History
Founded June 13, 1927
Founding Members
Affiliate Clubs
San Fernando Valley District of California Garden Clubs, Inc.
Pacific Region of National Council of State Garden Clubs.
Founding Members
Mrs. H.C. Quest
Mrs. A.B. Smith
Mrs. H.S. Black
Dorothy Black
Marion Quest Toy
History Complied by
Robin & Greg Pokorski
Dedication
It is hard to select only one person or a small group of people or even many people to whom to dedicate this history. For without Mrs. H.C. Quest and her vision and determination back in the 1920’s, this club wouldn’t be the same or perhaps even exist.
Without the dedicated leaders and members of the 1930’s and 1940’s as the club enjoyed its heyday of the 30’s and suffered decline during the war-years of the 40’s when club membership would plummet, then this club wouldn’t be the same or perhaps even exist.
Without the magnanimous, philanthropic members of the 1950’s and 60’s the club might not have provided the generous support to so many worthwhile causes and this club wouldn’t be the same or perhaps even exist.
Without the environmentally concerned members of the 1970’s and 80’s certainly our communities and state would have been the worse and this club wouldn’t be the same or perhaps even exist.
Without the renewed vigor and energy of the 90’s as membership begins to grow and activities begin to reawaken and blossom then this club wouldn’t be the same or perhaps even exist.
So, whom do you select when each and every member has been an asset to the club? Why, you select each and every club member that has allowed Southern California Garden Club to bloom and grow for 70 years. We are proud to be but the next generation in a heritage rich with dedication and service to our community, state and country.
1927...The Beginning
Southern California Garden Club began on a beautiful day, June 13, 1927, in the Van Nuys garden of Mrs. H.C. Quest. Five garden-lovers were there. Lamenting that there were almost no garden organizations in the Southland, someone in the group said, “Why don’t we form a garden club?” And they did.
Mrs. Quest was chosen as president because of her background of study and experience at the Ambler Horticulture School in Pennsylvania. The founders included Mrs. Quest and her daughter, Marion Q. Toy and their friends Mrs. H.S. Black (Lucy) and her daughter Miss Dorothy Black and Mrs. A.B. Smith.
On that founding day, Mrs. A.B. Smith volunteered as Vice-President, Lucy Black would be secretary and Dorothy Black offered to be treasurer. Marion Q. Toy became the first member.
Debating seriously over the club’s name, they wanted to include all who were interested, not just a small local group. With large vision (which proved to be amply justified), the name decided upon was Southern California Garden Club. There was a prompt and astounding response. Twenty-five ladies attended the first meeting which was held in the Van Nuys Library. Little is known of the first couple of years beyond the above which we have through the courtesy of Miss Dorothy Black who many years later returned to Southern California Garden Club for its 50th anniversary celebration and recorded the events of the founding day for posterity.
1931 to 1932
President Mrs. H.C. Quest
In 1931-32 the club had sixty members and four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. There were four committees: Flowers, Bulletin Board, Scrap Book and Publicity.
Meetings were held once a month, twelve months a year. The garden club year ran from June to June. Programs included geraniums, mums, color in the garden, garden scrapbooks, cacti and Christmas decorating.
The first Flower Show School in California was started in 1931, sponsored by Southern California Garden Club. The yearbook was printed professionally and included a photograph on the cover.
On December 5, 1931 the club became the first charter member of California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI). With club member Mrs. Leonard B. Slosson who became CGCI’s founding President, Southern California Garden Club joined with 21 other adult garden clubs and one junior garden club (which was sponsored by Southern California Garden Club) to form the California Garden Club Federation (which later became CGCI in 1936 when the federation incorporated). Mrs. Slosson was managing editor of Golden Gardens and the first Pacific Region Vice-President (1933-37). (In 1943 the position was changed to Region Director.)
Mrs. Quest remained president until 1932. She was also responsible for founding the Los Angeles Garden Club.
1932 to 1933
President Elizabeth Moore
By 1932-33 the garden club year ran from June through April. The club had 76 members and the same officers, but the committees had blossomed to include: Bylaws, Bulletin Board, Conservation, Educational Tours, Federation Secretary, Flowers, Hospitality, Publicity and Scrapbook, Programs, Timely Reminders, Visiting Gardens and Ways & Means.
The club met on the third Wednesday of the month at the Van Nuys Library. The 1932 yearbook was printed with a three-color iris cover.
On the first anniversary of the establishment of California Garden Club Federation, December 5, 1932, the federation was admitted to the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.
1933 to 1935
President Mrs. A.C. Voorhees
Unfortunately, no minutes or yearbooks have survived.
