The following pages contain some of the

highlights of the thirty year existence of the

Olympia Chapter of the American

Rhododendron Society. Most of the

information was taken from meeting

minutes and when necessary/, newsletters.

In reading through the minutes, it was

difficult not to include more.

Much thanks is due to the faithful secretaries

who kept the records of the

meetings and those members who saved

them until now.

The Olympia Chapter is still active and

though "many things have changed, it is

still the same" as thirty years ago.

Joanne Campbell

September, 1992

HIGHLTGHTS OF THE 30 YEAR HISTORY OF THE OLYMPIA CHAPTER,

OF A.R.S.

The first meeting to organize the Olympia Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society

was held June 26, 1962 in the Coach House of the State Historical Museum. Clifford Cannon acted as temporary

chairman of this meeting and Carl P. Fawcett of Tacoma, a director of the American Rhododendron Society,

gave information on starting a chapter. After a unanimous decision was made to form a new chapter,

the following officers were elected: President, Roy Clark; Vice-President, Mrs. Earl Faulk Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. F. G. Kearns.

These officers, along with Cliff Cannon and Mrs. Herman Engelland, were appointed to a committee to draw up by-laws for the chapter.

On August22^nd 1962 a meeting was held in the recreation room of the Puget Sound Power and Light Co. The by-laws drawn up by the appointed committee were unanimously approved. A majority vote at this meeting also decided the new chapter would be named the Olympia Chapter. John Eichelser was elected Board Member-at-Large this time. A panel of speakers

for the evening, Roy Clark, John Eichelser, Cliff Cannon and Bruce Briggs discussed the culture of rhododendrons and answered questions from the audience. A plant, "Olympic Lady 'was auctioned for $3.50. At the meeting held on Sept. 26, 1962, a letter received from the secretary of the American Rhododendron Society was read, welcoming the chapter into the National organization and stating the Olympia Chapter was the 20th chapter to receive affiliation with the group. The charter was received from the National group showing thirty members in the new chapter. Mr. W. E. Whitney, hybridizer and grower at Brinnon, gave a slide talk on his many years experience hybridizing rhododendrons.

John Eichelser raffled off plants he had donated adding $25.75 to the treasury . The program for the October meeting was a panel discussion rhododendron on culture by Roy Clark, Alonzo Smith and Lewis Mobbs. For the November meeting program, Mr. and Mrs. George Betts, who joined the chapter in October, showed slides of the landscaping at their home in Rochester and their progress in propagating plants in cold frames and protected boxes.

1963--The February meeting featured a slide program, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Kammer, of their garden near Puyallup where they specialize in growing Exbury azaleas. The next meeting recorded was held in September. The speaker at this meeting was Dr. J.Harold Clarke, A.R.S. President. He gave a short history of the National organization and a slide presentation showing many of his own plants. Officers elected at the November meeting to serve for the following year were: President, Roy Clark; Vice-President, George Betts; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. F.G. Kearns.

1964-The January meeting was held in the Olympia Community Center. The decision was made to have a non-competitive exhibition type show, and a committee headed by John Eichelser and M. W. Spalding, was appointed to decide on a time and place. The first rhododendron show was held at Tumwater Falls Park on May 16th and 17th with James Guiles serving as chairman. At the May 27th meeting he reported there were approximately 60 plants and 300 cut trusses on display. A total of 465 persons registered for the door prize at this successful show. Mr. Rufus Kisor, an instructor at Centralia College, gave an interesting talk on native shrubs and showed many interesting slides of flowers native to the state, at the October meeting. Officers elected at the November meeting for the upcoming year were: President, George Betts; Vice-President, Oscar Borell; Secretary-Treasurer,

Dorothy Chamberlain; Director-at. Large, Al Carter. Bruce Briggs, John Eichelser and Roy Clark gave a demonstration on grafting techniques and Cliff Cannon showed his method of growing rhododendrons from seed.

1965--Bruce Briggs presented the program for the April meeting. He showed slides of gardens and Doris had visited, unusual plant materials, and effective ways to use them in the landscape. At the May 26th meeting, Show Chairman Peggy Corum reported there had been over 2000 visitors to Tumwater Falls Park the weekend of the show (May 22-23). The chapter held a potluck at Tumwater Falls Park in place of an August meeting. The October meeting featured guest speaker Dr. E. P. Breakey, who showed slides of insect damage to rhododendrons and results of different insecticides used at the Western Washington Experiment Station at Puyallup. The minutes showed rental charge for the Community Center to be $$1.50 per month. These officers for the upcoming year were elected at the November meeting: President, George Betts; Vice-President, Alonzo Smith; Secretary, Marie Betts; Treasurer, Dorothy Chamberlain; Director-at-Large, Albert Carter. The chapter voted to have a planting at Tumwater Falls Park and to start with fifty plants. Plants from Briggs Nursery raffled at this meeting included "Red Cloud", "Sandpiper", and

"Harvest Moon".

