(First Officers of
Hudson Garden Club had it’s beginnings in 1968 when a few
women met at the Hudson Library at the suggestion of Viola Ross to discuss
forming a garden club.. Viola Ross, (now an Honorary Member) is living in
The first President of the Hudson Garden Club was: Jeanne Piecewicz. The Charter Members (those who were present for
the first meeting) and are still active members today are: Carol Gault, Nancy Gillis, Marie Kerins
and Elaine Surette. The club became a part of the
Massachusetts State Federation of Garden Clubs in 1972 with the encouragement
of Sandra Joyce and
Membership for the year 1968 -1969 shows that the club had 41 members. Dues were $5.00 per year. Officers elected that year were, Mrs. John Piecewicz, President; Mrs. William Doyle, Secretary; Mrs. Edward Sylvia, Vice President; Mrs. Gerald Adams, Second Vice President; and Mrs.Roger Landry, Treasurer; and Mrs. John Joyce, Parliamentarian.
Two of the By-Laws of the club at that time that bear mention are Article l the Name of the club shall be the Hudson Garden Club. Article ll—the purpose --- The purpose of this club is to promote a greater interest in gardening, horticulture, conservation, flower arranging and allied activities and to cooperate in civic betterment.
The club as it exists today has held to that purpose. There
is good camaraderie between the members and common goals. In the early years
the meetings were held in the lower floor of the Hudson Public Library. For the
past several years the meetings are held at the Elks Hall on
A very ambitious series of programs and events became a reality for the new club. A Standard Flower show with many divisions and sections was held in June of 1972. There were many entries and the judges must have had a hard time choosing the winners. The theme of this was American Heritage and it was held over a two day period. An Aquatic Fantasy Garden Show was a big success held in June of 1973. Spring Festivals were held where members offered a variety of vegetables and flower seedlings, annuals, perennials, herbs, houseplants, flower arrangements, crafts and bakes goods and penny candy. From the past history pictures and publicity in the newspapers one can see that the members had much fun participating in these events. Marie Kerins told of a time when she and Mickey McClellan were part of the refreshment committee at a Flower Show at the Methodist church. To make the punch bowel colorful they made pink punch and froze violets into the ice cubes. Sounds like a pretty touch and great fun to do. Other activities included plant sales, speakers from the Mass County Extension Service, field trips, community beautification projects and nursing home visits.
To keep members updated they had Newsletters. One was titled
During the first year it was brought to the members’ attention that they had duties, a few of which were: Be loyal to the Officers, as they were elected by the majority to represent the club. Avoid undo criticism of programs, with the understanding that all programs cannot please all members all of the time. Express appreciation of the work of the leaders and committees.
The Hudson Garden Club has a proud history. It is up to us to keep this fine legacy going.
DIG, WEED, PLANT AND WATER ------this is what most of us are doing. HAPPY GARDENING TO ALL!
Catherine Russell Club Historian
Contributing Editor: Jeanne Piecewicz – First Club President