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"Through the Decades"

Historical Timeline

We know a lot about GGC’s active role in our community. There are many good ideas in our history that we can carry forward to meet the needs of our times as they did. You can browse by decade. We’ve kept all the details in place as these names and projects are our roots. While it doesn’t make for fast reading, it is respectful and an important record of where we’ve come from. You’ll recognize lots of names from area landmarks and strong connections to the University of Florida. Enjoy. 

Off to a Fast Start as Befit the Times after WWI

1920's

GGC President E.L. Lord '25-'26.jpg

Mrs. E. L. Lord 

1924 -1926

September 11, 1924. The club was organized at the home of Mrs. E. L. Lord with 18 members. Mrs. Lord was elected President. The club met every second and fourth Thursday of the month except in the summer when it met only (missing section) was held that year and the club once a month. A local county fair exhibited wildflowers. A flower exhibit representing a miniature home landscape won third prize of $20.00 at the County Fair.

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Mrs. Ida M. Hardesty Heath

1926 – 1927

The first annual flower show was held at the Episcopal Parrish House under the direction of Mrs. DeWitt Gillis, Mrs. E. L. Lord and Miss Etta Means. During the year, the group met at Paynes Prairie to set out plants along the causeway. The club was admitted to the State Federation of Garden Clubs in May.

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Mrs. Rolf K. Buckley (Peggy) 

1927 – 1928

The Garden Club exhibit took first prize of $30 at the County Fair. The second annual flower show was held with admission being free. There were now 30 members of the club. Flowers and shrubs were planted at the city gates on North Alabama Street (now 6th Street).

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Mrs. Ida McDonald Thomas (Edna) 

1928 - 1929

Mrs. N. W. Sanborn broadcasted “Bird Conservation” on the radio. A Deodar Cedar tree was planted in the city park as a memorial to the late Dr. A. A. Murphree. Also living Christmas trees were planted at the new County hospital. Bird signs were placed at the City gates as Alachua County was a bird sanctuary.

GGC President Sanborn '29-'30.jpg

Mrs. N. W. Sanborn 

1929 – 1930

31 members. The American Tree Association certified that the Gainesville Garden Club was now a member. Members planted the side of the Highway East on University Avenue to the Lake. GGC and FFGC supported bills passed by the State Legislature prohibiting Snipe signs on Highways. Later, a bill was passed regulating the size and set-back of road signs. Before these bills passed, some of members went personally to see landowners and pled for and obtained permission to remove unsightly road signs.

A Time of Tumult for the Entire Country

1930's

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Mrs. Z.T. Bashaw (Viola) 

30 members. A flower show was held at the Twentieth Century Club. The club was organized on the flower show.

1930 – 1931

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Mrs. B. V. Christensen

The club had 58 members and two circles, Founders and Azalea.

1931 - 1932

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Mrs. J. S. Rogers 

The Gainesville Garden Club consisted of three circles, Founders, Oleander and Azalea. In 1932, GC put forth a concerted effort to make Gainesville “Green with Grass”. To this end, permission was granted to enclose a “Plant Grass” request with the City light and water bills. Full instructions for planting and maintenance were included. Newspaper publicity further emphasized this project, and in the end the results were highly satisfactory.

1932 – 1933

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Mrs. M. M. Parrish (Mary) 

