The Men's Garden Club of the Shoals has an interesting history that had it's beginning in March of 1980. Founded by 13 gardeners of the area, the club provided them with an opportunity to "plant talk". Their interest gave rise to an expanding sphere of influence with a number of gardeners, resulting in a very active group of people with a common interest in plants. Three areas, regarding gardening, planting, cultivating, and harvesting, they found out, applied to people as well. So the club prospered with a current membership of 60 "dirt digging plant lovers".
The club has a number of regular activities, plus beautification projects in the Shoals area. A monthly meeting provides a time of fellowship, an opportunity to swap plant information, and an informative program by club members and outside speakers of interest. Yearly field trips are planned to gardens in other places in order to broaden areas of interest to the membership. Monthly meeting in the summer are replaced with social activities.
As you look around the Shoals area, you will see that local governments, businesses and others have improved the beauty of our environs. There is still a lot to be accomplished. If you have an interest in these and other gardening endeavors, join the Men's Garden Club. You will find it to be a worthwhile investment of your time and abilities. If you have always wanted help in planting and maintaining a beautiful garden or lawn, and lacked the necessary expertise, look no further, help is at hand. You will find a friendly and knowledgeable membership that delights in sharing their knowledge of gardening.
The March 1980 roster of the club charter members include: Robert T. Allen, Eddie Joe Bracken, Alvin Braly, Thomas E. Clem, C. C. Cooper, Morris Cracraft, Dr. J. W. Dabbs, O. W. Edwards, Dr. Earl Pfraser, W. A. Graham, James H. Hambrick, W. W. Hairston, Robert M. Hill, Dr. James Holliday, V. J. Johnson, John D. Landers, Audi W. Luttrell, Ralph F. McKnight, Pete McNeese, R. C. Mullens, J. W. Scarborough, J. Wate Putnam, Herbert Sherrod, Michael C. Thompson, Robert E. Torbert, Sam C. Wade, Norman Worchester, John C. Clement, Leo Creel, dr. Arthur L. Hershey, and Vistor J. Kilmer.
