Home > About Us

About Us

Notes on the history of the Eganville Horticultural Society from the annual reports of the OHA

1955

Organized April 18, 1955.

1956

EGANVILLE is not a very large Society but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in active work on public planting projects and hospitality. Plans are under way for a more active future and we may expect to hear much more of their good work in horticulture.

1957

EGANVILLE Society is doing excellent work with its town plantings. Difficulties have arisen during the year, but these have now been overcome, and they are looking forward to another full and interesting season

1959

EGANVILE: Sponsored a Bird House Competition for the School Children. Public plantings included two flower beds at the entrance to the town, and flower boxes supplied and planted at the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Booth. A fall planting was done at the Town Hall also.

1960

EGANVILLE - The 53 members have carried on a progressive, more advanced programme in horticulture.
In addition to monthly and executive meetings, plant exchange, flower shows, and a pot luck supper, this society promoted a "window box and planter" competition.
Ornamental trees were sold at a reduced rate to its members. Public Planting too was carried forward.

1961

EGANVILLE SOCIETY - Was our most hospitable host for 1962 District Meeting, and continues a progressive horticultural programme. A membership of 59 were provided with excellent speakers at informative meetings.

Society activities include Poster and Bird House competitions, spon­soring a Hanging Basket competition and a Christmas Decoration con­test. A Public Project of planting two circle beds and boxes at the Infor­mation Booth.

It was a pleasure to work with and see the work these horticulturalists carry with success.

1962

EGANVILLE - Three undertakings were unique:

1. A society emblem (Crimson King Maple Leaf) was chosen.
2. A large number of Crimson King maple trees were bought by the society and sold at reduced prices to members and residents to beautify Eganville.
3. A "Keep Eganville Clean" programme was sponsored and carried through successfully.
4. A bird house competition was held for the school pupils. Another first in the district.

1963

EGANVILLE, With a membership of 46, planted flower boxes and beds at the Tourist Information Bureau; also at the Post Office. Twenty pupils took part in Junior garden competition. They sponsored a Bird House competition for boys, and a Scrap Book competition for girls. Cards and Posters "Keep Eganville Clean" were distributed. Seventy-five tulip bulbs were given to each of the three schools.

1964

EGANVILLE - With a membership of 35, one Flower Show was held at which there were 20 entries. The flower boxes and beds at the Post Office and the Tourist Information Bureau were again planted. Three general meetings were held and two board meetings. A Centennial program is being considered, but as yet no final decision has been reached. Members of Societies in District No.2 remember the excellent job our friends in Eganville did when the District Annual was held there a few short years ago.

1965

EGANVILLE - Eganville's membership increased by over sixty percent. Flower Shows were held in conjunction with the six general meetings, under the title of "Growing for Showing". Flower beds and window boxes were planted, and a committee is now studying a program of planting and competitions for Centennial Year.

1967

Eganville is one of the most beautiful of the smaller towns, thanks to the local Horticultural Society. Trilliums used for table centrepieces at their Trillium Tea in May were later planted in gardens. Householders were asked to plant for centennial in the colours of red and white to be used with an old-time household article or piece of machinery.

1968

Eganville continues to beautify the town with public plantings and general member interest in gardening. A garden tour in June to members' gardens was a great inspiration.

1969

Eganville Society continues to provide leadership in the town. Flower beds have been planted in various parts of the town and have been maintained by the members. The information booth was decorated by the planting of a flower bed for the first time. During the year, we had a variety of speakers and enjoyed films on reforestation. Also we took a trip to Opeongo School Greenhouse where they were given a talk by Mr. Barron. Various lectures were also given on flower arrangements. One of our members who had contributed greatly to horticulture over the years was Mrs. Roland Reinke who was presented with a service diploma.