Five circles and 130 members. The annual flower show was at a market in the square next to Cole’s Jewelry. The chairman was Mrs. Stella B. Fisher and members of the committee were Mrs. J. Speed Rogers, Mrs. H. H. Hume, Mrs. Grover Allison, Mrs. Bryant Walker, and Mrs. Fred Bryant. The FFGC Convention was held in Gainesville. Several local groups assisted. D. A. R. members sponsored a motorcade, the 20th Century Club opened its doors for a luncheon and business sessions, the Firne Arts Association loaned the pictures hung in the Club House for the occasion, and UF permitted the Garden Club to use the Student Union lounge for a special tea. The Chamber of Commerce contributed $50 for the event. Folling the Convention, it was voted to refund $25 of this amount wince after all bills were paid, there was still a balance of $120 on hand. 1934 – 1935 – Mrs. Parrish was elected president of the State Federation of Garden Clubs. Mrs. Fred Borland was elected secretary of that organization and Mrs. L. T. Neiland was chosen state chairman of conservation. The Garden Club held a benefit film at the Florida Theater. The film was “The Iron Duke” starring George Arliss. A letter was written to all civic clubs about the throwing of paper cups, paper napkins, etc. on city streets; especially in front of ice-cream parlors and soda fountains. A letter was also written to George Cairns, City Manager, asking him to pass an ordinance governing lily-pools. It was suggested to Cairns that a fine or the closing of the pool permanently be the penalty for the failure to clean up a pool after due notice from the city. A plan for a Municipal Park was presented to the City Commission.

1933 – 1935

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Mrs. C. A. Pound (Annie)

Six Circles. The following quotations were taken from an article in the Gainesville Sun called “Observations at a Flower Show”: “Seen while strolling through, Mrs. J. Speed Rogers and Mrs. N. W. Sanborn asking all to register. Mrs. M. M. Parrish and Mrs. R. K. Buckley admiring a floral paradise. Mrs. E. G. Lancaster explaining the use of Florida Flower Maps. Mrs. Claude Lee, Mrs. Earl A. Taylor, and Mrs. Helen Phifer Glass arranging roses.” A Moonlight Musical was held at the Hotel Thomas Gardens. The yearbook states, “The Object of the Club shall be to Promote an Interest in Gardens, to Cooperate in the Protection of Wild Flowers, Trees and Birds and Encourage Public Planting and Beautification.” The Club worked hard to have the City Commission adopt a City planting plan. 300 taxpayers joined with GGC by signing a petition for such a plan, but the request was approved. The plan was approved the following year. The first camellia show was held on January 19, 1937, and was thought to be the first of its kind to be held in Florida.

1935 – 1937

GGC President Adelaide Neiland - '37-'38.jpg

Mrs. L. T. Nieland (Adelaide)

169 members in six circles. The publicity scrapbook won honorable mention in the State Federation press award. This “Publicity Scrapbook” contains the most early information we have on the club from newspaper articles in the Gainesville Daily Sun. Some of the articles were just how to grow things, but others listed meeting topics and locations and then articles about the speakers at the meetings. A ribbon was won by the club in the Hobby Show held by the Gainesville Business and Professional Women’s Club. Seven gardens were toured. They were at the homes of Mrs. Miller Leake, Mrs. R.K. Buckley, Mrs. M.M. Parrish, Mrs. Fred Borland, Mrs. E. M. Emig, Mrs. Cecil Mathews, and the Horticultural Gardens at the University. After the tour, a social time was held at the UF Horticultural Gardens with light refreshments and music by a string quartette and an accordionist played a set of songs separately. A fundraising Tea and Bridge party was held at the Twentieth Century Club.

1937 – 1938

GGC President Mary Philyaw - '38-'40.jpg

Mrs. D.T. Philyaw (Mary)

There were still six Circles. The theme of the year “Make Gainesville a Tent of Coolness Spread with Carpets Soft and Green.” With that slogan established, the women marched forward! A lighted Christmas tree and doorway contest was held with some of the winners being Mrs. W. C. Thomas, Mrs. Fred Bryant, and Mrs. Cecil Gracey.

