appreciation to the City of Warren and specifically to the street department for its work in watering and maintaining the trees since their planting, and in the future.
About the Ginkgo Trees
The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), often called a “living fossil,” is one of the oldest tree species on earth, dating back more than 200 million years. Known for its fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden-yellow fall color, the ginkgo is prized for its beauty as well as its remarkable resilience. It tolerates urban conditions—heat, road salt, compacted soil, and pollution—far better than most ornamental trees, making it a strong fit for a downtown setting like Warren’s.
Ginkgo trees are also exceptionally long-lived, with some specimens in Asia estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. Their durability and seasonal color have made them a symbol of endurance, peace, and community—an appropriate addition to the revitalization of Main Street.
With the new dedication plaque and a strong turnout from across the community, Wednesday’s ceremony celebrated not only the trees themselves but the shared effort to continue improving and beautifying downtown Warren.
