I've not been able to match this tree to the descriptions in my old middle school library field guides.

The tree is growing over 30 feet tall and does not seem too rare in some edge situations. I've attached a link to a picture of it on our fledgling nature trail site, as one of the hikers was curious about what it was. Here's the link:
https://sites.google.com/site/carrin.../photo-gallery


Thanks,

Dave Ross
Durham, NC