1970

Eganville is a very beautiful town and a great deal of credit has to be given to the local Horticultural Society. Flower beds were planted in the town square and at the Municipal Building. They also have competitions for the Juniors. Their public relations continue to be brought to the attention of the public by the Society and they are looking forward to a more successful year in 1971.

1971

Eganville Society held two local competitions during 1971. In May members visited the local nursery and had a pot luck supper at the convenor's cottage. They also had a demonstration on how to plant and grow flowers by our local florist and nursery man. They entertained the girl guides and enjoyed slides on Horticulture and also of a trip taken to the Mediterranean. Their Christmas meeting was in the form of a competition and social evening. Planting was done at the Municipal Building. Owing to local construction little public planting could be done. Over all, a very successful and satisfactory year.

1972

EGANVILLE Showed the largest percentage increase in membership in 1972. Planted flower beds at municipal building, as well as some bulbs. Sold dried flower bouquets in November and held flower arrangement classes at their general meetings.

1973

EGANVILLE This group planted 4 large containers at the Medical Centre, placed bulbs at the Civic Building and began a new planting project at the Post Office. They held a sale of dried bouquets in November and a pot luck supper in June. Competitions in flower arranging, and blooms from spring and fall bulbs were held at regular meetings.

1974

EGANVILLE This society continued its plantings at the Municipal Buildings and Post Office, then added 4 large containers at the Medical Centre and 2 on the median in Centre town, as well as placing some new shrubs at the community vault. 25 spring gardens were judged.

1975

Eganville members planted and cared for 4 large planters at the Medical Building, and beds of annuals at the Municipal Building. 250 tulip b\llbs, donated by the Canadian Legion, were planted at the Civic Building and on the centre-town hillside, where shrubs, annuals and some perennials were also planted. Although flower shows are not staged, competitions for Public and Separate School students were held, and High School students staged a program on cacti and succulents at one of the adult meetings. A display of flowers, fruits, vegetables and dried arrangements was put on exhibit at the Rotary picnic. The society will host the 1976 District annual meeting in the Legion hall on September 25.

1976

EGANVILLE Planted 3 large containers at the Medical Centre with annuals on the hill in the centre of town. Local Scouts and Cubs planted at the Municipal Building plants purchased by the society. Mem­bers lifted and replanted 250 bulbs and staged a display of flowers, vegetables and dried arrangements at the Annual Rotary picnic. This society does not stage a flower show as such, but held competitions with decorative classes for adults and 4 competitions for students of the local schools.

1977

EGANVILLE - This group appears determined to achieve higher goals. Besides a generous increase in membership, they purchased 10 new planters for placement about Eganville. Annuals, perennials and shrubs were planted on hill in centre of village, with two trees being replaced at Community Swimming Beach. They also purchased plants for beds at Municipal Building, these being planted and tended by the Cubs. Grade I students were provided each with a small tree to plant, and 4 interesting nature competitions were arranged for students of local separate and public schools. 3 competitions were held for adult members.

1978

EGANVILLE - Public planting program was enlarged, adding 7 new planters so that 3 flower beds and 17 planters were placed throughout the village. Annuals, perennials and shrubs were planted on the hill in the centre of the village, plants bought for the Municipal Build­ings being planted and cared for by the Cubs. 200 tulip bulbs were planted at Avoca House in Eganville. Members staged a display of flowers, vegetables and dried arrangements at the Rotary picnic. Hosted the very enjoyable R.B.G. Outreach Program in October, with a class conducted on Christmas Decorations. 70 trees were purchased and given for planting to village school grade 1 students. 1 competition and 8 meetings held for members.

1979

EGANVILLE -The membership increased by 13. There were no flower shows held. Public planting consisted of 3 flower beds and 22 planters. The Cubs helped to plant and maintain the flower bed at the Library. 100 Bulbs were planted and placed around the village. There were 4 competitions, and 9 meetings. The society paid for 2 new picnic tables for the Riverside Park.

