|
HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Gloucester Horticultural Society was established at a meeting held on Wednesday, April 8, 1925, in the Hawthorne Public School. Mr. C.H. Guest presided and Mr. F. Ritchie of the Experimental Farm gave an illustrated address on "Beautifying Our Home Surroundings". Although there were no further meetings that first year, 81 members received options (plants supplied by the Society when paying their membership) from Graham Brothers Seedsmen. Funding was obtained through a grant from the Ontario Government, a $1.00 membership fee and a $20.00 loan from the Hawthorne Women's Institute.
In 1926, the Society thrived under its first president Mrs. W.C. Moxley. The first flower show was held that fall in the Orange Hall on Hawthorne Road where $31.00 in prize money was awarded to winners. The "School Ground Improvement Competition" also started that year and was continued for many years thereafter. Projects over the next thirty years included such activities as maintenance of small parks near Gloucester Township Hall and at Billings Bridge. A floral island at the junction of Hawthorne and Russell Roads was started in the late 30's in memory of Mr. John Innes but had to be discontinued in 1951 when road construction destroyed the island.
The Society adopted the Bearded Blue Iris as it's official flower. The Iris is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. It is easy to grow and comes in all the colours of the rainbow. Our aim is to provide a congenial atmosphere in which to learn, share and practice horticulture.
Since 1975, the Society has been meeting at the Top Generation Club Hall in the former Ramsayville Public School built in 1894. Our horticultural library is also maintained there.
The Society continues to meet the aims and objectives of the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) by organizing lectures, workshops for adults and children, demonstrations and holding two yearly flower shows. Since 1971, Nursing Homes in Gloucester have been receiving flowers from members' gardens. In 1999, our Yearbook again received first prize in the OHA Yearbook competition, Class 2 (no advertising). We are proud to have eight Life Members, four Accredited Horticultural Judges and four Master Gardeners.
In 2000, the Society celebrated 75 years of gardening and community participation in Gloucester with the making of our official banner. A tea was held honouring our past presidents and members for their contributions over the years. During this event 75 years of archival material was on display for members to view. The society continues to prosper -- mainly due to the dedication of the many volunteers who work hard to ensure the Society's mandate is met each and every year. | 
