The origin of this Society goes back to about 1913 and its first President was Mr. Harry E.Gignac. The Society apparently prospered for several years but became dormant. Interest was again revived in the late 1920’s (about 1927). A cutting from the Windsor Daily Star of January 11.1954 shows the following: W25 years ago - from the Border Cities Star of January 11 1929" Officers of The Sandwich Horticultural Society elected for 1929. President: Thomas S.Elliott, 1st Vice-President: E.B.Reynolds, 2nd Vice-President; J.Simkiss, Secretary: W.S.Duffield, Assistant Secretary: C.Cook, and Treasurer: J. Butler. After some years of operation the Society again became dormant until about 1944. When Dr. Bennett (the internationally known horticulturalist from St.Thomas, Ontario, who put that city on the map as the "Flower City") came to Sandwich to reside. His interest in Horticulture immediately became evident and again the Society experienced a revival under his leadership a magnificent job of rebuilding the Society was carried out and a membership of between 300 and 400 was obtained. This upsurge in Horticulture took place between 1944 and 1947. When Dr Bennett passed away interest again lagged and the Society again became dormant. In 1950 as the result of a meeting between Mr. E.B.Reynolds (the 1st Vice-President in 1929) and Mr. T.McNaull (Recreational Director of the Prince Road Community Centre) interest was again established to the point that, following meetings between other interested people, it was suggested that an attempt be made again to bring the Society back into active operation. To this end a letter was sent out to many former members at the beginning of May 1951 suggesting that a meeting be held at the Prince Road Community Centre on May 18th at 8pm, for which a speaker, two horticultural films and a social period had been provided, followed by a short meeting for organization and an election of officers for the remainder of the year 1951. This meeting was held, a fair number of people taking out membership in the newly revived Society and the following were elected Officers: President: R.Scott, Secretary: T.McNaull, Treasurer R.E.Francom.
Not too much interest was in evidence during the remainder of 1951 but in February 1952 a letter was sent out to the membership by the Executive Committee of the Society setting the date February 21st 1952 for the 1st meeting of the year. About 150 people attended this meeting and the following were elected as officers: Presidents W.G.Aitkenhead, 1st Vice-President: E.B.Reynolds. Secretary: S.Leggett, Treasurer: Mrs G.E.Douglas. Prior to the commencement of this meeting our membership was only l4 and at the conclusion we had obtained another 16, making in all a total membership of 30. Further meetings were held April 22nd, July 22nd, October 22nd, and November 26th. The Annual meeting of the Society was held on January 28th 1953 and following a review of operations for the past two years the election of officers for 1953 took place, the result being: President: E.B.Reynolds, 1st Vice-President: Mrs. E.G. Carter, 2nd Vice-President: R.F.Row, Secretary: S.Liggett, Treasurer: Mrs. G.E.Douglas. This was the first year the Society had had a full compliment of officers since its revival in 1951. The membership at the end of December 1952 was 112 the result of much fine work on the part of Mr. F.E. Webster the Membership Convener who continued to be a pillar of strength to the Society until advancing years forced his semi-retirement from Society activities. A special Board of Directors meeting was held in March of 1953 to discuss a momentous step. It was proposed that, due to the fact that many members came from other Windsor areas and also from outside the Windsor City Limits, the name of the Society be changed to "The Greater Windsor Horticultural Society” in order to more fully represent the geographical scope of the metropolitan area of Windsor. The proposal was submitted to the membership at the next General meeting, held the same month. After some discussion from the floor it was Moved by Mr. E.B.Reynolds and Seconded by Mr. F.E.Webster that the Society’s name be changed from “The Sandwich Horticultural Society" to that of "The Greater Windsor Horticultural Society". Upon the motion being put it was carried unanimously by those present. The Board of Directors also proposed that a Constitution and By-laws be drawn up. A Committee for this purpose was appointed composed of Mr. F.E. Webster, Mr. T.McNNaull, the President as ex-officio member together with the assistance of the Secretary, Mr. S.Leggett. Following several meetings the Committee drew up
