History of the Ames Garden Club
Before Ames Garden Club was formally organized the gardening activities of the city were initiated by a city “garden committee”. During World War I the gardening emphasis was on food production. During World War II conflict ‘Victory Gardens’ were promoted.
The garden club movement in America has contributed much to communities in all parts of the country and in Ames the idea took a firm hold as early as 1923. The home gardeners in our community realized that the exterior of their homes and the surrounding yard are open to the gaze of all. In organizing the Ames Garden Club they hoped that this gospel of beauty would spread from home to home, eventually transforming entire streets and neighborhoods. Over the years the club has been instrumental in disseminating garden information and in stimulating interest in plant culture of all kinds. The resulting benefits have helped both the community and the members of the club.
The first meeting was scheduled in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, and Harry Brown became the first president of the Ames Garden Club. His large and splendid garden set a fine example for other amateur horticulturists. Other Ames gardens open for inspection in those early years belonged to the Clyde Kintzleys in downtown Ames and to J. W. Woodrow, L. B. Spinney, Adolph Shane, and W. H. Stevenson in the college town area. Some of these gardens are still in active use, but many others have been added in recent years.
The Ames Garden Club has always had the welfare of the community at heart and some of these projects included sponsorship of the first Christmas Lighting Contests, promoting flower shows, active participation in the State Garden Club movement, establishing a road-side park and picnic site north of the city, Arbor Day tree plantings and city beautification gardens.
Members of the Ames Garden Club are also members of Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, National Council of State Garden Clubs, and Iowa Horticulture Society. This has made it possible for members to participate in the many educational courses and activities sponsored by the State, Regional and National organizations.
The Ames Garden Club has had four members serve as president of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa. B. S. Picket was the first president, Rosthala Stevenson (Mrs. W.H.) was the third president, Barbara Rusk (Mrs. Carl) during 1993-1995 and Sandra Gossman (Mrs. Brian) during 2003-2005.
The purpose of the club is to promote interest and knowledge in the propagation and culture of flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables, native to or adaptable to this region; to learn of the flora and of other areas; to encourage the care and protection of plant, butterflies and bird life; to foster city planting and beautification; and to learn how to best use plants and flowers in making our homes and gardens more attractive.
The Ames Garden Club is a friendly group and has always been open to men and women of all ages. There are presently over 60 members from the Ames area and surrounding communities. |
