Semo.news RELEASE from the Poplar Bluff Garden Club May 11, 2012
Poplar Bluff Garden Club celebrates 75 years
By Liz Ellis, Reporter
 In 1937, the Poplar Bluff Garden Club was founded by 16 women who met twice a month during the spring and once a month during the winter to plan out activities. They held flower shows and fundraiser's, and planted and landscaped all over town.
Poplar Bluff Garden Club members (from left) Katie Findlay, Judy Duncan, Judy Sheets and Rose Brown display a hand sewn picture of the county’s state flowers that the club completed circa -1960.
Now, 75 years later, the club has a long history and an impressive legacy left behind.
“I love the friendship and the feeling that we do something that is worthwhile. We’re not just some ladies’ circle out there having fun,” said Katie Findlay, a member since 1992. “We work hard and do a lot during the year.”
In fact, the garden club is constantly doing something for the community. Their projects include planting crepe myrtles around town, planting a tree every Arbor Day, landscaping public areas including the Poplar Bluff Public Library and Three Rivers College, putting wreaths on the Blue Star Memorial, planting petunias at City Hall, planting roses at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center and more.
“It’s amazing what we’ve done in the years I’ve been a member,” said Alana DeBord, who began with the club in 1998. “We’re all getting older, but we’re still so active… I’m proud of what we’ve done in the community.”
Most recently, the club celebrated Arbor Day by dedicating a tree at the library and visiting the Kindergarten Center to talk to the children about nature and gardening.
“This is a very active club. They are always doing something for the community to beautify Poplar Bluff. They do a lot for the community, and it is very educational,” former member Penny Lynch said.
Centered on nature and the community, the organization is more than happy to cater to everyone—even those who know little about gardening.
“I’m not a gardener. To me it’s just work…” said Judy Duncan, a member since 1977. “I joined to learn about gardening. I didn’t have a clue when I joined, but I have learned a lot. I joined for the artistic side of it.”
The organization is not simply about flowers either. In fact, they also help provide information about birds, keep bird sanctuaries and conduct bluebird walks. Nature and all that it entails is what the club is about.
“It’s about the environment and water resources, recycling, birds… It’s not just plants. It’s the environment. Nature. It’s very broad,” Duncan continued.
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Alana dedicates the 82 year old Southern magnolia on Library grounds.
Alana speaks of what the old tree might have witnessed over her 82 years of living on this corner of the City Library grounds near downtown Poplar Bluff.
Guest speaker Bob Manns refers to the tree as "The Bear Tree" because many years ago a pet bear climbed up in the tree after escaping his cage.
PBGC members listen attentively.
Connie Warren read a poem.
John Stannard speaks of Dr. Hendrix who planted the tree in 1930 on what was then the Poplar Bluff Hospital grounds.
Special guests at tree dedication.
The Memorial plaque. The wording was suggested by John Stannard.
Dr. H. M. Henricksons granddaughter, Mary Godwin,, spoke about him and unveiled the plaque. Mary's Grandmother picked the blossoms for the people hospitalized.
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