BARBERTON, Ohio (AP): A historical society says vandals cut down 10 black walnut trees planted by a northeastern Ohio city’s founder more than a century ago.

The Barberton Historical Society says the city’s founder O.C. Barber had planted the trees in 1910 after moving to the land.

Barberton is located about 30 miles south of Cleveland.

The group says someone cut down the 50-foot tall trees Tuesday morning. The trees had trunks spanning more than 2 feet in diameter.

The group says the person responsible knew what they were doing as they targeted only the valuable black walnut trees.

Group members say some residents heard chain saws and didn’t realize the trees were being destroyed without the society’s permission.