Modern Gardeners celebrate 60 years

Members of Modern Gardeners Garden Club celebrated the 60th anniversary of the organization Sept. 20 with a luncheon at Cross Creek Country Club. Only three of the original garden club members were present for the occasion: Eleanor Powell-Hines, a charter life member; and Lib Boyles and Inez Cox, charter members.

They were introduced by Ginny Adams, new president, who asked each to tell some of the club’s history. Powell-Hines said that she and Katherine Parries had inquired about joining one of the three local garden clubs back in 1956, but there were no vacancies. Fanny Jones, president of Mountain View Garden Club, suggested that they start a new club and Mountain View would be their sponsor. That was the beginning of Modern Gardeners, a name submitted by Charldean Gwyn. Lou Carson served as the first president.

Boyles and Cox related interesting facts on programs, fundraisers, district and state garden club meetings, growing and arranging flowers, decorating the Moore House, hospital, museum, planting trees on Arbor Day, landscaping and flower shows.

Many fond memories were enjoyed by the gardeners as they flipped pages of a scrapbook of photographs compiled by Ann Klamfoth and Susan Gentry. Also displayed was Powell-Hines’ collection of 60 yearbooks dating from 1956 to 2016.

Modern Gardeners has a full membership of 24 with Sandra Parker, who recently retired from White Plains School, returning as a member.

A card of remembrance was signed by each member and sent to Juanita Daber, who recently moved to Raleigh. A member for 17 years, she had served as club president and served as president of the Garden Club of North Carolina Inc.

Special guest, Mae Turpin, a former club member and district 4 director, was presented a vase of fall flowers.

The family of Sarah Lee McGee, an honorary charter member who recently passed away, was remembered by the group.

The luncheon tables were decorated with arrangements created by Joy Barlow. The anniversary cake featured a photograph of the 18 members attending the first meeting of Modern Gardeners,

They were 60 years younger in that picture.

The Modern Gardeners Garden Club marked its 60th anniversary on Sept. 20 with a celebration at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy. Here is a picture of many of the original club member at its founding. They are, from left, front row, Susan Ashby, Shirley Cox, Inez Cox, Lyda Hennis, Butch Marion, Charldean Gwyn, Marie Moorefield, Anne Smith; back row, Sarah Lee McGee, Katherine Parries, Eleanor Powell, Sarah Greenwood, Cassie Mackie, Lou Carson, Lib Boyles, Edna Allran, Betty Barnhardt, Majorie Holcomb and Jane King.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1__MG_4883-1.jpgThe Modern Gardeners Garden Club marked its 60th anniversary on Sept. 20 with a celebration at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy. Here is a picture of many of the original club member at its founding. They are, from left, front row, Susan Ashby, Shirley Cox, Inez Cox, Lyda Hennis, Butch Marion, Charldean Gwyn, Marie Moorefield, Anne Smith; back row, Sarah Lee McGee, Katherine Parries, Eleanor Powell, Sarah Greenwood, Cassie Mackie, Lou Carson, Lib Boyles, Edna Allran, Betty Barnhardt, Majorie Holcomb and Jane King.

Three of the charter members of the Modern Gardeners Garden Club were in attendance at the Sept. 20 60th anniversary celebration for the organization. They are (from left), Eleanor Powell-Hines, a charter life member, Lib Boyles and Inez Cox.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Garden-Club-2.jpgThree of the charter members of the Modern Gardeners Garden Club were in attendance at the Sept. 20 60th anniversary celebration for the organization. They are (from left), Eleanor Powell-Hines, a charter life member, Lib Boyles and Inez Cox.

http://mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Garden-Club-3.jpg