1935 to 1937
President Miss Dorothy Black
Mrs. H.C. Quest was Honorary President. Dues were $1.00 per year. The club had 105 members, ten programs and two tours in 1935-36. On September 18, 1935 the program was: “Paul J. Howard, European Bulb Gardens (with moving pictures, if possible).” On page 3 of the printed yearbook is:
“Information"
This year the Timely Reminders will be given at each regular meeting by Mrs. (Elizabeth) Moore. This is a very important part of our program, so have your notebooks and pencils ready.
Section 1.
Members may bring a guest to any regular meeting by paying 25 cents to the Treasurer for such privilege. House guests are excepted.”
In 1936-37 with club membership up to 122, meetings were held April through March, the yearbook was still professionally printed, and meetings were still held on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Van Nuys Library. Dues were $1. Programs, centered on horticulture, included: roses, soil treatments, lilies, fuchsias, “Plant Names - Their Meaning and History” and “Landscaping a small ranch or country home.” The March 17, 1937 program was: “Estates of Celebrities in California with lantern slides.”
1937 to 1938
President Emma Albright
The club had 149 members and dues were $1. Programs included: “Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands,” herbs, potted plants and camellias. The club hosted groups from Pacific Palisades and San Fernando.
1938 to 1939
President Mrs. C.E. Angier
Still meeting at the Van Nuys Library at 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, the club had 156 members. Five members were chairs to What, When & How to Plant. This five-member committee shared new plant material each month. Another five members handled the club’s “question box.” Club meetings were held April through March with no meeting in August. The club took five tours. Programs covered: iris, birds & butterflies, ferns, dahlia, mums, California native plants, flowering vines and unusual bulbs. On October 19, 1938, special guest Edward Everett Horton attended the club meeting. In April 1939, the club held a “Garden Flower Show.”
1940 to 1942
President Mr. Lawrence Brown
The printed yearbook sported a gold cover and contained the oldest record of the club’s bylaws. With 171 members dues were still $1.00. Club meetings were eliminated in July and August. On April 17, 1940, Theodore Payne was the featured speaker on California Native Plants. Other programs included: “Bio-dynamic Gardening Theory” and lilies (including slides). A Federation Secretary was a re-instituted chairmanship.
Club member Mrs. William D. Shearer was the San Fernando Valley District Director from 1941 until 1944.
In 1941-42 the club took three tours, had a bulb sale, dessert sale and plant sale. The 182 members enjoyed programs on vegetables, carnations, perennials, bulbs and camellias.
1942 to 1944
President Mr. Wilmore Harcus
In 1942-43 the programs became topical of the war years: “Victory Garden Planting & Planning,” “Victory Garden Cultivating & Growing,” “Canning Fruits & Vegetables.” The club picnicked in Pacific Palisades and exchanged recipes.
The program in November, 1942 was “Technicolor Slides of Coca-Cola Book III” and in December, 1942, “Kodachrome Slides.” The yearbook was still printed professionally and the club maintained high membership with 195.
In 1943-44, the first theme, “We Garden for Victory,” appeared in the yearbook which was still printed professionally.
Club meetings, still held on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Van Nuys Library, were still on an April to March year but no meetings were held in July, August or September. Programs included: nutrition, holiday decor, canning problems, pruning and citrus trees.
1944 to 1945
President Mr. Stanley Petit
In 1944-45 the yearbook was not printed professionally but typed and copied and the cover is hand-drawn. It is a very thin yearbook with only the new members listed (for a total membership of 206) and a note refers to the previous year’s yearbook for the remainder of the roster. Programs included: iris, roses, winter gardens, pruning and propagation.
1945 to 1947
President Mr. John Schmitz
With membership at a peak of 219, members enjoyed programs on review of garden books, roses, mums and potted plants. Club meetings still ran from April through March but were “dark” in July, August and September. The yearbook was typed, copied and small in size. The cover was floral construction paper (wallpaper ?).
There is no record of the 1946-47 season but the club season changed during this period to: October through June.
1947 to 1949
President Alma Whisler
In 1947-48 the most dramatic change appeared in the yearbook: the club lost 150 members since the 1945-1946 garden club season. Gasoline rationing appears to have been the problem. When gasoline had been rationed during the war small local garden clubs began forming. After the war, these small clubs never regrouped but blossomed on their own.
Though membership was down to 69, club member Mrs. William D. Shearer was CGCI President.
Life members appear for the first time but there is no mention whether the life membership is to the club, state or national. Dues were $1.25.
The object of the club as listed in the Bylaws was: “…to study in all its aspects the fine art of gardening, to stimulate interest in cooperative gardening and to aid in the protection of wildflowers and birds.”
In 1948-49 membership rose to 80 and the club met in members’ homes on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
1949 to 1950
President Mr. Irl Lynch
The club’s membership had risen to 110 and they met at the Sepulveda Playground at 8801 Kester in Van Nuys but still on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Telephone numbers appear in the yearbook which was printed. Programs included: “Your Job in the Garden Club,” bulbs/lilies and roses. The last program of the year was a Round Table.
