Celebration

Join us on May 12th for our 50th Anniversary.

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A little history of the past 50 years and then some.

The first Horticultural Society in Shelburne was formed in the 1880s. The President was Mr. F,G. Dunbar. They planted maple trees in the downtown, some of which are still standing.

The 2^nd. Society was formed in April 1927  with Dr. J.H. Zinn as president, Mrs. R.W. Brett 1^st. Vice and Dr. W.J. McLean 2^nd. Vice. This society folded in the 1930s.  Peonies, a gift to Horticultural Societies from the Prince of Wales, were planted in the gardens of the first officers.

The current Shelburne & District Horticultural Society was organized on May 9^th, 1962 with Mrs. Eric Gray as President. There were 43 members.  The Hydrangea was adopted as the official emblem on March 24^th, 1986.

Membership then was 223.

Since 1963 the Society has been involved in planting flowers in several locations in the town.

For many years the Society has had a display at the Shelburne Fall Fair, as well as donating prizes for 2 classes.

The first Flower Show was held in 1966 with a total of $25 in prize money! Later a second show was added. Now there are three – in May, June and August with approx. $400 given in prizes.

From 1972 to 1979 a Junior Horticultural Society was active. The young members each had a small garden 10’ x 10’ in which they planted 4 rows of vegetables and 2 of flowers. Other activities included learning about flowers and entering in the Flower Show.

In 1973 Mrs. Martha Collins donated a plaque to be given annually to the member with the highest points in the Flower Shows. We are now on our 2^nd. plaque.

In November 1983 Mr. Alex and Neil Noble presented the President, John Hoddinott, a trophy in memory of their mother, Mrs. Edna Noble, who was president in 1977 and 78. This trophy is passed to each succeeding president.

In 2006 the Society, in co-operation with the woodshop class at Centre Dufferin District High School, donated two A-Frame planters to Dufferin Oaks Home for Seniors.

The Society continues to have excellent speakers at our meetings, to holds Flower Shows, do Civic Plantings, take interesting trips and has an annual Photography contest.