Lafayette County WI Archives History - Books .....Blanchardville Garden Club 1976 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/wi/wifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 28, 2008, 10:35 pm Book Title: A History Of Blanchardville, Gem Of The Pecatonica Blanchardville Garden Club "On June 3rd, 1930, a group of Blanchardville women met at the home of J. A. Houkom for the purpose of organizing a garden club. Rev. Houkom was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Mrs. Julia Lyngaas, secretary, protem. After some discussion as to the purpose of such an organization, it was voted to proceed to effect such an organization and to that end the following constitution and by-laws were adopted; each article and section thereof being voted on and adopted separately." Thus read the preamble to the constitution and by-laws of the present Blanchardville Garden Club. The by-laws specified that, "The object of the organization would be to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; to aid in the protection of native trees, plants and birds; and to encourage civic plantings." The idea for such a club was born in the heart and mind of Rev. Houkom, an ardent flower lover, gardener and, also, pastor of the York Memorial and Blanchardville Lutheran Churches. It has said: "Some men destroy and others build, but time looks kindly on those who create beauty." Rev. Houkom was a creator and builder of that which is lovely. Soon after its inception, the local Garden Club, under the direction of Rev. Houkom as program chairman, began to make its presence evident in the community. It will not be possible in the following condensed resume to enumerate all the activities, contributions and projects that were carried out by the club during its forty-five years of service. By late summer of 1930, plans were already in operation for a park garden, where shrubs and perennials would be grown. The whole park area would be surveyed and a map made for plantings and arrangements. In March 1931, Mrs. Lonenecker, from the University of Wisconsin, promised to assist with the plans; and in July 1931 the Horticultural Society of Madison, forwarded the plans to Rev. Houkom. The park garden was in good condition by October 1931, but it was impractical at this time to plant newly purchased hyacinths, crocuses and tulip bulbs because of a drought. The dry weather did not prevent the Garden Club from having its first flower show, which was held in the basement of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church on November 18, 1931. Only chrysanthemums were on display. It was reported that this show was the most delightful event of the year. 1932 was a banner year for the club. Through its leadership the Bluff View Garden was established, where roses and annuals bloomed in plain view of downtown, and delighted the visitors and travelers who came to the village. Barberry bushes outlined the Scenic Stairway leading up to the top of the bluff. This being the bicentennial of the birthday of George Washington, the American Tree Association, promoted a tree planting program. A goal of ten million trees was set for America. The Blanchardville Garden Club was instrumental in motivating and mobilizing the local civic, religious and other organizations to plant trees. Locally forty-three trees were planted, including a red leaf maple given by the Garden Club. These Memorial Trees were impressively dedicated by officers, or representatives, of the respective organizations. One evergreen tree bought by the American Legion still stands near the local library. At this time, home owners and residents were also asked to beautify their home grounds. Strangers coming into the village commented on the lovely surroundings in Blanchardville. "Plants and flowers grown in the home bring beauty indoors, but when they are planted in an outdoor living room, their loveliness is shared with others." In 1934 the Garden Club was divided into two groups. The Northsiders would take care of the Bluff View Garden, and the Southsiders would be responsible for the Community Park Garden. As the years went by, it became impossible to maintain the Bluff View plot. Dry weather and droughts played havoc with the plantings. The sloping terrain was also a hindrance. As late as 1958, the club attempted to grow five hundred evergreen trees on the bluff. Mr. Ed Scadden and high school boys planted these trees, but very few survived even the first year. Sixty bridal wreath bushes were purchased in 1936 at a cost of 19 cents a piece, and planted by Mrs. Verne Marshall, Sr., Mrs. H. Ostrum and Mr. G. Taylor. The hedge is still growing along one edge of the park. In 1937 a four-sided fire place was built for $25.00, and screens were bought for the log cabin. The first picnic tables and benches were made by Mr. Chris Ula in 1948. Several donations were received, which helped the Garden Club to pay for lumber and carpenter work. Two important additions to the park for community convenience were the shelter houses. The first was built in 1940 at a cost of $255.00. The second was donated in 1954. The older shelter house