The Moorefield and District Horticultural Society is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2016. The following is part of a continuing series culled from the society’s archives. This segment focusses on the period from 1958 to 1966.
Membership in the Moorefield and District Horticultural Society continued to grow from 98 members in 1958 to 115 in 1959.
Income in 1958 was $955, while expenses were $770 with the books reviewed by Mrs. Fowler and Les Douglas.
A junior division included ages six to 16 was added to the annual Flower and Vegetable Show.
The park pavilion was the site of the Aug. 27 and 28, 1959 show.
Prizes were presented as follows: potted plants – first prize 35 cents, second prize 25 cents; cut flowers – first prize 40 cents, second prize 25 cents; vegetables – first prize 35 cents, second prize 20 cents.
The society placed hanging baskets in the streets of Moorefield in May 1959.
Cliff English organized trips to gardens in Toronto, Hamilton, Midland and Niagara in the late ‘50s and ‘60s.
Moorefield United Church was the site of the society’s March 1960 meeting. Rev. J. U. Stewart brought the gathering to order.
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Reverend Steed accompanied on his accordion as several Irish songs were sung. Norwell High School agricultural teacher Fred Johnston spoke on lawn care. Mrs. A Hammond along with Mrs W. Hamilton won prizes at the crokinole contest.
President recognized
Advice given to exhibitors at the society’s 1961 flower show was to blow gently on the center of a rose bud that is not open enough, to ensure it is two-thirds open.
Robert George received recognition for serving seven years as president.
Membership decreased in 1963 to 90 persons with membership fees set at 50 cents and 50 cents to enter flower shows.
A standard prize of 40 cents was paid to entrants of the flower show for first, second and third place finishes in competitions.
Income in 1964 totalled $607 with donations from Moorefield School $100, Rothsay School $2, township grant $25, bake sale proceeds $28 and membership fees $39. Expenses in the same year amounted to $521.
Interest in the society continued to increase with 19 junior gardens to care for and 187 entries in the flower show in 1965.
The 40th anniversary was celebrated on June 28, 1966 with a program at Moorefield Public School.