1980

The Eganville society had a membership of 118. 9 general meetings, and 3 competitions were held. Public planting throughout the village in 26 flower containers, as well as flower beds on the hill, and the Municipal Offices. 1000 bulbs were planted. The society shared with the village in the erection of a sign "Welcome to Egan­ville". Although there is no youth group, the society worked closely with the local schools, and helped the Cubs to carry out and care for some of the planted and landscaped areas. The society was honoured when Mrs. Annetta Reinke was selected by the O.H.A. Awards Committee to receive the Trillium Pin Award for 1980. Congratulations Annetta, we are all very proud of you.

1981

EGANVILLE -The membership is 104. Public planting was carried out in flower beds at the local tourist building. Four shrubs were planted at the library, and 1,003 bulbs and flowers were planted in cedar planters. A bazaar and plant sale were held and a draw for a quilt was under­taken. Avery interesting trip to the Cullen Gardens was much enjoyed by the membership.

1991

EGANVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Our Society celebrated its 25th Anniversary April 21, 1980 with an Anniversary Dinner held at the Legion Hall with about 150 persons in attendance.

Hosted a District meeting for the first time in 1961. We began with small plantings in the Village and today we plant 39 flower boxes throughout the Village, eight flower beds. Planted shrubs and annuals at the Eganville and District Community Arena.

1992

Eganville:  73 members participated in a successful year in which there were 4 newsletters, regular meetings with door prizes and garden tips and competitions followed by a social hour. Averil Moore, treasurer for 11 years, was presented with a service certificate award. A bursary was presented to the top student in Environmental Science at Opeongo High School. Two students from this school helped with some plantings. A delegate was sent to the O.H.A. convention. Throughout the village 45 planter boxes and 8 flower beds were planted. The rose bed at the Library was upgraded, books have been donated to the Library and gardening books from the Library are made available at meetings. The club subscribed to Harrowsmith magazine. A successful Flower Show and tea was held. Bean seeds were distributed to 65 pupils at both schools along with an instruction letter. These students were also invited to participate in the Flower Show. The plant and Bazaar Sale was a big success and grants from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Village of Eganville, and donations from Business people in the village were appreciated. Slide presentations, speakers, demonstrations, an auction, a plant swap and a tour and picnic to the Purdon Conservation Wild Orchid site in Lanark and a bus tour to Cullen Gardens for the Festival of Lights, as well as a Christmas Buffet Dinner were among the many activities held by this active society.

1993

EGANVILLE: The entire O.H.A. District 2 was treated by this hosting Society to a well organized and interesting Annual General Meeting. The 79 members, including 1 Life Member and 2 Judges, have successfully planted and maintained 9 flower beds with 100 bulbs planted and 46 containers/baskets. A Bazaar and Plant Sale was held in May, a Garden Tour in June, a Flower and Vegetable Show in August and a Harvest Auction in October. Seeds were issued to Grade students. A lending Library of gardening books was ongoing and many interesting speakers enhanced the regular meetings. A Life Membership, a Horticultural Service Certificate and a bursary to the top Grade 11 student in Environ­mental Studies at Opeongo High School were awarded.

1994-1995

EGANVILLE:  An amazing 10 flower beds were planted and maintained by this Society of 68 members including the planting of 1 tree, 2 shrubs and 50 bulbs! The Russian Olive tree was planted in Centennial Park in memory of Peggy Thomas. A Dedication Service was held with family members present. A Bazaar and Plant Sale was held in May and a Garden lOur in August. The Society participated in the International Ploughing Match in Pembroke and held a Harvest Auction in October. At the November Christmas Meeting they had com­petitions and sale of crafts. Sunflower seeds were distributed to Grades 1, 2 and 3 in both area schools and the schools were revisited in June to see how many had sunflowers growing. The flowers were brought for judging to the September meeting. There were 10 entries. As well, a $50 Student Award was presented to a Grade 11 pupil at Opeongo High School.

