Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club

History

As reported in the SVGC Newsletter, Volume 13, Issue 9, by Carol Peterson.

The Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club holds the distinction of being the first garden club established in the Snoqualmie Valley. It was organized on March 21, 1928, at the Snoqualmie Riverfront home of Dorothy Gochnour in Fall City. This historic home was later replaced by a bulb farm, but its significance as the birthplace of the club remains.

Founding Members and Early Days

The charter members of the club were:

  • Jenny Angell

  • Anna Bailey

  • Edna Bartlett

  • Florence Bonell

  • Mary Dwyer

  • Dorothy Gochnour

  • Edna Huffman

  • Florence McCann

  • Olive Quigley

  • Jenny Simmons

  • Mary Tunin

  • Gertrude Wagner

  • Nora Warrent

The club was initially named “Inveralmie,” combining "Inver," meaning "by the river," and "almie," derived from Snoqualmie. Early guidelines for the club included:

  • Membership was capped at 25 members.

  • Meetings were held at members' homes, with programs prepared and presented by members on a rotating basis.

  • Roll call required members to provide both the common and botanical names of a seasonal flower, plant, or shrub.

  • The Trillium was chosen as the official club flower.

The first officers were:

  • President: Mrs. Florence McCann

  • Vice President: Mrs. Dorothy Gochnour

  • Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. Edna Bartlett

Growth and Community Impact

By April 1931, the club expanded its membership to include individuals from Snoqualmie, Meadowbrook, Snoqualmie Falls, and North Bend. Reflecting this growth, the club’s name was changed to the Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club. Meetings began rotating among the different communities.

Membership grew steadily, with a cap of 100 members established in 1940. By 1948, the club had a waiting list, underscoring its popularity and influence. Members dedicated themselves to improving local gardens and educating the community about cultivating better flowers and plants.

Notable Achievements

The club’s efforts culminated in remarkable events like the 1949 Flower Show, which showcased an impressive 400 entries. This success highlighted the club’s commitment to fostering horticultural excellence and its role as a cornerstone of the valley’s gardening community.

Today, the Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club continues to honor its legacy of growth, education, and community enrichment, maintaining the vibrant spirit envisioned by its founders in 1928.