Poinsettia tree goes on scrap heap

The steel frame that formed the basis for the Capitol's poinsettia Christmas tree ended up on the scrap heap bringing only a fraction of its original value.<br><br>The frame was purchased during Gov.

Monday, November 22nd 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The steel frame that formed the basis for the Capitol's poinsettia Christmas tree ended up on the scrap heap bringing only a fraction of its original value.

The frame was purchased during Gov. George Nigh's administration in the mid-1980s for about $11,000. It was sold as scrap metal for
$53.20.

The 20-foot tall frame held potted poinsettia plants in ascending layers. Nigh and others thought the result was spectacular, but he caught some heat for the cost. He defended it
by saying it could be reused annually and the flowers were donated.

Nigh used it each year until he left office in 1987. Gov. Henry Bellmon didn't use it during his four years in office, but Gov. David Walters pulled it out of storage.

Tom Hall, director of special projects for the state Department of Central Services, said the tree had outlived its usefulness and had been unstable.

Hall said the tree will be replaced by a decorative Christmas sleigh at the cost of $4,200.