1938 – 1940

From  “Make Gainesville a Tent of Coolness Spread with Carpets Soft and Green,” to Victory Harvest Gardens

1940's

GGC President Evalyn Simmons - '40-'42.jpg

Mrs. G Ballard Simmons (Evalyn)

1940 – 1942

The Newsletter from the U. of F. was distributed to the members of the club. Junior Garden Clubs were established in elementary schools. Christmas wreaths were made for local buildings in the home of Mrs. L. T. Nieland. Mrs. M. M. Parrish was made custodian of Records and Fellowships in the State Federation. (A position which she still holds.) A provision was made that 10 cents per capital from FFGC dues be allotted to support a graduate fellowship in horticulture at UF; the local club along with many others in the state contributed to this worthy project. Our own sheriff, Mr. Joe Crevasse, was the first to receive this fellowship in 1940-41. On Oct 25, 1940, approximately 100 members enjoyed the “delightful” anniversary (16 years) luncheon held at the Primrose Grill. The dining room was decorated with loquat branches, autumn leaves and fruit arranged by members of the Azalea Circle. President Mrs. Ballard Simmons “brought out the thought” that “It is not so much what I do in my garden which counts, but what my garden does for me.” Dr. Harold Hume, UF Dean, talked about the impact of garden clubs throughout the state, developing home and public gardens, providing educational publications and events and sponsoring students though fellowships. Mrs. Walter Beisler reported that flowers had been kept in the U.S.O. all summer. Mrs. C. A. Pound asked for Chrysanthemum plants for use at Camp Blanding.

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Mrs. E. W Garris (Erma)

1942 – 1945

The garden club furnished flowers for the “New Service Center” and held a Victory Harvest Show to raise money to build an outdoor furnace for the center. The City Commission offered to donate 10 acres on South 9th Street for anyone desiring a victory garden. Mrs. Townes R. Leigh made a gift of 18 “drug” trees to the U. of F. Pharmacy School’s Medicinal Garden. Mrs. Balland Simmons was named District 3 Director and Mrs. L. T. Nieland, University Extension Chairman of the State Federation of Garden Club’s Board. The theme of the year was “Defense”. The Sears Foundation gave the Club a $400 grant and members voted to use this money to landscape the new Hospital Annex. In connection with Literature, the club donated the book, “The World is my Garden” to the Ship “The S.S. Gainesville Victory,” launched during the summer of 1944 at Wilmington, California. Mrs. Balland Simmons was made Extension Chairman on the State Board. Mrs. M.M. Parrish established the permanent award named the “Alma Parrish Award” to go to Junior Garden Club members. The club library was presented as a gift to the public library from the Garden Cub. Mrs. E Harlan reported that an Audubon Society was to be established at each school. Mrs. Townes R. Leigh announced cooperation with the Inter-American Affairs at the University. Mayor Commissioner Dell suggested that the Garden Club designate (rest of line omitted).

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Mrs. S. W. Getzen (Jo)

1945 – 1947

The club filed a protest against action taken by the City Commission Monday night Sept. 23, at which time they voted to request the State Road Department to remove grass plots on E. University Ave. between Oak St and East Boulevard. Mrs. L. T. Nieland was elected chairman of Birds and Conservation on the State Board. The plants from the Thomas Memorial near the T. and J. Railroad were moved and planted on the hospital grounds. The State Federation of Garden Clubs sponsored a Forest Conservation Bill introduced in the State Legislature pertaining to fire prevention and reforestation. Mrs. M. M. Parrish reported that the Stare Federation of Garden Clubs Student Fellowship has been named the “Harold Hume Horticulture Fellowship.” Mr. Henry Swanson will be the first to study under the fellowship under the new name.

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Mrs. Fred Borland (Norma)

1947 – 1949

The garden club made a request to the mayor-commissioner for a city planner (Appointed Oct. 30, 1047). A landscape clinic was held with Dr. H. S. Wolfe and Prof. John V. Watkins of the University and Mr. Joe Crevasse presiding. Mrs. Borland attended the “Keep Florida Green Conference” at the request of Gov. Millard Caldwell of Orlando. Donations were made to the “Seeds for Peace” movement. Mrs. B. C. Riley was appointed Univ. Extension Chairman by the State board. The local garden club helped organize a Garden Club of Newberry. The Gainesville club planted 12 Live Oak trees on the Courthouse Square. A Program Award of $25 was won for the “Tour of Kirkwood” and a Horticulture award of $25 was won for growing of Dutch iris by the Lotus Circle. The Geranium Circle was organized for businesswomen.