floor and connecting space were cemented in 1958 by a team of men and high school boys. Arleigh Olson recruited the workmen and supervised the project. All the labor was freely given. A blue spruce tree was planted in 1942 to honor the founder of the Garden Club. Unfortunately, it was cut down in 1954 by workmen who built the restrooms. It was replaced by the club at a cost of $50. This tree still grows at the far end of the Community Park Garden, not only in Rev. Houkom's honor, but also to his memory. The present cross, which is located on the bluff near the Methodist Church was a gift to the village in 1956. It was designed by Mr. Arnold Norslein, a teacher from Black Earth. Civic, religious organizations and local individuals gave contributions towards- this worthwhile project. The Wisconsin Power and Light Co. hauled and erected the pole for the cross. The Blanchardville Lumber Co. donated lumber and labor. The Garden Club maintained the cross until 1958 when the village took over the operational expenses. Some years after the cross had been erected, it was damaged by high winds. The club contributed a generous amount for repairs. On August 21st, 1958, the newly constructed bath house was dedicated. Under the direction of the Garden Club, a chicken barbecue supper was served to over six hundred people. The club was assisted by helpers from the Women's Club and Legion Auxiliary. Several men prepared and cooked the tasty chicken. The proceeds, $610.43, were turned over to the Blanchardville Park Board and village to help pay for the new bath house facility. Since birds are so essential to our environment, the club has sponsored bird house building contests for our grade and high school students. Two martin houses have also been purchased and erected in the park. In 1966 a dusk to dawn light was installed for the upper park area with the hope that it would help to prevent vandalism. Destruction of park property and trees have occurred several times since the club was organized. During the years, the Garden Club has furnished playground equipment for the children. It has also, supplied funds to renovate and repair park furniture and replace old benches. Recently, it made a liberal contribution to have a new roof put on one of the shelter houses. For many years, flower shows were annual affairs. On two occasions drought cancelled these events. In 1967 so many members were ill, it was impossible to carry ^on the tradition. One year a very novel way of displaying flowers was used. Members had their own "Parade of Roses". Hats were made of different kinds of blossoms and modeled by the originators. The support given these shows by the community, and visitors from surrounding towns and villages made these affairs a great success. Proceeds were used for park needs and other local projects. The first officers of the club were as follows: President, Mrs. Jessie McKellar; Vice President, Mrs. Clara Sorum; Secretary, Mrs. C. R. Olson; Treasurer, Mrs. G. M. Ingwell. The present officers of the club are: President, Mrs. Kathryn Peterson; Vice President, Mrs. Bernadine Schuler; Secretary, Mrs. Mildred Pointer; Treasurer, Mrs. Hazel Watrud. Mrs. Ed (Mary) Thompson, Jr. who joined the Garden Club at its second meeting in 1930 is still an active member. Some other information might be of special interest at this point. The club chose the lily as their village flower. At one time dues were 5 cents a month. No lunch was served at the early meetings. Men attended and were very helpful as they aided the women with the harder manual work around the park. In 1936, though, it was decided the club should be a "woman's club" only. Family picnics were common. Trips were annual events. The Blanchardville Garden Club has always been an active "doing group", but also a learning organization. Beautiful gardens do not grow up like Topsy. Even green thumb gardeners have to study and become acquainted with new plants and growing methods. Some knowledge of horticulture and plant pathology is necessary to produce healthy trees, plants and shrubs. Rev. Houkom, during his residency in Blanchardville, was always a great source of gardening information, as well as an inspiration. Members learned much, too, from attending flower shows, studying magazine articles and plain, "trial and error", among themselves. As a club, they have also enjoyed traveling. Annual trips have always been a pleasure and educational. Whether members came home weary and tired from a day's outing to Chicago, Dubuque, Lake Geneva or Milwaukee, all could confess it was the "end of a perfect day." An organization is made up of people, and it is people who make it work — people with a goal, determination, vision and enthusiasm. The present Blanchardville Garden Club is still dedicated to the purpose for which the first was organized — Beautification and Community Improvement. Additional Comments: Extracted from A History of Blanchardville, Gem of the Pecatonica File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/wi/lafayette/history/1976/ahistory/blanchar262gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/wifiles/ File size: 10.6 Kb