1995-1996

EGANVILLE: The town of Eganville was a blaze of colour this summer with the 43 flower boxes that the society planted and looked after The flower beds on ( Park Hill were upgraded with good soil and fertilized as well as was the 1 Gazebo Planter in Centennial Park which was planted with beautiful non-stop' flowering Begonias. Twelve shrubs, a Mountain Ash and a Blue Spruce were added to Centennial Park.

A $50.00 student award was presented to a Grade 11 student at Opeongo I High School and Grade 3 students at the 2 elementary schools in Eganville were given Norway Spruce seeds to plant after being given a demonstration on Planting.

Fund-raising projects included a Bazaar and Plant sale in May, a Harvest Auction in October, a Craft Sale at the Christmas Meeting in November and plant sales at meetings

The Eganville Society was organized on April 18, 1955. Forty years later on April 24, 1995 the society held a special Anniversary celebration to which the District Director, Donna Christie, was invited as a special guest. Plaques, Horticultural Service Certificates and other Memorabilia Tom members were proudly displayed and many past board members attended to celebrate this milestone in the society's history.

1996-1997

EGANVILLE: 73 people belong to this society which presents a bursary to the top student in Environmental Science at Opeongo High School and who sent 6 delegates to the District AG.M. in Kinburn and 2 delegates to the O.H.A Convention in Hamilton. A very successful Bazaar and Plant Sale was held in May and a Harvest Auction in October. There was a craft sale at Christmas and a plant sale table at regular meetings. They planted 3 pyramid cedars, 1 Potentilla and 1 Juniper shrub at the Community Arena and upgraded the flower bed with soil and fertilizer. 43 flower boxes and 10 flower beds were planted and maintained and had mushroom compost and soil added to upgrade the beds. In Centennial Park 40 Commemorative Tulip Bulbs were planted and a new book was purchased for the lending library.

1997-1998

EGANVILLE: A red maple now stands in Centennial Park thanks to this society of 58 members who also planted 42 planter boxes throughout the village and 8 flower beds. Four of the book "Urban Outback" were bought; 2 for the primary schools, one for the high school and public library. A bursary was presented to the top student in environmental science at Opeongo High School. A delegate attended the OHA Convention in Thunder Bay and 5 attended the District AGM in Nepean. A successful Bazaar and Plant Sale was held in May, a Harvest Auction in Oct., a Craft Sale at Christmas and a plant sale table was set up at regular meetings.

1998-1999

EGANVILLE: The 64 members of Eganville are busy making their village attractive and colorful with planters and beds of flowers and trees. In 1998 Eganville was entered in the Communities in Bloom contest. A garden tour in July was enjoyed by members. Fund raisers included a bazaar, plant sale a harvest auction and a craft table at the Christmas meeting. A red maple tree was planted in Centennial Park in memory of Nettie Reinke.

1999-2000

The Eganville Horticultural Society had an increase in membership, which now stands at 75 members. Major changes were made to the "Welcome Hill" by the Community in Blooms committee. Our Society donated $600.00 to buy plants for this project. Another concrete planter was purchased. We planted eight planters in the village. On planting night, 17 members came out to help. Beds are also planted in the Centennial Park. The O.H.A. Millennium Tulips were planted in the Village Centre Hill along with daffodils donated by a member. We had competitions each month instead of a flower show. Two garden tours were enjoyed, local gardens and a bus tour combined with a tour of the Ross Museum in July.

2000-2001

Eganville boosted their membership to 82. 'Trough gardening', 'Salad Greens and Dressing Them', Butterfly Gardening', and 'Heritage Gardening" were some of the evening presentations our members enjoyed. We planted a Blue Spruce and two maple trees, worked hard on our town plantings, bought reference books for each school in the village and participated in our monthly competitions. Our bazaar, plant sale, harvest auction and sale table at monthly meetings provide us with funds for our projects.

Last Updated: 2011-03-15