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Mrs. G. G. Kirkwood (Ellen)

1949 – 1950

Rooted cuttings were given to families living in Flavet III. The Club asked for permission to beautify an area at the intersection of 9th St. and the Archer Rd. The Recreation Center was decorated for Homecoming, and the District 3 meeting was held in Gainesville. The County Commission was asked for permission to make a park of the Tebeau School Property. The Christmas Nativity Scene was added to by the Men’s Garden Club. (Name unreadable) was selected as one of Gainesville’s outstanding women. The Gainesville Garden Club went on record and voted unanimously to preserve the courthouse square as a city park. The 25th Anniversary tea and garden party was held at the home of Mrs. J. O’Neal Cox. Mrs. Fred Borland was appointed chairman of the garden club’s library and Short Course on the State board.

A Post-War Time of Progress and Ambition

1950's

GGC President Day - '50-'52.jpg

Mrs. James W. Day

1950 – 1952

The club decided to cooperate with the Men’s Garden Club in creating the camellia garden to honor the late M. R. Roy Wilmot. “Flowers for Peace” was the theme of the flower show. Mrs. Roscoe McLane Sr. won the Sweepstakes. Mrs. H. S. Wolfe had 250 pine seedlings planted at the city schools on Labor Day. A garden tour and plant exchange was held with Mrs. Richardson and Mr. McMullen co-chairmen. “Southern Charm” was the name of the flower show. Mrs. Oscar Thomas Jr. won the tri-color award. Mrs. Paul L. Hanna was appointed chairman of the book service and Mrs. Dallas E. Dickey chairman of the State and National Parks and Memorials by the District director.

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Mrs. H. H. McDonald (Opal)

1952 – 1953

An award of a green ribbon was given for the Camellia Show “Blossom Time” which was held at the Student Service Center on Feb 14, 1953. Mrs. Paul Tew won a yellow ribbon at the State Flower Show and the Gainesville Garden Club won a white ribbon with its “Forest Preserve” entry. Each Circle voted to contribute $100 to the Garden Center Building Fund. A “Don’t Be A Litterbug” campaign was conducted. Honorary membership was bestowed on Mr. Joe Crevasse. A Negro Garden Club was originated and called “The Green Thumb.” Mrs. Frank H. Lewis presented an award cup to the Florida Federation. Mrs. W. H. Beisler was named Chairman of Visiting Gardens on the State Board. Mrs. R. Fairing was made director of Dist. III.

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Mrs. George F. Baughman (Hazel)

1953 – 1955

Through the efforts of the Garden Clubs, the Sabal Palm was designated as the State Tree. The flower show cooperated with the Chamber of Commerce and opened Gainesville’s Centennial with its Camellia Show. A large Garden Therapy Project was conducted at the Florida Farm Colony. The Perry House at the U. of F. may be designated as the permanent home of Florida Federation of Garden Clubs as a State Garden Center. Won the FFGC Publicity Scrap book award. Hwy 441 was planted by donations and efforts of GGC with palms, daylilies, pyracantha and other shrubs, all which speak to the public of the interest of our club in beautifying Gainesville. For this work, GGC won the Alice Rush McKeun Bronze plaque. Also planted pyracantha and Japonica Sylvestris on the east boundary of Waldo Road.

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Mrs. Robert L. Fairing (Beatrice)

1955 - 1957

Records Not Available

GGC President Ruth Riley - '57-'59.jpg

Mrs. B. C. Riley (Ruth)

1957 - 1959

GGC established roadside turnouts at either end of Paynes Prairie for better observation of bird life – a “first” for GGC. The idea, developed by the roadside development, the birds and conservation committees, was enthusiastically endorsed by the State Road Dept, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Florida Audubon Society and the Florida State Museum. The State Road Department made the two turn-our areas on Hwy 441 South and dredged for ponds nearby. Birds flocking to these ponds will give passing tourists a chance to enjoy them “in the wild”, a rare opportunity for most people.