Mrs. Leonard B. Slosson, club member from at least 1930 until 1944 and first and founding president of CGCI, was installed as the 11th National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. President.
1950 to 1951
President Mr. Rex Turnmire
There were six elected officers in 1950-51: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Press. Dues were $1.25 and the club had a membership of 94.
The printed yearbook contained the bylaws. The program speaker on April 18, 1951 was Theodore Payne, speaking on California Native Plants. The club held a Guest Night which was a Potluck Supper at 6:30 p.m.
1951 to 1952
President Mr. Irl Lynch
Membership was on the rise with 119 members. The club took three tours, and the yearbook was typed and copied with a construction paper cover decorated with floral stickers.
The March 19, 1952, evening program was: “’Springtime in Holland’ moving picture with sound.” On June 18, 1952, the club celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special Tea.
The Green Thumb newsletter made its debut in 1952.
1952 to 1954
President Mr. Herman Janetzky
The club moved its meetings to the Presbyterian Church at 15101 Dickens in Sherman Oaks and still met on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The elected officers numbered eleven but there were only six committees. Membership stood at 125 with 19 members joining during 1952-53.
The club held a Beach Party, tour and Supper Meeting.
The yearbook was printed and contained a 25-year history. The cover was silver, in honor of the club’s 25th anniversary.
In 1953-54 dues were raised to $2.00 and membership stood at 146. Programs included: roses, cacti, ground covers and camellias.
1954 to 1955
President Mr. Charles Hathway
Sylvia Alderman joined the club in April 1955. Members enjoyed programs on ferns, trees, birds and perennials. The club toured Huntington Library and held an evening potluck and movie. The yearbook was printed and listed 144 members.
1955 to 1956
President Mr. Warren Sears
The club met at 4445 Noble Street in Sherman Oaks on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Club dues were $3.00 plus $.25 for “Federation” dues to CGCI. The club toured Descanso Gardens and had programs by Cactus Pete and a speaker from Ortho Gardening. The yearbook was printed and listed 128 members.
Our files have most of The Green Thumb’s, (which were mailed First Class for $.03) from this point on.
1958 to 1960
President Mr. Edmund Clark
The club held a fashion show and went on a lunch and shopping tour in Laguna Beach. There were 94 members, and the dues were still $3.00 + $.25 “Federation” dues.
In 1959-60 the officers were: President, Vice-President (Programs), 2nd VP (The Green Thumb), Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian and three Directors. Membership remained at 94.
The program on November 18, 1959: Olieta Clark demonstrating Christmas decor. The program on February 17, 1960: “Color Film” by DWP.
1960 to 1962
President Mr. George Weaver
In 1960-61 membership swelled to 108 plus 13 members who joined during the year.
A club song was written and set to music and appeared in the yearbook for the first time. The club still met on the third Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 4924 Paso Robles Avenue in Encino. Dues were still $3.00 + $.25 “Federation” dues.
The 1961-62 yearbook, which was printed, is the first to look like our “modern” yearbooks of today with the title page showing our District, State, Region and National affiliations.
Club member Lometa Clark was San Fernando Valley District Director.
Dues were raised to $3.50 and the club had 108 members. Programs, which until 1961-62 were generally presented by men on corporate sponsorship, were now mostly given by garden club ladies.
1962 to 1964
President Mrs. Fay Alderman
“Enthusiasm is the Great Hill Climber” (1962-63)
“Landscaping with Color” (1963-64)
In 1962-63 with dues at $3.50 and 104 members, activity went into high gear as the club purchased its 1st Penny Pines Plantation and became a CGCI Blue Ribbon club for the first time.
The club began workshops before each meeting to study flower arranging. In addition to The Green Thumb, which was published 10 times a year, a Conservation Bulletin was published three times that season for the members’ particular study of soil and water conservation.
There was a movement to disassociate the club from California Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. but after much debate and lobbying on both sides of the issue, the ballot was taken and an outside teller brought in to count the ballots and by two or three votes the club remained with the state and national organizations.
In 1963-64 the club held its 1st Standard Flower Show, “Fall and Winter Magic.” The show was held on November 12, 1963, at the Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Boulevard in Encino.
Dues were still $3.50 with 103 members. The yearbook was printed, and Ruth Norris designed and painted the covers.
1964 to 1966
President Mrs. Sheldon Norris
“A Rainbow of Flowers For Our Valley” (1964-65)
“Colorful Trees & Shrubs” (1965-66)
In 1964-65 dues were still $3.50 and the club had 98 members. The club held its 2nd Standard Flower Show, “Arts and Flowers,” on November 13, 1964. The yearbook was printed, and the cover was designed and hand-painted by the President.
