In April of 1934 Community Garden Club of Hamilton and Wenham Massachusetts was established and later named
the Hamilton-Wenham Garden Club. The object of the Club is to “stimulate an interest in the knowledge of gardening,
to aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources, and to promote civic beauty.”
Throughout the seasons, one needs only to look around our towns to see how well our
Club members have fulfilled the “promotion of civic beauty.”
the Hamilton-Wenham Garden Club. The object of the Club is to “stimulate an interest in the knowledge of gardening,
to aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources, and to promote civic beauty.”
Throughout the seasons, one needs only to look around our towns to see how well our
Club members have fulfilled the “promotion of civic beauty.”
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Picture this: You’re downtown running errands and you see a group of people installing spring flowers in the planters lining Route 1A. Later, you see online that there’s a lecture on native plants at the middle school on Wednesday night - you’ve wanted more information on those. The next day you bring your child to Pingree Park and discover a beautiful garden, and your friend tells you about a program on growing vegetables geared towards kids exactly the ages of yours. This is the Hamilton-Wenham Garden Club. More than an organization, we are welcoming to all, we are educational, and we are mission focused. We are friends and neighbors who share the love of gardening, conservation, and community. In our 87 year history we’ve certainly seen changes over the years but much remains the same. In April 1934 the Community Garden Club of Hamilton and Wenham, Massachusetts was established, and in 1935 as the Hamilton Wenham Garden Club. Most folks were living in lean times due to the Great Depression. Some members recall experiencing similar times during the recession of 2009. In the early years men served as president (1934-1951; 1952-1954; and 1967-1969) but after many years as a woman-centric club we are actively recruiting men to join us and serve on our Board. During World War II and several years following, the main focus of the Club was to help people create “Victory Gardens” for growing their own vegetables. During this time of global pandemic and supply chain shortages we have seen a resurgence of these types of gardens as people remain at home and enjoy growing their own food. Another popular activity in the early years was to hold an annual flower show. The shows were held at the Community House, Burnham Hall, the Essex Agricultural School, and other venues. A standard flower show held in 2013 garnered HWGC two National Garden Club awards. In the 1950s, a Tour of Homes was a club highlight. Floral arrangements were created, and all assisted in the decorating by collecting berries, nuts, and cones from their yards. Ladies gathered in members' homes for meetings, and enjoyed creating crafts to sell. These were dress up affairs but many women were asked to remove their heels during the Tour of Homes as they created “pockmarks” on the floor! Formal dress remained a part of the club up until about 20 years ago. Many members have recalled formality as one of our biggest changes. Ladies typically dressed up for meetings and everyone dressed in their finest from hats with veils, gloves, and high heel shoes. Meetings held at the Wenham Museum had the silver service in full view - and for many years one had to be recommended by a member to join the club. No outside guests attended the meetings. The Club is more casual and relaxed now, from the dress, to the food, and the casual serve ware. We’ve become much more inclusive, and last year opened membership to those from other towns. |
Our town planters were constructed in the late 1980s, and have now grown to eight traffic islands and both town halls. We thank our many sponsors over the years who have helped us in the beautification of our two towns. More recently, the club resigned and built a community garden at Pingree Park, a destination for all to enjoy. Its beautiful plants, shrubs and trees provide a relaxing spot to walk, meet a friend, enjoy a picnic lunch, and to offer inspiration and education. In the last 25 years, our endeavors included field tips, garden tours, fundraisers, and special programs. Members recall a wonderful field trip to the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport to celebrate the Club’s 80th anniversary. In 1999, for the 65th anniversary, the celebration included a commendation from the Governor and other local officials. The Club held several garden tours in the 90s, from members' gardens to formal estates, and drew several hundred visitors. Recently our Conservation Expo’s have been successful events, meant to shine a light on our area’s special organizations that are dedicated to our environment. And though we had to cease our in-person meetings and activities in early 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Club continued to be vibrant and active through its online meetings and careful planning for any in person ventures that either fulfilled our mission or brought ourclub community together. We look forward to getting back to so many of the activities that our members know and love! Last year, we enjoyed many in-person meetings and the ability to gather in small groups outdoors at the planters, Pingree Park Garden, and for member garden tours. Whether you are a new member, a sustainer, or anyone in between - we thank you. Your efforts and support of this club not only contribute to its continued success but make it a joy to be a part of. Join us and become a part of history! By Lisa Harrison, Co-President, 2021-2023 The Hamilton-Wenham Garden Club |