The Beginnings of a Dream

1960's

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Mrs. Flake A. Parker (Tina)

1959 - 1961 

Records Not Available

GGC President Hazel Simmons - '61-'63.jpg

Hugh C. Simmons (Hazel)

1961 - 1963 

Records Not Available

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Mrs. Joseph T Hudson, Jr. (Betty)

1963 - 1965 

Records Not Available

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Mrs. John M. McCown Jr. (Marilyn)

1965 - 1967 

Records Not Available

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Mrs. James D. Gammage (Flossie) 

1967 - 1969

Kitchen storage room namesake – Flossie’s Closet. 475 members. Groundbreaking ceremonies we held on, April 25, for Garden Center and the club president from 1927, Mrs. Rolf K. Buckley and the then current president turned over a spade of dirt, as the symbol of the realization of a 40-yearold old dream. Acreage was donated to GGC by Dr. and Mrs. Lamar Roberts. Mrs. Roberts is a member of Azalea Circle. The Architect for the building was James D. McGinley AIA, the builder was Paul G. McKinley, contractor and the landscape consultant was Tom Feiber.

A Dream Come True as GGC’s Clubhouse Goes Up

1970's

GGC President Dot Hampton - '69-'71.jpg

Mrs. W. W. Hampton III (Dot)

1969 - 1971

“A Dream Come True” – The Gainesville Garden Club, Inc. completes building of the Garden Center. There are 4,106 square feet of Floor space in the Center. Cost: $63,330. The first newsletter, “The Seedling”, Editor: Mrs. I.R. Raye (Gladiolus Circle)

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Mrs. Fred T. Laughton Jr. (Helen)

1971 -1972

First Board of Trustees, chairman Mrs. H. H. McDonald (Amaryllis Circle). Approved construction of patio on north side of building.

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Mrs. Rush E. Choate (Barbara)

1972 – 1974

GGC granted tax exemption status.

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Mrs. Karl T. Losen (Kay)

1974 – 1975

The firm Black, Crow and Eidsness completed the new access road and covered the entire cost. Gate to the Garden Center was installed.

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Mrs. Earl J Kilgore (Winnifred)

1975 – 1977

GGC started Fun with Flowers workshops.

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Mrs. M. A. Brooker (Inez)

1977 - 1978

GGC successfully fought the County’s attempt to build a road through Garden Club Property, running from 23rd Avenue to 14th Avenue which is the road leading to the Club as well as allowing nearby property to be rezoned to allow for apartments. Short Course was held at the UF Reitz Union and finished with a luau at Turkey Creek Golf Club. Members continued participating in Spring Pilgrimage, Christmas Tour of Homes and a Flower Show (chaired by Celia Gottesman) at Oaks Mall.

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Mrs. Robert Short (Emma)

1978 – 1980

Property for parking lot purchased – 2.25 acres; cost $24,000 in cash.

Civic Action by 600 Members

1980's

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Mrs. Henry C Lunsford Sr. (Frances) 

1980 – 1982

GGC Completed construction of Kanapaha’s first gazebo. A storage room was added to the back of the kitchen area.

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Mrs. Gustav Harrer (Elizabeth)

1982 - 1984

Mrs. Hazel Simmons was FFGC president, 1983-1985. Sept 30, 1984 - GGC Celebrates 60 years with an open house and flower show. GGC had a membership of 605 active members (with 20 Circles), 10 honorary members, 15 Emeritus members, 36 associate members, 11 master judges, 2 life judges, 2 Emeritus judges, 5 Florida Landscape Critics, 9 Provisional Florida Landscape Critics, 1 Student Florida Landscape Critics and 2 Gardening Consultants.