In 1965-66 the dues were raised to $4.00 and 89 members were listed in the yearbook which was printed. The covers were still designed and hand-painted by Ruth Norris. The 3rd Standard Flower Show was held on April 1 and 2, 1966. The club started work on a cookbook, but no mention is made of whether this came to fruition. The Corner Cupboard came into being during this season and continues currently as a fund-raiser to which members bring their white elephants.
1966 to 1967
President Mrs. Raymond Lee
"A Day is Born"
Club meetings were now held at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse at 14836 Sylvan Street in Van Nuys at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month. Club dues were $4.00, and the membership stood at 90. Club member Sylvia Alderman was the San Fernando Valley District Director from 1966 until 1968.
The club held a horticulture show and judging at each meeting. The club’s 4th Standard Flower Show was held on March 3, 1967.
1967 to 1969
President Mrs. James Gerber
“Enchantment of Our Garden” (1967-68)
“Adventures in Gardening” (1968-69)
Membership dropped to 66. The club was proud to have four Flower Show Judges as members listed in the printed yearbook. The club became officially a 100% Golden Gardens club by including the magazine’s subscription price in the club dues which had been raised to $5.00. The club had always had 100% member subscriptions to Golden Gardens, but it had not been officially acknowledged.
Club members participated in the CGCI State Board Meeting held in the district.
The 5th Standard Flower Show, “Driftwood Magic,” was held April 19, 1968. Club member Maryedith Pratt’s daughter won a CGCI Scholarship of $500.
Programs included: berries, conservation, flower arranging and driftwood.
In 1968-69 dues were still $5.00 and the yearbook, which was typed and copied, listed 64 members. The club’s 6th Standard Flower Show was held on March 28, 1969. Club member Iola Hall was San Fernando Valley District Director from 1968 until 1970.
1969 to 1971
President Mrs. Francis D. Pratt
“Awareness of Nature’s Beauty” (1969-70)
“Our Heritage, Our Environment, Our Responsibility!” (1970-71)
The club held its 7th Standard Flower Show, “Fiesta,” on April 10, 1970. Members toured an African violet farm, Burpee’s Seed Station and members’ gardens. Dues were $5.00 and membership was 70.
In 1970-71 the club had four Flower Show Judges and one student judge (Sylvia Alderman). Program topics included: World Gardening, hummingbirds and native wildflowers. The club held its 8th Standard Flower Show on March 26, 1971, and members toured lath house gardens, Palos Verdes Begonia Farm and a cactus farm.
The yearbook was typed and copied and the cover printed.
1971 to 1973
President Mr. Paul Bergstrom
“Love OUR World” (1971-72)
"Springtime in the Valley” (1972-73)
The 1971-72 season was the first with an executive committee that matches our current structure: President, 1st VP (Programs), 2nd VP (Membership) and 3rd VP (Flower Show).
The club counted five Flower Show Judges among the membership of 70 and held its 9th Standard Flower Show. Programs covered topics such as Civic Beautification, World Gardening, soil, birds, geraniums and native flora.
Members’ birthdays and favorite flowers appeared in the yearbook for the first time.
In 1972-73 the club still met on the third Wednesday of the month at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse at 10 a.m. and membership had increased to 72.
The 10th Standard Flower Show, “Springtime Involvement,” was held in the homes of two members on April 6, 1973. Donation was $1.00.
The club sponsored an Arbor Day tree planting, garden walk, two bus tours, Past President’s Luncheon and participated in Campo de Cahuenga festivities.
1973 to 1975
President Mr. Anthony Tabick
“Gardens Are For Sharing” (1973-74)
“Garden Paths to Loveliness” (1974-75)
The yearbook now matches the standard size and format of today’s yearbooks. It was typed and copied, and the cover was hand-painted by Ruth Norris. The Club Library was listed in the yearbook for the first time.
The club counted five Flower Show Judges in its membership of 73. Dues were $5.00.
The 11th Standard Flower Show, “Gardens Are for Sharing,” was held March 29, 1974 at the First Presbyterian Church, 14701 Friar Street in Van Nuys.
In 1974-75 the club purchased its 9th Penny Pines Plantation. Club member Helen Minor won the San Fernando Valley District scholarship to Flower Show School.
The 12th Standard Flower Show, “Home for the Holidays,” was held at the home of club member Pat Bristow in Encino on December 6, 1974.
The club’s membership of 71 increased with 11 members joining during the garden club season. Club dues were increased to $5.50.
1975 to 1977
President Mr. Harrison Minor
“Gardens Are Our Heritage” (1975-76)
“Our Golden Year” (1976-77)
The club still met on the third Wednesday of the month at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse at 10 a.m. with a membership of 80. Dues were $5.50.
The 13th Standard Flower Show, “Christmas Around the World,” was held December 5, 1975.
The club toured the Wrigley Home and the San Gabriel Mission. TreePeople’s Andy Lipkis opened the 1975-76 garden club season as a special guest speaker.
