Echoes From The Attic and Poems, Garden Club, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Feb. 2001
Typed by Belford Carver
Written by by Edna F. Campbell
Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell
With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works.

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MRS. REIMERS FOUNDED FIRST GARDEN CLUB

Thoughts turn to gardening in the early fall season with bulbs planted for spring 
blooming, and the three garden clubs in Hammond begin their work in earnest for 
the season.

Garden club work in Hammond dates back to 1931 when Mrs. Frederick W. Reimers 
conveived the idea of its beginning.  Mrs. Reimers, who had come to Hammond around 
1914, had been visiting in Rock Island, Ill., around this time of organization, 
and received inspiration from friends there engaged in the garden club work.

The first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Gus Loustalot and Mrs. J. Y. 
Sanders was the first president.

Others serving during the garden club infancy were Mrs. C. B. Johnson and Mrs. 
A. F. Gates.  Other members in the formative years were Mrs. Edward Richardson, 
Jr., C. S. Rand, Mrs. W. S. Rownds, Sr., Mrs. Morris C. Kincheloe, Mrs. James M. 
Fourmy, Mrs. W. H. Brent Sr., Mrs. E. A. Herring, Mrs. Henry A. Mentz, Sr., Mrs. 
Raymond J. Nalty, Mrs. J. B. Lester and Mrs. Powell P. Vail.  Mrs. Vail is the 
only active charter member of the club remaining on the roster.

The Hammond Garden Club was federated in 1934.  It was later divided into circles, 
and then in 1957 went back into a single unit.

Mrs. Reimers also was first to have an outdoor Christmas tree in Hammond.  The 
illuminated tree created widespread interest with that first Christmas decor.

The garden of Mrs. Reimers' home is cultivated with varieties of blossoming plants, 
including roses, camellias and azaleas.  In the spring time profusions of azaleas 
lend color to the spacious grounds.  Lillies highlight the pond, an added feature 
of interest.

Mrs. Reimers has contributed to Hammond in othere phases including the promotion 
of music in the schools, churches and operatic work.  She has received recognition 
each year for her work and leadership with the First Christian Church, and she has 
been a widely known promoter of Care-At-Home, of which she is president of the 
Board of Directors.

Two Other Garden Clubs

The Pine Cone Garden Club was organized in 1947, Mrs. Gladney Jack Tinsley was its 
founder, and the name was Sprig and Twig.  The name was later changed to Pine Cone 
and was federated in 1948.  The first president was Mrs. C. Ruel Todd.  Through 
the efforts of Mrs. Thomas C. Patin and Mrs. J. Allwin Fagan, a Blue Star Memorial 
Marker was erected on a spot on Highway 190.  A feature of the club is the 
awarding of the Garden of the Month plaque.

The Town and Country Garden Club was founded in 1957, with Mrs. J. R. Davidson as 
first president, Mrs. C. C. Carpenter a member of the Council of National 
Accredited Flower Show Judges has been a valuable member, along with Mrs. Robert 
M. Allen.  Mrs. R. W. Darouse is the president of the club this season.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, IV, 1969, by Edna Campbell)

(Pic: Mrs. Frederick W. Reimers in her Garden)

(current president of the club is Louise O'Sullivan. BEC 2/08/01)