GGC President Catherine Mullen - '84-'85.jpg

Mrs. R. S. Mullin (Catherine)

1984 - 1985

Completed 14 civic projects in the city, including landscaping the Airport entrance, establishing a Butterfly Garden at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, landscaping at the Thomas Center Gardens, Alice House, and Hannah’s Adult Congregate Living Facility; Youth Gardening in 9 areas schools; a GGC member chairs the 1985 Spring Pilgrimage; donated $500 to Girls Club of Alachua County.

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Mrs. H. V. Weems, Jr. (Camilla)

1985 - 1987

Christmas Tour of Homes was to top project. “Adopt a Spot” projects continued at the Airport Atrium and grounds and in downtown Gainesville at the Tower Clock historical site, in cooperation with the City of Gainesville. Landscaping at the Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, the new Girls Club of Alachua County and Gainesville Airport. Plant distribution for Woodland Park with 100’s of young trees and shrubs, bushels of bulbs and fertilizer to fill two pickup trucks, a van and a station wagon, plus donated a $500 scholarship to a UF student.

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Mrs. J. Paul Junkin (Lorene)

1987 - 1989

Landscaped at Girls Club of Alachua County (over $2,000 spent); Fashion Show hosted at Girls Club with $2,400 donated; decorated homes for Spring Pilgrimage, contributed money and labor to Thomas Center Grounds; over 800 youths enrolled in Youth Gardener program. Officially “burned the mortgage” on the GGC building. Continued landscaping and support of Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, Gainesville Regional Airport, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Thomas Center Gardens, Girls Club and Acorn (the newest project). Fashion Show brought $2,000 to the Girls Club in addition to landscaping. Youth Gardeners planted 17 trees donated by the Club, one each in a school. New Butterfly Garden started at the Garden Center; Christmas Tour of Homes and two Standard Flower Shows. Received Award for Garden Club of the Year from FFGC.

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Mrs. H. V. Weems, Jr (Camilla)

1989 - 1990

Christmas Tour, Standard Flower Show and continued projects from years before.

Multiple Awards as Garden Club of the Year

1990's

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Mrs. Anthony F. Randazzo (Lynne)

1990 - 1992

Continued projects Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, Spring Pilgrimage, Spring Garden Festival, Girls Club (Fashion Show), Youth Gardeners, Christmas Tour of Homes. New project – landscaping Ring Park. Presented Earth Day Proclamation by Gainesville City Commission. Butterfly Garden at GGC was dedicated on December 10, 1990. Christmas Tour of Homes, Standard Flower, Spring Garden Festival, Fashion Show for Girls Club which raised over $2,000 and was used by members to build a wooden bridge walkway and plant gardens with native Florida plants. Homes were decorated for Spring Pilgrimage; donations to Camp Wekiva; recycling of aluminum, glass, plastic and paper. China dishes for GGC kitchen bought by Amaryllis Circle. GGC won the FFGC Garden Club of the Year award. Participated in the WUFT Fundraiser by manning telephones for donations.

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Mrs. James C. Parker (Jean)

1992 - 1994

Christmas Tour of Homes, floral arrangements for Spring Pilgrimage, youth activities at Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Garden Therapy program for State Prison, Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, landscaping at Devil’s Millhopper State Park, the Veterans Memorial at Kanapaha Park, Babers Park, Habitat for Humanity homes and North Florida Special Care Center. Scholarships to Camp Wekiva and a $500 scholarship to a UF student. Donations to St. Francis House, Joyce House and to World Gardening. A $3,000 donation given to the Kiwanis Playland Park for landscaping. China dishes purchased for the GGC kitchen by Camellia Circle. GGC again won FFGC award for “Garden Club of the Year”.