The tenor of the club changed with a significant change in Article III of the bylaws. The new Article III which has remained in force since acceptance in 1975-76 reads:
ARTICLE III - OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this organization shall be: (1) to create, promote and further interest in amateur gardening, in plant and bird life and in appreciation of the natural beauties of the State of California; (2) to encourage civic beautification and roadside development; (3) to assist in projects for the conservation of our natural resources.
In 1976-77 the club counted four Flower Show Judges and four Flower Show Student Judges among its membership of 80.
The 14th Standard Flower Show, “Our Golden Celebration,” was held on March 25, 1977, at the First Presbyterian Church in Van Nuys.
The club toured Rogers Gardens and San Sylmar and enjoyed programs on birds and California native flora.
The yearbook was typed and copied but the cover was an elegant gold in honor of the club’s 50th anniversary.
1977 to 1980
President Mr. George Lewis
“Happiness Is…” (1977-78)
“Light Up Your Life with Gardening” (1978-79)
“Friends and Flowers” (1979-80)
The 15th Standard Flower Show, “Happiness Is,” was held March 31, 1978, at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 17114 Ventura Boulevard in Encino. Donation was $1.00.
The club had five Flower Show Judges and three Student Judges. Dues were $5.50.
In 1978-79 programs included: bees, the L.A. Zoo, hummingbirds and day lilies. The 16th Standard Flower Show, “Fiesta de Flores Celebrating Cinco de Mayo,” was held May 5 and 6, 1979. The club won the CGCI Sweepstakes Award for its class. Dues increased to $6.50.
In 1979-80 the club held its 17th Standard Flower Show, “Friends and Flowers,” on May 21, 1980. It took $.15 postage to mail The Green Thumb. The club received a wooden plaque in honor of its 17th Penny Pines Plantation purchase at the 1979 CGCI Convention. The club took home the CGCI Sweepstakes Award for the second consecutive year.
Club member Helen Minor was San Fernando Valley District Director from 1979 until 1982.
1980 to 1983
President Mr. Joseph Harris
“Flower Fascination (1980-81)
“Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (1981-82)
“How Does Your Garden Grow?” (1982-83)
On October 10, 1980, the Sepulveda Garden Center dedication ceremony was held. Club member Sylvia Alderman was instrumental in the revitalization of this facility (to which the club would later move its meetings).
The club held its 18th Standard Flower Show, “Flower Fascination,” on April 25, 1981, at the home of club member Rose Hopgood. The club purchased its 18th Penny Pines Plantation.
The club had 65 members and still met on the third Wednesday of the month at the Van Nuys Woman’s Club. Dues were $6.50.
For Arbor Day, 1981, a Eureka lemon and a pomegranate tree were planted at the Andres Pico Adobe in Mission Hills as well as twelve trees at the New Horizon Activity Center. In preparation for participating in the National Council Convention, club member Edna Martin raised several hundred (600-700) miniature roses, one for each conventioneer.
For the third consecutive year the club won the CGCI Sweepstakes Award.
In the fall of 1981, the club changed its meeting day to the third Tuesday of the month. The 19th Standard Flower Show, “Flowering Expressions,” was held at the Sepulveda Garden Center on March 12 and 13, 1982. The club’s 19th Penny Pines Plantation was purchased. For the fourth consecutive year the club won the CGCI Sweepstakes Award.
In 1982-83 the club had 68 members and dues were $6.50. The 20th Standard Flower Show, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” was held on March 25 and 26, 1983 at the Sepulveda Garden Center. The Flower Show was dedicated to long-time club member and poet laureate, Martha Bierkamp. The theme and class titles were taken from Martha’s poems.
The club held Show & Tell and plant clinic workshops. The yearbook was typed and copied. And for the fifth consecutive year the club won the CGCI Sweepstakes Award.
1983 to 1986
President Mr. William Silverman
“Growing Our Way” (1983-84)
“Plant Trees in ’84, See Them Thrive in ‘85” (1984-85)
“Say It With Flowers” (1985-86)
The club’s 21st Standard Flower Show, “Growing Our Way,” was held on April 13, 1984. The club had 74 members. Club member Andy Lipkis, founder of TreePeople, was named CGCI Man of the Year.
Club member Maryedith Pratt was San Fernando Valley District Director from 1983 until 1986.
With the start of the 1984-85 garden club season the dues were increased to $8.00 and membership had increased to 81. On December 27, 1984 the last founding member of Southern California Garden Club, Miss Dorothy Black, passed away. The 22nd Standard Flower Show, “Spring Song,” was held on March 8, 1985.
In 1985-86 the 25th Penny Pines Plantation was purchased. The club held its 23rd Standard Flower Show, “Flowers and Fragrance,” on April 11, 1986. The club had a membership of 74.
