Kincardine & District Horticultural Society

Kincardine Horticultural Society 106 YEARS!
by Janet Moyser

History of the Ontario Horticultural Association

The first horticultural society in Ontario is officially recognized as one in Toronto, organized on May 4, 1834.  Forty-six societies across the province have been in existence for more than 100 years.  Currently there are 285 societies with over 40,000 members.

For many years, all societies were part of the Agricultural Association but toward the end of the 19^th century and the beinning of the 20^th centrury thee was a move to form a separate organization.  Prior to the formal organization, some preliminary meetings had been held in 1904 and 1905.  The idea became a reality when the Ontario Horticultural Association was formed on November 9, 1906.  The annual meetings (conventions) have been held regularly since then. 

In the early years, the conventions were held in Toronto.  More recently they have been held in different locations around the province with one or more districts serving in the capacity as host. 

Kincardine Receives Recognition for 106 Years

In August 2006 at the 100^th Anniversary of the Ontario Horticultural Association, Kincardine & District Horticultural Society received recognition for 106 years of affiliation.  In 1973 Philip F. Dodds and H.E. Markle wrote a book entitled “The Story of Ontario Horticultural Societies 1854 to 1973” in which the Kincardine Horticulture Society was mentioned twice—the first being a mention that 46 societies were affiliated in 1900, one of which was Kincardine.  The second mention is about the first annual Ontario Horticultural Association Convention which was held in Toronto at city hall on November 9, 1906.  Kincardine’s delegate, D.S. MacDonald, attended this meeting.