Our History

What started in 1929 as a gladiolus exhibit at the Deep River Savings Bank led to the seeds being planted for the start of a new club in town. The exhibit demonstrated enough interest to form a club. In 1930 the Gladioli Club was founded by 9 interested people. There were 9 charter members, 7 males and 2 female. The name was changed to the Garden Club of Deep River, because the members thought that the first name was limited in scope. The first large show was held in August, 1930 in the Deep River Town Hall. These Flower Shows were attended by over 1250 people, many who were from other parts of the country.

Records show that Edward Coney was the first president from 1932-1939. The early meetings were first held in the Town Hall and then transferred to the library after that building was purchased in 1933. The meetings were held on the second floor. There was often a speaker from outside the club or a club member would talk on a certain topic of interest. This was happening during the depression and perhaps was an outlet for town folks to be able to get together for friendship and service. As part of the tercentenary celebration of the Sate of Connecticut, Deep River staged a Festival of Music. The Garden Club staged a huge show held on the entire second floor of the then active UARCO Company. Over 4000 people visited the show. By this time the membership was 123. Not only did the club have to survive during the depression but also was almost completely dissolved with the events around World War II and the efforts that was devoted to that. Due to a few faithful members it was kept going until the war ended when it seemed to take on a new life and new members were added.

The last Flower Show held in the Town Hall was 1948 and then moved to the Parish House of the Congregational Church. In 1950 the club joined and maintained membership in the State Federation of Garden Clubs.
The original stated purposes of the club are still pertinent to today’s club. They were listed in their 1968 year book as the following:
To stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs.
To aid in the preservation of native plants and birds.
To promote the understanding of conservation and wise use of natural resources.
To share the advantages of association.

Also contributing to the club’s success were the monthly newsletters written by Helen Hannon called “Over the Back Fence”. She distributed these to the members with updates of the club activities during the 1970’s.  She was a teacher at Valley Regional High School and was instrumental in getting landscaping done on that property. She also held many different positions on the executive committee of the club.

The Deep River Garden Club took on many civic activities through the years and some of are listed here:
Garden Therapy sessions for patients at Connecticut Valley Hospital and facility.
Christmas decorating contest for window boxes, doors, etc. in town.
Distribution of club created holiday baskets to the “shut ins” in town.
Floral arrangements to the Seaside Sanatorium in Waterford, CT.
Held Flower Shows and exhibitions.
Monthly arrangements to Kirtland Commons, including May baskets.
Assorted plantings of trees, shrubs and flowers in different town locations.
Provided scholarships to graduating seniors at Valley Regional High School.
Provided floral decorations for the Valley Regional High School graduations.
Work with a Jr. Garden Group from Deep River Elementary School.
Provide floral arrangements for the Strawberry Festival held at the Stone House.
Plant trees, shrubs and plants in town.

In 1996 the first honorary members were recognized. They were Helen Dzuranka, Jean Hopkins and Ruth Parodi.

The Deep River Club worked in conjunction with the Deep River Historical Society with many shared interests to the town, each providing a unique contribution to Deep River. There had been interest expressed and planning looked into a five-year development of a “Period Garden” at the Deep River Historical Society. This would involve extensive improvements on the grounds.

There have been many dedicated volunteers through the club’s history and many serving in the capacity of officers. To avoid missing anyone I will not attempt to list them here but the records will be held in the possession of the Deep River Historical Society for future reference if needed. Over the years the club had waves of flourishing and often struggling times trying to maintain active and willing volunteers. Club membership dwindled and at times the club ceased to exist. In 2011 a small group of interested people organized to breathe life into the club and have been doing it successfully within the small membership of about 14.

Times have changed dramatically since that first meeting 85 years ago. Today’s organizations struggle to get members that can dedicate time and effort to volunteering. Women are now most likely to be working outside of the home where in the earlier days these social and civic clubs were a vital part of their social interactions. The recollections are from the minutes, newsletters, variety of paperwork and articles reviewed by myself and also a summary written by member Martha Stone in 1955. There may be inaccuracies in my interpretation but it was written with the intent of describing the club’s history and how it was founded to the best of my knowledge.

Susanne Wisner, Former Deep River Garden Club Secretary
February 18, 2014