Crisp-Statewide County GaArchives History .....HISTORY OF THE CORDELE GARDEN CLUB November 21, 1938 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Clyde Watson clyde.nell@gmail.com July 2, 2009, 11:04 pm HISTORY OF THE CORDELE GARDEN CLUB 21 NOVEMBER 1938 "God Almighty first planted a garden and it is indeed the purest of human pleasures." These beautiful lines from the gifted pen of Sir Francis Bacon will find an echo in the heart of everyone who has planted and tended a garden, however small. Even a window box may give untold pleasure to the true flower lover. Cordele's homemakers of fifty years ago enjoyed their old-fashioned colorful gardens that often included a bed of fragrant herbs. Gardens of that period were planted with little regard for symmetry or attention to contour. Neither was the modern idea of artistic color grouping or blending. In their scheme of things because of landscape gardeners were almost unknown. Georgians may point with pardonable pride to the fact that our state gave birth to the first organized Garden Club of America. Almost a half century ago in the city of Athens, twelve fine women whose mutual interest in flowers had given them a vision of what might be accomplished through concerted efforts met at the home of Mrs. E. K. Lumpkin and organized "The Ladies Garden Club." The movement is now nation wide in its scope and invaluable in its influence. In 1927, several of Cordele's most enthusiastic flower culturists decided that the time was ripe for an organized club. They met at the public Library. Officers were elected with Mrs. T.E. Fletcher, Sr. as President. They adopted as their slogan "Beauty Everywhere." They chose pink and green as their club colors and their flower, the rose. Mrs. Fletcher, as president, so ably directed the first years work that grew in both interest and numbers, giving helpful suggestions and much pleasure to the charter members. Thus, a firm foundation was laid for the splendid organization that is now an integral part of progressive Cordele. At the expiration of Mrs. Fletcher's term, Mrs. J. J. Williams was made president. Mrs. Williams sincerity and unswerving devotion to any work in which she is engaged made her a most satisfactory executive. Mrs. D. Holmes was chosen as the club's third president. Always charming and gracious, she managed the club's affairs with such efficiency and dispatch that she was indispensable. And at the club's insistence she accepted the presidency for the second and third consecutive terms. Mrs. Tim Arvaniti was fourth in line. Her unfailing cheerfulness proved a valuable asset in making the year's work a success. Her programs were interesting and helpful. On Mrs. Fannie Wooten's capable shoulders the resposibilities of the fifth presidency were laid. Because of her firm yet gentile way of accomplishing the ends of the club, it was a year of pleasant progress. Mrs. W. G. Gleaton had proved in other fields her especial gift of executive ability. Her youthful enthusiasm made assignments to her committees easy of accomplishments. She filled the office admirably for two consecutive years. Mrs. W. R. Turner, present president, is an earnest and indefatigable worker, who does with a will what her hands find to do. she is filling the chair for a second term and under her leadership, the club is enjoying a steady, healthy growth. All officers and committees under these presidents have cooperated to the fullest extent. Mrs. Maude Cannon, as Scrap Book Custodian, has compiled information that is helpful and interesting. This book is kept at the public library and may be used for reference or information by anyone interested in flower culture. Because of the lack of club house facilities the monthly meetings are held in the more commodious homes of the members. this has necessitated a restricted membership. However, if the present plans for a club house materialize, the club enrollment willbe greatly enlarged. Space permits only a brief summary of some of the things accomplished through the club. Beautification of the court house grounds under the capable supervision of Mrs. G. C. Parker. She has had the much appreciated cooperation of the county commissioners. Because of the central location of the court house, it os imperitive that it be kept attractive. The care of Sunny Side Cemetery, There is perhaps nothing that bespeaks more eloquently the thoughtfulness of any people , whether in city, town or village, than the care they bestow upon their "City of the Dead." Mrs. P. M. Browning has charge of this work, and under her tender care it has become a beauty shop proudly shown to visitors. Almost the one hundred beautiful memorial palms, flank the winding driveways, adding much, with their cool, green shade. Very recently, the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company enlarged the cemetery by a generous grant of part of their right of way. Mr. P. M. Browning was instrumental in bringing the request to the proper authorities, thereby earning for himself and the Seaboard officials the club's gratitude. The Christmas season had each year, been made brighter and more cheerful by the gaily decorated trees in homes and on lawns. this friendly competition is sponsored by the Garden Club, through which the prizes are awarded. Conservation of wild flowers especially the beautiful holly that has come in for more than its share of vandalism, is one of the objectives of the club, as well as conservation of wild birds. Prizes for birdhouse have been offered as an incentive for protecting some of these lovely colorful songsters. The Cordele Garden Club and the Wimodauchi Club have cooperated for several years in putting on the flower shows. The spring show of this year compared favorably with the shows put on in larger cities. Exhibition specimen in each class showed intelligent care and attention to the fine details of flower culture. The arrangements were varied and artistic. The competition engendered by these yearly shows will certainly show results in "bigger and better" flowers and incidentally, a more beautiful and worthwhile Cordele. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/crisp/history/other/historyo328ms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 6.7 Kb