1986 to 1987
President Mr. Arthur Hannermann
“How Green Is Our Valley ” (1986-87)
The club’s 24th Standard Flower Show, “Floral Celebrations,” was held on April 10, 1987 at the home of club member Beverly DePauw.
Club member Marge Roberts was named CGCI Flower Arranger of the Year.
The club toured a bird sanctuary and enjoyed programs on holiday wreaths and bees. Dues were $8.00.
1987 to 1989
President Jane Goodwin
“Flowers are Nature’s Jewels” (1987-88)
“A Cleaner, Greener Land” (1988-89)
In 1987-88, with $8.00 dues and 64 members, the club still met on the third Tuesday of the month at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse. The club held a vintage style show for the club’s 60th anniversary, toured Huntington Gardens and enjoyed programs by the Daily News Garden Editor and the U.S. Forest Service. The club’s 26th Penny Pines Plantation was purchased.
In 1988-89 the club held its 25th Standard Flower Show, “America, Sweet Land of Liberty,” on April 29, 1989. Dues were raised to $10.00. The club had 60 members. The club’s 27th Penny Pines Plantation was purchased.
Club member Lois Gerber was San Fernando Valley District Director from 1988 until 1990.
1989 to 1991
President Mrs. Francis D. Pratt
“Our Heritage! Our Environment! Our Responsibility!” (1989-91)
In 1989-90 the club held its 26th Standard Flower Show, “It’s a Small World,” on April 7, 1989. The show was an award-winning all miniature show. The club’s 28th Penny Pines Plantation was purchased. The club held a Fall Harvest Boutique as its major fund-raiser.
The club had 50 members and its dues were $10.00.
In 1990-91 the club held its 27th Standard Flower Show, “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?” on April 13, 1991. Dues were raised to $15.00. The club continued to hold its Fall Boutique as its fund-raiser with its 55 members.
1991 to 1997
President Mrs. Robin Pokorski
“Love Echoes in Field & Flower” (1991-92)
“A Garden is Nature’s Coloring Book” (1992-93)
“Blossoming to Meet New Challenges” (1993-94)
“Expanding Challenges Into Opportunities” (1994-95)
“Sharing Nature’s Wonders” (1995-96)
“Blooming & Growing for 70 Years” (1996-97)
In 1991-92 the club still met on the third Tuesday of the month at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse at 10 a.m. With 52 members, dues were $15.00. The club purchased its 29th Penny Pines Plantation and members enjoyed programs on iris, vegetables, recycling, bromeliads and flower arranging. The club toured the Banning Museum and took the Los Angeles Zoo Botanic tour.
In 1992-93 the club’s membership dropped to 49 members, of which two were Flower Show Judges. The yearbook was typed and copied. The club’s 30th, 31st, and 32nd Penny Pines Plantations were purchased. The club held its 28th Standard Flower Show, “Basket Fantasies,” on May 15, 1993, at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse. Programs included: iris, roses, geraniums, annuals and perennials.
The district hosted the CGCI Winter Board for which the club handmade 350 “goody bags.”
In 1993-94 three more Penny Pines Plantations were purchased for a total of 35 plantations. The club could no longer afford the rent at the Van Nuys Woman’s Clubhouse and voted to move to the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino which was available rent-free because of our affiliation with the San Fernando Valley Garden Center Association and because the facility was for use by garden clubs. The Garden Center included kitchen facilities, microphone and speakers, restrooms, and program amenities (such as room darkening shades for slide programs). The club toured the Leonis Adobe. Club member Cellestine Hannemann’s daughter won a CGCI Scholarship of $1000.
In 1994-95 with membership increased to 54, the club held its 29th Standard Flower Show, “Happy Holidays,” on December 3, 1994. Two more Penny Pines Plantations were purchased for a total of 37.
Members enjoyed programs on CGCI Awards, wreaths, ferns, butterflies and fragrant geraniums. The club counted among its members two Master Flower Show Judges and one Landscape Design Critic. The club hosted a Gardening Study School, Series XIII, the first such school ever hosted by an individual club in California.
Club president Robin Pokorski was San Fernando Valley District Director from 1994 until 1995.
In 1995-96 the club boasted two Master Flower Show Judges, one Landscape Design Critic and six Gardening Consultants. The club held its 30th Standard Flower Show, “Enjoy the Rainbow,” on April 12 and 13, 1996. The club purchased two Penny Pines Plantations for a total of 39.
Subscribers were added as a new membership class. This was for those members who did not attend the meetings but wanted to receive Golden Gardens and The Green Thumb. This reduced the expenses of the club by elimination of state and district dues and insurance for people who were not able to attend.
In preparation for its 70th anniversary a Southern California Garden Club Cookbook was published and nearly 200 copies have been sold.
