Mrs. F. Norton Biggs
Miss Fanny Brent
Mrs. C. A. Brown
Mrs. E. W. Childs
Mrs. Walter H. Eckert
Mrs. George M. Fischer
Mrs. L. H. Freer
Mrs. E. F. Hasbrook
Mrs. E. H. Hicks
Mrs. C. W. Higley
Mrs. A. M. Hinckley
Mrs. C. E. Raymond
Mrs. Dana Slade, Jr.
Mrs. Herbert R. Thayer
ABOUT US
OUR CHARTER MEMBERS
Mrs. Frank D. Farr - First President and Honorary Founding Member
In 1921, The Garden Club of Hinsdale had its beginnings when 15 women met at the home of Mrs. Frank D. Farr to share their interests in gardening. At that time in our nation’s history, people were paying special attention to gardening and the beautification of public spaces. Grand and elaborate gardens and conservatories had been created in our public parks. Local groups were coming together to enhance their communities and their private homes.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Farr–the first club president–and her officers–Mrs. Walter Eckert (Vice President) and Miss Fanny Brent (Secretary and Treasurer)–The Garden Club of Hinsdale began the legacy we enjoy today. The original membership was limited to 35 women. Meetings were held in homes. Members enjoyed an active schedule of meetings, flower shows, beautification, and special projects.
In 1925, the women of The Garden Club of Hinsdale played a key role in the establishment of The Garden Club of Illinois, Inc. which now has over 6,000 members in the state of Illinois and is a charter member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental responsibility.
It was in 1929 that club president Mrs. O. W. (Mary) Dynes helped organize a Junior Garden Club. The club was composed of young Hinsdale women who had watched, with interest and admiration, the achievements of the senior club and were inspired to organize a club of their own. Today, the Junior Garden Club is known as The Garden Study Club. Also in 1929, The Garden Club of Illinios, Inc. became a charter member of the newly organized National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Over the years, The Garden Club of Hinsdale has been responsible for landscaping areas at the Community House, the yard of the original Junior High School, two blocks along the right of way of the Burlington Railroad, and a bird sanctuary at the east end of Third Street. The club also, at one time, managed the holiday decorations at the Hinsdale train station. In 1928, The Garden Club of Hinsdale made a substantial contribution towards the original landscaping of the Memorial Building grounds.
In 2021, the club celebrated its Centennial during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world shut down to prevent the spread of the virus, the club quickly shifted gears, had their meetings via Zoom, and kept all members informed via a monthly newsletter. The club not only survived the pandemic, it also thrived, boosting 15 new members in the 21-22 club year.
Today, the membership of the club carries on the traditions of our founders. While the club’s membership has expanded from 35 to over 100 women, its mission and focus remain the same. The club’s educational programs present information designed to stimulate an interest in and knowledge of gardening. The club’s service projects continue to focus on the beautification of the Village of Hinsdale, and its flower shows and spring events encourage the development of our floral design skills. As the club continues to promote a love for gardening, it also raises funds to provide scholarships to Hinsdale Central High School seniors who are interested in botany, landscape design/installation, and/or environmental sciences. The club also supports the work of The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. by making annual donations to its initiatives.