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Section_F Garden Club marks milestone One of Oil City’s oldest and most elegant Grand Dames celebrated a milestone in 2007. One of Oil City’s oldest and most elegant Grand Dames celebrated a milestone in 2007. The Oil City Garden Club, organized in 1932, marked its 75th anniversary. Its longevity puts the club in the ranks of a handful of local organizations that have successfully weathered tremendous changes within their community over the years. Oil City, home to nearly 24,000 residents in 1932, boasted numerous patriotic, social, charitable and musical organizations as well as a hefty labor network (19 unions from glassworker to brewer and motion picture operator.) There was a group promoting the library (Belles Lettres Club), one supporting business endeavors (Rotary Club, South Side Businessmen’s Association), others keying in on youth (YMCA and YWCA), some addressing social concerns (Kiwanis, Quota) and still more focusing on fraternal matters (Elks, Eagles, IOOF, Masons, K of C). No single group, though, was paying attention to a more down-to-earth concern — the city’s image. The Garden Club began when several local women decided Oil City could look better and subsequently fare better if an organized cadre of volunteers turned its attention to beautifying the city. Garden Club projects have ranged from the mighty (two new towering water fountains in the East End and a 500-plant Rhododendron Arboretum in Hasson Park) to the delicate (elegant and creative artistic flower arrangements). In between the extremes have been downtown MayMarts, bulb and seed sales, holiday luminaria, student conservation projects, neighborhood clean- ups, victory gardens, flower boxes and much more. Every Garden Club project has required funding and members have turned to city government, charitable foundations, private contributions, corporate donations, ticket drawings, sale of gardening tools and holiday crafts, residential garden tours and more to raise money. All proceeds have been used for civic plantings throughout the city. In its 75-year history, there have been significant changes. The city-based club became affiliated with the state and national Garden Club Federations in 1935. A greater cross-section of the community is represented in today’s club because the membership limit has been expanded. Men are now eligible for full membership. And, annual sponsorships are now sought to bolster the club’s financial footing. Still, it is the club’s history of “doing well by doing good” that has resonated within Oil City and has ensured its continued success, said Sonja Hawkins, club president during the Diamond Anniversary celebration. |
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