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Mrs. Howard S. Coleman (Marion)

1994 - 1996

Holiday Tour of Homes and; Spring Pilgrimage, youth activities at Spring Garden Festival; Standard Flower Show; Garden Therapy for State Prison’ Flower Show School; Babers Park; Landscaping at Devils Millhopper Park, the Veteran’s Memorial, Habitat for Humanity homes and North Florida Special Care Center. Scholarships to Camp Wekiva and a $500 scholarship to a UF student. Plant distributions for the public, Butterfly and Bird sanctuaries at GGC. There are 18 Circles in the club with a membership of 539. 1,100 youths enrolled in Youth Gardener Program. GGC donated $8,000 to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens towards building the Summer House, in memory of Don Goodman’s daughter.

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Mrs. C. Valentine Bates (Claudia)

1996 - 1998

17 Circles with 515 members. Circles made quilts to fund Altrusa House, Habitat for Humanity, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Children’s Corner at the Spring Festival and Morningside Nature Center. Trees were planted at schools for Arbor Day. GGC did designs and decorating for Spring Pilgrimage and Holiday Tour of Homes. Floral design classes included a “Naked Table” transformation, designs with candles and a visit from Bob Thomas, a world-famous floral designer who taught classes at Short Course. Planted 230 crape myrtles along NW 16th Avenue. Standard Flower Shows were held each year and the Fall Bazaar sold crafts and gifts to support community projects. Mimosa Circle celebrates 50-year anniversary! Worked with youth gardeners at Hidden Oaks, JJ Finley, Wiles Elementary, Marth Manson Academy, Stephen Foster, Glen Springs, Metcalfe, Oak Hall, Sidney Lanier and Lincoln Middle School. Fun with Flowers started by Claudia Bates and Jan Sillik.

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Mrs. O. Frank Agee (Barbara)

1998 - 2000

GGC celebrates its 75th Anniversary, a Diamond Jubilee with a tea. Arbor and Veteran’s Day celebrated at local schools with programs. Club continues, Christmas Tour of Homes, Holiday Bazaar, Spring Pilgrimage, a Flower Show, Children’s Corner at the Kanapaha Spring festival, Founders Circle donated a quilt to GGC on October 28th that listed each circles and the flowers that represent them.

The New Millenium

2000's

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Mrs. Hugh Turner (Marjorie)

2000 - 2002

Claudia Bates was District V Director. Three members were named to the FFGC Hall of Fame for their outstanding service – Flossie Gammage, Lib Harrer and Emma Short.

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Mrs. Ross Sproul (Marion)

2002 - 2004

Installed tile work in courtyard area. The tiles were designed and created by Linda Holbrook of Wildflowers Circle. Historical Tidbit - 2003 – Mrs. Lamar Roberts (Louise) donated the land GGC occupies now; she passed away at 83 years old in 2003. She was a real estate broker and owner of Arabian Nights Horse farm, where she bred and raced horses. Her farm produced many winners and her stallion, Count Galagor won the top Arabian stakes race in the US. She was also active in many other civic activities.

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Mrs. Wade Ring (Nina)

2004 - 2006

GGC received FFGC Diamond Certificate for 75 years in the FFGC (joined in 1927). GGC held a Silverware Shower asking members to buy place settings from $1.99 in the Bentley pattern, using coupons from Publix. Held A-Z Treasure Mart on Nov 4, 2006 (2nd annual), “A Fall festival with arts, crafts, plants, collectables for sale, flower arranging demonstrations, Bingo, food and treasures to delight all!” Cost was $35 for 10X10 space. Profit 2005 - $588 and 2006 - $530.

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Mrs. Eva Ault

2005 - 2007

Her son Bryan designed and installed the first GGC website. A Blue Star Marker was dedicated April 14, 2004 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. March 2007, Ellen Shapiro, Jasmine Circle chairman, nominated for the Gainesville Sun’s Annual Community Service Award.

GGC President Andrea Little - '07-'09.jpg

Andrea Little

2007 - 2009

12 Circles, 355 members. Jasmine held Secret Garden Tour; GGC held an Oktoberfest at Kanida Nursery with speakers (Rick Schoellhorn of Proven Winners was one), lunch and demonstrations for $15. GGC paid for construction of a Gazebo at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Gourds were used to make bird houses and were then painted and decorated – taught by Claudia Bates. Inez Brooker led a flower waxing demonstration.

