History

                      In Memoriam 

of Those Who Have Gardened Before Us:

Mrs. Myrtle Ashton 

Mrs. Pearl Long

Mrs. Anna Mussey

Mrs. Emma Ogden

Mrs. Isabella Cowan 

Mrs. Tillie Atchley 

Mrs. Dorothy Forney 

Mrs. Ethel Davidson 

Mrs. Margaret Ruffner

Mrs. Bessie Musgrove 

Mrs. Onneita Summers

Mrs. Anna Behrens

Mrs. Irene Harbaugh 

Mrs. Hattie Young 

Mrs. Harriet Matthis 

Mrs. Grace McKeever

Miss Francis Frazier

Mrs. Norma Kramer

Miss Gladys Goddard

Mrs. Gladys Jordan 

Miss Cecile Glancy 

Mrs. Flora Ruffner

Mrs. Floy Smith 

Mrs. Averill Hauck 

Mrs. Blanche Liggett

Mrs. Margaret McVeigh 

Mrs. Adelaide Kelsey

Mrs. Katherine Hutchinson 

Mrs. Ruth Lytle 

Mrs. Rosella Toft

Mrs. Violet Fredgren

Mrs. Barbara Mueller 

Mrs. Judith Squire 

Mrs. JoAnne Siders 

Mrs. Cheri Stair 

Mrs. Sharma Hatcher 

The Williamsburg Garden Club was organized at the home of Dora Marsh, 3rd Street, Williamsburg, Ohio, on April 28, 1936. Ten ladies, who were flower lovers, met to discuss the possibilities of organizing a garden club. They hoped by sharing their knowledge and abilities that they might improve their skills of growing and arranging flowers. One reason was to be more artistic in decorating the various churches for special occasions.      

Mrs. Grace McKeever, secretary wrote in her November 1938 minutes of affiliation with the Ohio Federation of Garden Clubs. In 1946, it was noted that the Williamsburg, Bethel and Newtown Clubs met together and enjoyed as their speaker, Professor Victor Reis. Prof. Reis was Secretary of the Ohio Federated Garden Clubs and was the Professor of Horticulture at Ohio State University. 

Recently a podcast was created sharing some fascinating facts about the history of the Williamsburg Garden Club.  Dues were a mere 25 cents that first year, and refreshments were not allowed!  

"Williamsburg Garden Club" is live and you can listen to it at:  /www.spreaker.com/episode/54055878 

In Williamsburg, at Christmas, on the Public Square, a memorial tree has been decorated by the Williamsburg Garden Club.  The tree is dedicated to those who have gardened before us.  It includes name ornaments of each of our past members.   This year, as we hung each ornament, we recalled stories and memories of our past members. 

At the corner of Main Street and Fifth Street, there is also a Memorial Garden that is maintained and planted in memory of our past members.  There are benches nearby and it is a lovely, reflective space.  

In 2018, we lost one of our members, Mrs. Judy Squire.  In her memory, every year, we continue sending seeds to Rwanda.  Seed a Better Life serves orphans, vulnerable children and young adults.  

In 2022, we lost two members.  Mrs. JoAnne Siders passed away in February.  She and her daughter were active members in the Williamsburg Garden Club for years.  

In March 2022, Mrs. Cheri Stair, a cherished member passed away after a long illness.  Her husband, Randy was an amazing caregiver.  We miss her artistic and creative force.  

In January 2024, Mrs. Sharma Hatcher passed away.  She had moved with her daughter and son in law to Washington State after a long illness.  We will miss her smile.