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The lighting of the Campbell Christmas tree at 840 E Franklin St. in Hartwell
Thirty years ago, Mr. Charles Campbell and his sister Aurelia began lighting a big spruce tree in the front yard of their home at 840 E. Franklin St. in Hartwell, which became a holiday landmark as the years went by.
Hartwell native and local business owner Julie Mouchet of California Girls Design grew up loving the Campbell tree.
“I don’t know how long the tradition had existed, but I remember growing up as a little girl always seeing the tree lit,” Mouchet said.
Charles Campbell began working for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in 1954 where he worked for the next 60 years. During his tenure, Campbell helped manufacture, maintain, and modify United States Air Force aircraft including the C-130 Hercules, the C-140 Jetstar, the C-141 Starlifter, and the C-5 Galaxy.
Aurelia Campbell was a graduate of the University of Georgia and devoted over 60 years of her life as private piano teacher. Campbell earned many awards and recognitions both near and far, and left behind a true legacy of music to many in this community.
Mouchet, a piano student of Campbell’s, remembers her fondly.
“She shared her gift with many kids in Hartwell,” Mouchet said.
Two years ago, both Campbell siblings passed away within a month of each other. Aurelia died in September 2021 while Charles passed in October. Since that time, the tree on the Campbell’s property had remained undecorated during the holiday season.
As the Campbell house went for sale, Mouchet saw an opportunity.
“When the property came on the market, I was super excited to purchase it,” Mouchet said. “The main thing is [the Campbell Christmas tree] was a tradition that I wanted to continue.”
Mouchet bought the Campbell house earlier this year with the specific purpose of keeping the Christmas landmark going.
“I understand the tradition, and I want it to continue for the city of Hartwell,” Mouchet said. “People would come up to me and ask,’What am i doing with the tree, what’s happening with the tree? You’ve got to make sure that tree continues.’”
True to her word, Mouchet brought the tradition of the Campbell Christmas tree back to life. The Mouchet family lit the Christmas tree for the city to see Nov. 28., with a few changes from years past.
“We purchased new all white LED lights for energy saving purposes,” Mouchet said. “This year we’ll just have the lights but we hope to add more to it next year.”
As time moves on, Mouchet said she hopes to expand the tree’s decor in the coming years. She said she would like to have carolers come sing around the tree.
Mouchet is personally committed to keeping the Campbell tree a part of the community, that’s why she set up the tree as a separate 501 non-profit entity.
Akin to “The Tree that Owns Itself,” in Athens, Mouchet said the tree’s non-profit status ensures that it will continue to be lit each Christmas season.
Mouchet is from Hartwell and is now raising her kids in this community. She see’s the Campbell tree has her way of giving back.
“I would like to see it continue to be a part of the community,” Mouchet said. “It’s an important time of year and I just want to keep Christmas in our hearts.”