Beginning in 1952, the Boothbay Region Garden Club participated with other garden clubs in caring for the patients in the VA Hospital at Togus through gardening activities. A singing canary in a cage was presented by our Club to the Togus Mental Ward. It was very much appreciated.

Junior garden clubs thrived. Club membership in ’55 was still held to Boothbay region residents only.

In 1956, the new high school was constructed. The club raised money through flower shows to contribute in a major way toward the landscaping and plantings around the school grounds. The town was able to save thousands of dollars on this project because of the clubs’ efforts. By 1957 the BBRGC met in the Congregational Church Vestry.

Our club was also instrumental in a state-wide protest against Capitol Park in Augusta being turned into a parking lot. We emphasized native plants and trees as an important contribution to the state of Maine. Robert’s Rules of Order were now required to be followed at club meetings.

There never were written dress rules for attending a garden club meeting. But, by 1961, there were obvious changes. Pants were no longer for working in the garden. And hats and gloves to meetings were not a necessary part of one’s attire. More casual dress arrived.

The “Battle of the Bottles” began in the ‘60s. The state legislature did enact laws controlling the placement of billboards on state highways. The club concentrated on beautifying the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library’s grounds and building, including a sugar maple purchased and planted on the Library lawn.

By 1962 club membership was increased to 150, and the “Wiscasset Ladies” were accepted to join. Annual flower shows continued with a different theme each year. There was increased concern over the indiscriminate use of pesticides (due mainly to the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”).

In 1968, a major attempt by the club, the town of Boothbay and local residents was made to transform Lewis Park on Mt. Pisgah into an area “for the use and benefit of the local inhabitants.” Much enthusiasm and help, however, could not prevent lack of use and ongoing vandalism to occur. This project, therefore, had to be discontinued in 1974.

House and garden tours raised monies to fund the club’s various activities.

The year 1971 saw the continuation of horticulture activities at Togus. Flower arrangement now had a monthly theme. The Flower shows and House and Garden Tours were successful alternate year activities. In 1975, the Salmagundi was begun to raise monies toward scholarships. In 1979 the club held the first Artist’s Studio Tour. The Flower Show, Salmagundi and Artists Studio Tour were rotated year by year.

From 1976 to 1978, the Beath Spring project was initiated by the club, helped by the Junior Garden Club and residents from three towns. The club paid for storage tanks, pipes, spigots, a shelter and landscaping. Unfortunately, after all this cooperation and encouragement, the Spring was continuously vandalized. Plus the expansion of commercial organizations nearby altered the water table.

Also, in the mid ‘70s, Rachel Carson was remembered by a special stamp, and a plaque in her honor was placed in front of The First National Bank. All this was accomplished by the efforts of club member, Tess Eliot, who was a close friend of Rachel Carson. Then Senator, George Mitchell, was a guest at the proceedings.

Fifty years, 1981! Club activities continue for the benefit of the Boothbay area communities. Growing and blooming together.

Related: Boothbay Region Garden Club: Growing and blooming together, 1931 to 1981, part I