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The early history of Diggers and Weeders Garden Club
In 1954, three new clubs were welcomed into the Calcasieu Council of Federated Garden Club; Diggers and Weeders, Greinwich Village (now disbanded), and University Place (now disbanded). The speaker for that meeting was Col. Floyd Gudgel who spoke of the need for beautification of the grounds at the Lake Charles Air Force Base.
Meetings were originally held in members homes. The clubs summer time social activities consisted of camping and boating. First years activities: "Table Trends" table demonstration at the American Legion Home. The club was granted permission to place stickers on downtown trash receptacles and hold a litterbug campaign and poster contest in the schools. Selling pansies and rummage sales were held to raise money for civic projects. In their 1st year members attended the Flower Show School held in Lake Charles with R.H. Hanchey, LSU Associate Professor, conducting the horticulture classes at the Majestic Hotel. One member attending the school was Mrs. T.S. Granberry. She later became the first Flower Show Judge in the club. |
The club held their first flower show "Suddenly It's Spring" in a club members home in April 1955.
The club adopted their first "Model Mile" on Ryan Street, between McNeese St. and Oak Lane. This project included clearing weeds, removing undesirable billboards, planting native trees and shrubs, keeping fences neat and lawns mowed, vacant lots cleared, and moving unsightly things behind buildings or screened from view.
In their 5th year (1959) the club held a Daylily Show at McNeese State College with over 1,000 blooms entered.
In 1960 the club held a fashion show "Fashions for all Gardening Activities" at the Officers' club at Chennault Air Force base.
1962 finds the club working on the 28th annual convention and 14th state flower show, with headquarters at McNeese State College arena. Also in 1962, the Calcasieu Council for Garden Clubs entered the first name in the book of Remembrance which is housed in the LGCF room in the New Orleans Garden Society Center.
The club adopted their first "Model Mile" on Ryan Street, between McNeese St. and Oak Lane. This project included clearing weeds, removing undesirable billboards, planting native trees and shrubs, keeping fences neat and lawns mowed, vacant lots cleared, and moving unsightly things behind buildings or screened from view.
In their 5th year (1959) the club held a Daylily Show at McNeese State College with over 1,000 blooms entered.
In 1960 the club held a fashion show "Fashions for all Gardening Activities" at the Officers' club at Chennault Air Force base.
1962 finds the club working on the 28th annual convention and 14th state flower show, with headquarters at McNeese State College arena. Also in 1962, the Calcasieu Council for Garden Clubs entered the first name in the book of Remembrance which is housed in the LGCF room in the New Orleans Garden Society Center.
excerpts from the Lake Charles American Press 1954-1962
Today, the Archives and Special Collections Department in Frazar Memorial Library at McNeese State University houses the clubs old files.
Member club of National Garden Clubs, Deep South Garden Clubs, Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc.
Copyright © 2023/2024 Diggers and Weeders Garden Club of Lake Charles
Copyright © 2023/2024 Diggers and Weeders Garden Club of Lake Charles