In 1996-97 Southern California Garden Club is proud to brag about its 20 Club Life Members, 13 CGCI Life Members, two Pacific Region Life Members, eight National Council Life Members, two Master Flower Show Judges, two Landscape Design Critics, eight Gardening Consultants, six members serving on the Board of Directors of San Fernando Valley District and two members serving on the CGCI Board of Directors.
The club adopted an official logo and held its 31st Standard Flower Show, “70th Jubilee,” on March 21 and 22, 1997. T-shirts with the club logo were bought in bulk quantity and members snapped up the shirts quickly. Two huge banners of heavy vinyl were purchased. One, ten feet long by three feet high, proudly announces in forest green on a bright white background, “Southern California Garden Club.” The other banner, six feet long by three feet high, announces, “Flower Show,” in the same colors. Three more Penny Pines Plantations were purchased bringing the total to 42.
The club stepped in at the eleventh hour and rescued a Flower Show School in danger of folding and has hosted the first two courses successfully. The club has several members registered for all or part of the Flower Show School. Following successful completion of the third course the club will have two new Student Flower Show Judges.
The San Fernando Valley District will host the 1998 CGCI Convention and, once again, Southern California Garden Club has offered to make “goody bags” for the expected 350 in attendance, as well as provide hosts and hostesses for the Convention.
Exerpts
1979 to 1980 Club Yearbook
The Future for Southern California Garden Club
The future presents many challenges to our club. We need to obtain and retain new members. We need active members who will envision and implement new goals, activities and projects. There are many obstacles—today’s society and economy dictate that most people work full-time and therefore have little time for outside activities. Many have not developed an ethic of volunteerism. Those who have, often give to so many causes that their energy is depleted. But, as has happened in the past, surely, we can put our heads together to come up with positive solutions and have fun and feel the pride of accomplishment in achieving them.
In the immediate future, we have three more courses of Flower Show School to sponsor and are an integral member of the host district to the 1998 CGCI Convention. Among things we have not done and may consider are a PETALS project and sponsorship of a Blue Star Memorial Marker.
The theme of our new CGCI President, Mrs. Robert Brune, is “Our Garden Path to the Future.” Let us travel that path together. There is always more to be learned and shared about horticulture, floral design, nature and our environment. The theme of our new National Council President, Mrs. J.E. Barnette, is “Gardening Makes a World of Difference.” There is much we can do to beautify our surroundings and conserve our resources. Let us work toward these noble goals as individuals, jointly as a club and in unison with members of other clubs who share our interests. Let us meet the challenges of Presidents Brune and Barnette to make a positive influence on our communities, our world and our future as we follow OUR Garden Path to the Future and in so doing, show that Gardening Makes a World of Difference.
Projects & Causes Supported by
Southern California Garden Club
Southern California Garden Club has demonstrated its philanthropy through the years by its generosity and diversity of contributions to worthwhile causes. The following lists that diversity.
Andres Pico Adobe-Herb Garden
Anza-Borrego Desert Gardens
Baldwin Lake Preserve - stamp-saving to save eagles
Bicentennial Compotes - National Council Project
Big Bear Lake Preserve - stamp-saving to save eagles
Blind Center - Betty Crocker coupons
Blue Star Memorials
“Bright of America” stationery
California Arboretum Foundation
California Hall of Flowers
California Poppy Preserve
California State Parks Foundation
Canoga Park Library - monthly floral arrangements
Canoga Park Library Seminars (round table discussion open to the public on gardening)
Chatsworth Historical Society
Committee for the Preservation of the Tule Elk
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Convalescent Homes - Magazine & books
Coupons for Kids
Descanso Gardens
Desert Protective Council
Desert Tortoise Preserve
Ecology Action - glass recycling
Environmental Preservation - Letter-writing campaign
Exhibition 50 - National Council Project
Golden Circle of Trees - 10 sempervirens - National Council project
Golden Gardens - 100% subscriptions,
annual Season's Greetings
Guide Dogs of America
Habitat for Humanity
Haskell Street School Garden Project
Headquarters Beautification Fund - National Council Project
Judges Council of Southern California
Korean 4-H Club
Land of Oz - Children’s playground, Van Nuys
Litter Control
Los Angeles Flood Control District
Los Angeles State & County Arboretum Foundation
Lutheran Social Services - Food bank
Meals to the Homebound
Mono Lake Educational Fund - CGCI Project
National Garden Week
The Nature Conservancy
New Horizons Workshop
Olive View Med Ctr - toys, games and Christmas decorations for the children’s ward
Operation Wildflower - CGCI Project
Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center
Owl Necklaces - CGCI Project
Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital - Children’s ward, Christmas decorations
Public Works - Letter-writing campaign
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
San Fernando Mission Folklorico
San Fernando Valley Audubon Society
San Fernando Valley Beautiful
San Fernando Valley Garden Center Association
San Fernando Valley Horticulture Society
San Francisco Bay Association, Inc.
