Centennial Celebration

Under the able guidance of Historian, Beverly Follis, the club’s scrapbooks, files, directories, and memorabilia, were gathered together. The staff at the Norwalk Public Library’s History Room were able to locate our “missing” archives and showed us how to use the library’s resources. Many hours were spent sifting through, and enjoying, the early photos and newspaper clippings of the club’s earliest activities.

Finding Our Roots

The 100 year old story of the Norwalk Garden Club is being shared with the community and club members in three ways. First, the two showcases in the lobby at the library were secured for the month of July for a display of our history. Second, a visual and written history was compiled by our historian into a book that commemorates the many years of services to the Norwalk community. Third, a PowerPoint presentation has been developed, based on our Norwalk Garden Club History Book for viewing by members and guests at the October luncheon.

Proclamation from the Mayor of Norwalk

As Mayor of the City of Norwalk, I want to congratulate the President, Chair of the committee, and all the members of the Norwalk Garden Club on this great milestone and celebrate their many accomplishments and continued achievement.

NOW THEREFORE, I, HARRY W. RILLING, Mayor of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, do hereby recognize and honor:

NORWALK GARDEN CLUB ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

in Norwalk, and in so doing, call upon the citizens , surrounding communities, family, and friends to join me in acknowledging their hard work and dedication to our city.

The 100th Anniversary of the Norwalk Garden Club received recognition from the City of Norwalk and the National Federation of Garden Clubs.

Certificate of Merit

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., honors THE NORWALK GARDEN CLUB “In Recognition of their 100th Anniversary”

The Centennial Committee chose the site for the reception cocktail party as the Bunkhouse at Cranbury Park. Among the honored guests were Mayor Harry Rilling and his wife Lucia, as well as Nan Merolla, First Vice President, representing the Federated Garden Club of Connecticut. Recognitions and honors were received by club President Mary Ellen Seuch and President-Elect Anne Mauk. The celebration was joined by family, friends, and supporters of the Norwalk Garden Club.

With music in the background, club members enjoyed an assortment of appetizers, beverages, flowers, and a decorated cake commemorating the celebration. The club History Book, recently published, was viewed for the first time to the acclaim of all. Supporters of the Norwalk Garden Club were recognized in a booklet detailing the many projects that have benefited Norwalk residents over the past 100 years.

On the afternoon of October 9, members and guests will gather for a final celebration of our centennial year. This special luncheon will be highlighted by a PowerPoint presentation of the chapter’s one hundred year history.

On October 23, members gathered at Calf Pasture Beach for the planting of a multi-stemmed Redbud tree, a gift to the City of Norwalk in commemoration of the garden club’s 100th anniversary. In addition, the club planted 400 daffodil bulbs in the boulevard area leading to the beach. Thank you to Sarah Cruz, Arborist/Horticulturist for the city who assisted in making the arrangements for this event.

Mary Ellen Seuch, Chairperson/President 2023-24 Anne Mauk, President, 2024-25 Beverly Follis, Historian Annette Maiberger, Communications Jennifer Rumbelow, Member Diane Russell, Member

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

An overview of the history of the Norwalk Garden Club, along with photos can be found in an article by Julia Rachel for Nancy on Norwalk, July 19, 2024.  Click here.

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