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.”
Happy 85th Anniversary HWGC! As we celebrate our 85th year, the history of the club could not be more important as we navigate through the extraordinary year that is 2020. The strength of our club is its members, both past and present, and we all have the opportunity to share memories, reminisce, learn from the past, and hope for the future as we remain in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. In fact, during the first half of 2020, our club has remained vibrant and active. Though we have not been able to meet in person since February, we’ve “met” online and conducted three meetings. We’ve shared news and garden tips using 21st century tools like the internet, social media, and videoconferencing. We’ve been able to meet in small groups with “socially distanced summer garden tours”. Some members have simply picked up the telephone and called others just to say, “Hello, how are you?” And our beautiful newsletter continues to help connect us. We’ve continued in our mission of civic beauty, by planting and maintaining the town planters and Pingree Park Garden via socially distant scheduling. As more people became quarantined at home, gardening has become once again a very popular hobby for many in our region. We’ve seen a re-emergence of “Victory Gardens” reminiscent of World War II, and as people looked to support their families and friends with home grown food. Many years ago, long time member Marge Mahan shared her thoughts on the club’s mission after World War II. “After the war, people were happy to do something for their community. We made arrangements and helped out at art shows that were held in the school. Sometimes our annual dinner was a potluck in one of our homes. Husbands were always invited to these affairs.” Past President Betty Johnson added, “During WWII and a few years following, the main focus of the club was to help people create “victory gardens” so that folks could grow their own vegetables.” Although the pandemic dictates that we cannot gather in groups, our members remain eager and happy to stay true to our mission statement. We are planning on-line educational opportunities to our members and the community for 2020-2021, and look forward to our first ever “virtual” plant sale this fall. Our Board is working to find ways to continue our very successful Juniors and Garden Therapy programs. We awarded another scholarship to a deserving high school senior in June. Now, for this very special yearbook, several members have shared new memories for all to enjoy...with a nod to our past members for their special memories as well. Betty Johnson recalled that from the beginning, “it was proposed that the club hold an Annual Flower Show.” The shows were held at the Community House, Burnham Hall, the Essex Agricultural School, and other venues. One of the club’s earliest projects was the establishment of a Wild Flower Preserve in the Black Brook Reservation that is maintained by Harvard University. Past President Jeanne Whitman remembers that in April 2013, HWGC hosted a standard flower show, “The Science and Beauty of Spring,” in cooperation with Gordon College in their Ken Olsen Science Center.” “It was a huge success for all involved and drew many people from the community. Co-chaired by LuBeth Kuemmerle and Joanne Kennett, it included 6 floral design classes, numerous horticultural classes, photography and educational exhibits. The event garnered HWCG two NGC awards.” Many longtime members recall how the club has changed over the years. Marge Mahan remembered joining with her mother-in-law in 1955. While meeting a very friendly group of people, “we were fascinated by their knowledge. We learned so much from Vi McLaren about flower arranging. All year long Vi would have us collecting berries, nuts, and cones in preparation for the Tour of Homes. In those times, women wore high heels but the shoes made pockmarks on the floors, so we had to ask visiting ladies to remove their shoes before they entered the tour. We had a few disgruntled ladies walking about in stocking feet! We had so much fun making things to sell, such as flowers made from milkweed pods and jewelry from acorns. We mostly met in people’s homes. For meetings, everyone was dressed in their finest - women wore hats with veils and gloves. We were always happy to wear the gloves as it covered up our gardener hands.” Member and past Historian Linda Sarkesian also recalls that when she joined twenty years ago, people dressed up for meetings. Member (and wearer of many hats!) Mardi Lowery joined in 1988 when one had to be recommended by a member, and there were no guests at the meetings. “We tended to dress up. Meetings were held at the Wenham Museum with the silver service in full view. Over the years much has relaxed - dress, food, casual serveware - and we’ve become much more inclusive and we’re more connected to the Federation. Highlights for me were bagging Arbor Day trees in an assembly line at Jackie Finocchio’s house and planting the downtown planters (we’d go out to eat afterwards). It was Jackie that started the planters, and they used to include hanging baskets at the old Hamilton RR station. We had a garden tour every other year - the shifts were often a bore, but a fun partner made all the difference.” Another theme shared by members is that of all the learning experiences (including the mistakes!) and how our members learn and come together in tough times. “Being in HWGC has taught me about being tough - in a really good way,” says past President LuBeth Kuemmerle. “Because we all work together, there is no gardening job that is too big, too heavy, or too hard. Members do not complain about the weather - rainy days are good days. Age is not a factor. Carry on! Years of experience only makes one stronger. Get down and get dirty!”