Shop for George Watts Exclusives

The Gingko Story

Watts store trademark, the bifurcated gingko leaf, is one of Nature's most exquisitely shaped leaves. Aside from being the oldest tree species on the planet, the gingko is also known to be disease resistant and tolerant of dirt and congestion, therefore often planted in urban areas. In the late 1940's, when Milwaukee's city fathers insisted on widespread planting of Dutch Elm trees throughout the city, George Watts stood firmly by his principles and planted gingkoes instead. When Dutch Elm disease was at the Ohio border, the City Forester was heard to remark, "We'll meet it at the state line with a cloud of DDT!". A knowledgeable botanist in his own right, George planted four ginkgos on Jefferson Street, at his own expense, where they stand today. As a symbol of the integrity of the individual especially in the face of authoritative opposition, we proudly display the gingko leaf on our gleaming gold box gift wrap.