Highlights from our Past

1925-1929

Links to more highlights will be added throughout the year

1925: First Meeting

These early meetings were not planned in advance like they are today.  Instead members were invited to the home of a member who had something special to be seen in her garden.  Meetings were often held every two or three weeks.   Early leaders of the local garden club movement were Miss Evelyn Potter, Mrs. Elizabeth Happold, Miss Dora Swan, Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Jennie Sherman who was the first club President.   Membership was limited to 21 and records show the membership fee was a mere 25¢! 

Fifty years later, there still remained two charter members of the original 18 residing in Northborough: Mrs. Myrtis Richardson and Miss Helen Corey.  Miss Corey served as Secretary and Treasurer for sixteen years and as Vice-President for one. She was granted life membership and continued to participate in the activities with the club throughout her life.  

1927-1929: Early Town Beautification

Town beautification has always been an important aspect of the Garden Club.  Records show one of the initial projects of the club included the planting of an iris bed (1926) at Assabet Park. The club also supervised the planting of twenty-five shrubs there given by the New England Nurserymen's Association (1929).

Additional trees were planted at Assabet Park and other town locations at the expense of the club in a combined project with the Woman's Club (1929).


1927-1928:  Children's Activities

The club's earliest interest in working with young people was mentioned in connection with a nature trail and oval plot in the center of town.

Beginning in 1927 members encouraged and assisted children to participate in frequent flower exhibits held in the local town library.

A children's garden competition was popular for several years and by 1928, twenty-two entrants vied for four prizes.


1928 Flower Show at
Worcester Horticulture Society

1928: Programs, Flower Shows

The first planned program at a meeting started in 1928. 


In just one year, club membership by 1928 had increased to 30. At this time, meetings were held once a month at a member's home on the second Friday of March/ April, through September/October  

 

Visits to the flower shows in the then new building of the Worcester County Horticultural Society were a popular club activity.

Since 1986, the society's headquarters were relocated to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

Even today, the club still holds a membership at Tower Hill. Enabling members to take advantage of its year-round garden viewing, trail walking, educational programs, exhibitions, and more.

1929: Flower Show Competitions and Exhibitions

The best learning, some say, takes place through doing, and if that is so then club members have learned much through competitions sponsored by the Worcester Horticultural Society.

 

In 1929 the sixth-place prize of FIFTY CENTS was won at the Wildflower Show sponsored by the Worcester Horticultural Society  This was a just a start to many more prize winning designs created throughout the years.

 

Locally during these early years, the club held exhibitions at the town library to showcase flowers from their gardens.  Gladiolas, Iris, and Peonies were most popular.