The Decade of Continued Growth

2010's

GGC President Jeanice Gage - '09-'11.jpg

Jeanice Gage

2009 - 2011

Laura Carmichael Building completed and dedicated on October 24, 2010; among the guests was James McKinley, a noted mid-century modern architect who designed both buildings. GGC published a cookbook as a fundraiser with recipes from members. A standard Flower Show was held at Dudley Farm and included historical exhibits. With Inez Brooker as District V directory, a Blue Star Marker was installed at the I-75 rest stop at exit 382. A “Green Thumbs” event was held on Bluebirds, after which GGC placed three bluebird houses on GGC grounds. A new butterfly garden designed by Ellen Shapiro opened in May 2010 in its present location – prior to that it was at the far end of the parking lot. At end of the term, Azalea, Founders and Lotus Circles closed or left GGC, leaving 8 circles and 198 members.

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Florence Cline

2011 - 2013

GGC won the “Outstanding Group” award from the City Beautification Board. Members traveled to Epcot to view FFGC weekend and floral displays. “Mayhem and Murder” was a fun program held during the year, with members from all Circles being the characters. Steppingstones for the butterfly garden were made and donated by Wildflowers Circle. The year ended with 6 Circles and 210 members.

GGC President Peggy Billings - '13-'15.jpg

Peggy Billings

2013 - 2015

GGC held “First and Second Annual Garage Sales”; Wildflowers taught a stepping stones workshop; “The Yearling”, a standard flower show was held at The Villages with Four Seasons Garden Club. Celebrated 90 year anniversary with guests from FFGC. Membership down to 187 – same 6 circles.

GGC President Sandra Arnold - '15-'17.jpg

Sandra Arnold

2015 - 2017

Claudia Bates (Wildflower Circle) elected as FFGC President. Begonia Circle held Seed Workshop, sharing seeds collected by members. Circles made wreaths and other crafts to sell at the Ronald McDonald House gingerbread event. Wildflowers taught a stepping stones workshop. “Bamboozled” a small standard flower show was held at GGC. The first Wedding Expo was held in April. GGC helped to landscape the Matheson Library and Archives with donations from different groups. Historical Tidbit – Florence Cline was honored with the 2016 Keep America Beautiful Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award and traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the award. GGC honored her by planting a tree on Arbor Day.

GGC President Fran Maris - '17-'19.jpg

Fran Maris

2017 - 2019

Sept 2017, the first Aged to Perfection (93 years) wine & appetizer welcome back event was held. A Gold Star memorial marker was installed at Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park. GGC presented with the FFGC 2017-18 Garden Club of the Year Award. GGC dedicated a Gold Star Marker at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. GGC adopted two wildflower medians on 16th Avenue and 43rd Street. GGC participated in the UF Homecoming Parade with member David Willkomm’s old Model A Ford.

Covid Ushers in Our Decade

2020's

GGC President Linda Schoellhorn - '19-'22.jpg

Linda Schoellhorn

2019 - 2022

COVID strikes and GGC holds meeting only through ZOOM or in the Main Building with masks and seated far apart. The new Celebration Garden was a project in which members could work on the GGC grounds; it was dedicated in memory of Suzanne Fry. The first Grow Your Own – Cutting Garden was held with Jon George as the speaker. This was held outside under the trees.

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Jo Lee Winterowd-Houlihan

2022 – 2025

GGC was awarded the FFGC Garden Club of the year award for 2021 outstanding efforts despite COVID. A Centennial Campaign was held to prepare for the GGC 100th birthday and upgrade facilities by 2024 - roofing was replaced on the Main Building with its cupola and the walkways. A special Gardeners Golden Gala was held to celebrate the Centennial with FFGC and District V officers attending.

©2024 by Gainesville Garden Club

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