The Moorefield and District Horticultural Society is celebrating a major milestone this year.
In 2016 the society will celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Information from the society’s archives states that on February 1923 Harry McKay and Mrs. Rufus Welsh were appointed to form a horticultural society.
The plan came to fruition with the formation of the Maryborough Horticultural Society three years later on April 8, 1926.
The Palmerston Horticulture Society presided over the first meeting. An executive was formed and 39 members paid the $1 membership fee. Rev. J. W. Taylor was the first president with Lorna Hamilton acting as the secretary/treasurer, a position she held for 40 years.
Financial records show the total income for the inaugural year totalled $129 with $100 in expenditures.
One expense included payment of $2 to Mr. Nicholson for a motel stay. It is assumed the gentleman was in attendance at a meeting.
The organization held its first flower show on Sept. 10 of the same year. A red rose emblem created when the society formed is on display at the Moorefield hall.
A number of events in the community are planned for the 90th anniversary year in 2016.
An updated name was first on the agenda during the anniversary celebration.
Although the official name will remain The Moorefield and District Horticultural Society, the membership chose Mapleton Buds and Blooms to represent their vision for the future.
Throughout the year the group will share stories from the organization’s history. An anniversary party full of fun and fellowship is planned for August.
“We look forward to many more years of growing with the community and are very thankful for the support of individuals, families, the township, other groups and businesses in the past,” stated society member Jerry Ottens.
The society is asking anyone in the community with pictures, Newspaper clippings, Newsletters, ribbons or other artifacts from the society’s past 90 years (1926 to 2015) to contact Linda Timmerman at 519-638-3021.
Photos showing past horticultural events and people are needed for displays at local events.
