Concord Garden Club still ‘cultivating joy’

The Strickland building in Concord was filled with light, laughter, plants, delicious foods and memories as the Merry Weather Garden Club helped the Concord Garden Club kick off celebrations for their 100th anniversary of ‘cultivating joy.’

The Concord Garden Club is the one of the first garden clubs founded in the nation and was founded in spring of 1924 when the late Mrs. C.T. Smith invited every woman in town to meet at her home, “The Oaks,” to organize a Garden Club. The club even helped plant landscaping at The Little White House in Warm Springs, having a luncheon on the grounds afterward.

When the Little White House was built, members of the Concord Garden Club asked to help with landscaping around the home. Miss Sallie Mae Strickland was president at the time and received a letter from president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, graciously accepting the offer and thanking the club.
At the April 20 event, the Merry Weather Garden Club chorus, also known as the Bloomin’ Harmonies sang songs like In The Garden, My Favorite Things and April Showers before a presentation and slideshow that highlighted the Concord Garden Club’s history.

“The photos and mementos you see here today are just a tiny sample of the monumental achievements and immense treasure of work your club has accomplished in 100 years,” said Merry Weather Garden Club member Jamie Pharis-Pyles during the presentation. “When you have the distinction of being one of the oldest garden clubs in America, you should be celebrated!”

Throughout the day, Concord Garden Club members mingled with Merry Weather members and thanked them for the celebration and luncheon.

“You don’t know how special today is,” said Concord Garden Club president Martha Boswell. “We have been overwhelmed with joy and pleasure today and you’ve all done a beautiful job. God’s love is shown in this event as neighbors honor neighbors. Remember that the seeds we plant today will stand a monument that reflects the love in our souls and the beauty in nature that our generous God has given us.”

The 12 charter members of the Concord Garden Club include Mrs. M.L. Dunn, Mrs. J.B. Madden, Mrs. F.M. Smith, Mrs. A.A. McElveen, Mrs. R.A. Mallory, Mrs. E.L. Raven, Mrs. C.R. Smith, Mrs. C.T. Smith and Mrs. C.B. Strickland. Several relatives of the original members were present at the April 20 celebration.

Current Concord Garden Club officers include president Martha Boswell, vice presidents Paula Duncan and Anna Evans and treasurer Jane Garner.

Current Merry Weather Garden Club officers include Jaime Askvig, president, Carla Snider, treasurer and Laurie Pate, secretary.
When the Little White House was built, members of the Concord Garden Club asked to help with landscaping around the home. Miss Sallie Mae Strickland was president at the time and received a letter from president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, graciously accepting the offer and thanking the club.
At the April 20 event, the Merry Weather Garden Club chorus, also known as the Bloomin’ Harmonies sang songs like In The Garden, My Favorite Things and April Showers before a presentation and slideshow that highlighted the Concord Garden Club’s history.

“The photos and mementos you see here today are just a tiny sample of the monumental achievements and immense treasure of work your club has accomplished in 100 years,” said Merry Weather Garden Club member Jamie Pharis-Pyles during the presentation. “When you have the distinction of being one of the oldest garden clubs in America, you should be celebrated!”

Throughout the day, Concord Garden Club members mingled with Merry Weather members and thanked them for the celebration and luncheon.

“You don’t know how special today is,” said Concord Garden Club president Martha Boswell. “We have been overwhelmed with joy and pleasure today and you’ve all done a beautiful job. God’s love is shown in this event as neighbors honor neighbors. Remember that the seeds we plant today will stand a monument that reflects the love in our souls and the beauty in nature that our generous God has given us.”

The 12 charter members of the Concord Garden Club include Mrs. M.L. Dunn, Mrs. J.B. Madden, Mrs. F.M. Smith, Mrs. A.A. McElveen, Mrs. R.A. Mallory, Mrs. E.L. Raven, Mrs. C.R. Smith, Mrs. C.T. Smith and Mrs. C.B. Strickland. Several relatives of the original members were present at the April 20 celebration.

Current Concord Garden Club officers include president Martha Boswell, vice presidents Paula Duncan and Anna Evans and treasurer Jane Garner.

Current Merry Weather Garden Club officers include Jaime Askvig, president, Carla Snider, treasurer and Laurie Pate, secretary.