History
of the Humboldt Rose Society
Written
By Gaird Hamilton
Our rose society would never have been born except for the efforts of
a very dedicated rose grower named Rose Kellogg, who passed away in
September 2001 at the age of 92. She had joined the American Rose Society
in order to learn more about growing roses and put that knowledge to
good use in her garden which eventually was one acre in size. She loved
to share her garden and thought about forming a rose society for a couple
of years before she did it. She thought that she wasn't educated enough,
but husband Eddie told her that no one cares how you write. She got
a list of the 27 members of the American Rose Society in the local area
and sent letters to all of them.. She got replies from 17 and they joined
together in 1963 as the Humboldt Rose Society.
Our Charter members played
a large part in our Society for many years as they lived long lives
due probably at least in part to their love and dedication to the rose.
Christine Kemp, Alan Etherington, and Rose Kellogg, all of whom played
a large part over the years in our Society, have passed away in the
last few years. We are still blessed with two of our Charter Members
in Lida Coyle, and Betty Teasley. Dr. Stan Baird, who joined in 1964,
said that he went to his first meeting which was held in Rose Kellogg's
garden, and he was won over immediately and charmed by her wonderful
rose garden. She spread the love of roses with a missionary zeal, and
loved to share her roses with everyone.
Papers of Incorporation were
dated November 4, 1984 and signed by Barbara Nelson as Incorporator,
and also signed by Joseph Olson, President, and Lida Coyle, Secretary.
Our Bylaws were Revised April 18, 1983 by the Revision Committee of
Lida Coyle, Christine Kemp, Barbara Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and
Eugene Portugal. Approved by membership May 23, 1983.
The current
home of the Humboldt Rose Society is in the Christ Episcopal Church
at 15th and H Streets in Eureka. Meetings are held in the church parish
room and parking is available on the 14th Street side. The society meets
on the second Thursday of the month between January and June, and between
September and November.
We
have an annual rose show which usually is held in early June. We also
hold rose tours, pot lucks, and picnics during the Summer, and a Christmas
Dinner in December.
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