Save San Francisco Bay Efforts
Self-Aid Workshop, Glendale
Sempervirens Fund
South Coast Botanic Garden
Stagecoach Hill - native azaleas
Theodore Payne Foundation - CGCI Project
Tillman Reclamation Plant - Japanese Garden
TreePeople
Van Nuys Library - floral arrangements
Vision of Beauty calendars - National Council Project
Volunteers of America Hacienda for Senior Citizens, Sunland
White Oak Farm
Wildflower Research Center, Austin, Texas - National Council Project
Wildlife Waystation
World Flower Festival
World Gardening - Heifer Project International
Club Projects of Southern California Garden Club
Southern California Garden Club has had a rich history of “stick-to-it-iveness.” The following represents those projects the club has actively supported on a long-term basis.
Arbor Day - Hundreds of trees have been planted all over the San Fernando Valley. Most of the trees at the Sepulveda Garden Center were planted by the club.
Campo de Cahuenga - Since 1968, the club president has participated in the annual January celebration of the Signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga by placing a fresh wreath at a memorial.
Canteen Books - Sepulveda VA - Since 1965, a $50 annual donation has been given for a total of $1600.
Chapel Flowers - Sepulveda VA - Fresh floral arrangements have been placed at the VA Chapel altar since 1965 and are still a club project.
Holiday Tray Favors - Sepulveda VA and Olive View Medical Center - Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas tray favors in quantities of 100 or more have been made for the inpatients since 1966.
Hollywood Bowl Easter Lilies - The sponsorship of Easter Lilies for the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service began in 1972 and continued until 1978.
Penny Pines - 1st plantation purchased in 1962, 42 plantations to date for a total donation of $2856.
Scholarships - Awards of $100-$200 to worthy students in high school, college or National Council study programs, such as Landscape Design, Flower Show School or Gardening Study have been given since 1968. Total awarded to date: $3,950.
VA Holiday Gifts - Since 1978, small personal comfort gifts (such as toothpaste, after shave, deodorant) have been donated to the inpatients at the Sepulveda VA Hospital.
Youth Activities - As the first club in the Federation to form a Junior Club, our youth groups have always held a special place in our hearts. Sponsorship of one or more youth groups has been continuous; from planting gardens at playgrounds and schools to instruction in floral arranging and horticulture. Currently the club sponsors six youth groups.
National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.
Presidents from Southern California Garden Club
Mrs. L.B. Slosson, 11th President 1949-51
Pacific Region Vice Presidents & Directors from
Southern California Garden Club
Mrs. L.B. Slosson, 1st Vice-President 1933-37
California Garden Clubs, Inc.
Presidents from Southern California Garden Club
Mrs. L.B. Slosson, Founding President 1931-35
Mr. William D. Shearer, 9th President 1947-49
San Fernando Valley District
Directors from Southern California Garden Club
Mr. William D. Shearer, 9th President 1941-44
Mr. Edmund L. Clark 1961-62
Mrs. Fay Alderman 1966-68
Mr. Edward Hall 1968-70
Mr. Harrison Minor, Jr. 1979-82
Mrs. Francis D. Pratt 1983-86
Mr. James Gerber 1988-90
Mr. Gregory Pokorski 1994-95
Roster of Presidents from
Southern California Garden Club
Mrs. H.C. Quest 1927-32
Ms. Elizabeth Moore 1932-33
Mrs. A.C. Voorhees 1933-35
Miss Dorothy Black 1935-37
Ms. Emma Albright 1937-38
Mrs. C.E. Angier 1938-39
Mr. William D. Shearer 1939-40
Mr. Lawrence Brown 1940-42
Mr. Wilmore Harcus 1942-44
Mr. Stanley Petit 1944-45
Mr. John Schmitz 1945-47
Mrs. Alma Whisler 1947-49
Mr. Irl Lynch 1949-50
Mr. Rex Turnmire 1950-51
Mr. Irl Lynch 1951-52
Mr. Herman Janetzky 1952-54
Mr. Charles Hathaway 1954-55
Mr. Warren Sears 1955-56
Mrs. Dale Teachenor 1956-58
Mr. Edmund L. Clark 1958-60
Mr. George M. Weaver 1960-62
Mrs. Fay Alderman 1962-64
Mrs. Sheldon Norris 1964-66
Mr. Raymond Lee 1966-67
Mr. James Gerber 1967-69
Mrs. Francis D. Pratt 1969-71
Mr. Paul Bergstrom 1971-73
Mr. Anthony Tabick 1973-75
Mr. Harrison Minor, Jr. 1975-77
Mr. George Lewis 1977-80
Mr. Joseph Harris 1980-83
Mr. William Silverman 1983-86
Mr. Arthur Hannemann 1986-87
Ms. Jane Goodwin 1987-89
Mrs. Francis D. Pratt 1989-91
Mr. Gregory Pokorski 1991-98