 The cutting of the tree began when the 9 @-@ foot ( 2 @.@ 7 m ) saw , operated by six men , was positioned across the trunk . The saw penetrated the trunk , and the adjacent area was cleared of bystanders . The spectators were repositioned up the hillside to the south and across the ravine to land that had previously been cleared by the Civilian Conservation Corps camp . The men moved the saw backward and forward , as woodchoppers widened the open wedge . After approximately 30 minutes , Criss yelled , " We 're through boys . " The men removed the saw , and the woodchoppers continued to pick at the open wedge . The tree made a crackling sound , its upper limbs dipped , and the Mingo Oak crashed onto its designated felling location . While it had been intended that the tree be down by 10 : 30 , it was not until 11 : 00 that this occurred . To assist in the segmentation of the collapsed tree , competitions were held in <unk> and log sawing . Saw manufacturer E. C. Atkins and Company furnished saws for the competitors . 