1966--Information given at the February meeting showed progress being made toward establishing the rhododendron planting at Tumwater Falls Park The chapter voted to purchase blooming plants for this project. At the April 25th meeting the participation of the Olympia Chapter in the Tacoma Show was discussed and Bob Berger explained a plan he

had drawn up for the chapter display. The chapter voted to spend $50.00 for the show, if necessary.

Information was given that John Eichelser had a rhododendron named for his daughter Lori listed in the A.R.S. Quarterly register. The silver coffee server, won by the Olympia Chapter as first prize for chapter displays at the Tacoma show was shown to

members at the September meeting. Bruce Briggs presented slide program of hybrids not yet introduced. The October meeting was held at Panorama City. The featured speaker was Honore' Hocanson who told how she and her husband became interested in growing and selling rhododendrons. Elections were held at the November meeting. Unanimously elected

were: President, Joe Wheat; Vice-President, Marcus Spalding; Secretary, Marie Betts;

Treasurer, Dorothy Chamberlain; Delegate-at-Large, Joe Dvorak

1967--The February meeting featured a program by Joe Wheat on the variations in Douglas fir and controlled pollination. At the March meeting a calling committee was named to remind members of the meeting night. Included were Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Magill' Mrs. Eilers. Mrs. Burrell, Mrs. Weurth and Mrs. Wick The April meeting included the announcement annual dues would be raised to $7.50, effective July 1. Marcus Spalding was named chairman of the Chapter Show to be held May 20-21, At the October meeting the decision was made to invite retail growers to participate by having displays at the Chapter Show to be held May 18-19, 1968. The December meeting included election of the next year’s officers: President, Marcus Spalding; Vice President, Walt Weurth; Secretary, George Wambold; Treasurer, Al Carter; Delegate-at'Large; Joe Dvorak.

1968--The January meeting featured a slide presentation by Bruce Briggs noted 8s "a

comprehensive study of plant physiology as related to producing rooted cuttings of various plant materials, particularly rhododendrons". Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robbins of Puyallup presented a slide program of a wide variety of rhododendrons,

many in their own yard, plus those growing in private estates in England and Scotland, for the February meeting. On

May 25th, twenty-eight chapter members and guests toured the gardens of Mr. and Mrs.

John Eichelser, Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Cannon, Catherine Leal, Mr. and Mrs. George Betts and Briggs Nursery. The September meeting program, presented by George Wambold' was a collection of slides of various European cities and assorted azaleas,

rhododendrons and chrysanthemums. Thirty-seven members and guests were present. Elections were held in November with the following members chosen to serve: President, Marcus Spalding; Vice-President, Ray Swanson Secretary, George Wambold; Treasurer, Al Carter; Delegate-at-Large, Dorothy Chamberlain. Due to an early snowfall only thirteen members attended the

plant exchange meeting held December 18th.

1969--These committee chairmen were named at the February meeting: Publicity Ruth Wick; Membership, George Wambold; Park and Show Chairman, Dorothy Chamberlain; Asst. Show Chairman, George Betts; Question Box, Oscar Borell. Fifty-seven

members and guests were present. Eighteen members were present at the May meeting when the decision was made to establish the first week-end in May as the annual show date, to be observed from year to year. In October a joint meeting was held with the Shelton Chapter. Business

conducted included amending the by-laws to permit all officers, except the president, to serve more than two consecutive terms. John Infthouse, Propagation Chairman of the Vancouver, B.C. Chapter, was the guest speaker. He presented

slides of Vancouver, site of the 1970 National Convention, also slides of his propagation techniques and some of the

favorite hybrids of the Vancouver area. Officers elected in November for the 1970 term were: President, John Eichelser; Vice-President, George Wambold; Secretary, Folmer Sogaard; Treasurer, Al Carter; Delegate-at-Large, Dorothy Chamberlain.

1970-The highlight of the February meeting was an azalea slide program provided by Island Gardens of Eugene, Oregon and a talk on the proper use of fertilizer on rhodies and shaping of plants by pruning, given by Mrs. Tom Leal, On May 9th approximately twenty-five members toured the Fred Robbins garden in Puyallup. A potluck picnic at Pt. Defiance

Park was held, followed by a tour of the Tacoma Chapter plantings in the park This tour ended abruptly at 3:00 when a rain squall hit the area! The October meeting featured Dr.Rollin Wyrens of Everett, who showed slides and narrated his trek on foot into the remote regions of Nepal. Fifty-nine members and guests attended the November meeting which included election of officers. The officers of the previous year were re-elected with Jarrell Mauch replacing Folmer Sogaard as Secretary. President Eichelser announced at the I)December meeting a new chapter was being formed in Chehalis and offered assistance from

the Olympia chapter in helping the new group get established.

1971--Mr. Frank Johnson, a local county extension agent, was the guest speaker at the January meeting. He talked on the various ways to control root weevils without using DDT and research being done on biological control of such pests. George Wambold was chairman of the Chapter Show held May lst and 2nd. The September meeting included a discussion of increasing National dues. A vote indicated an annual $10.00 fee was not excessive. The evening's program was presented by Bruce Briggs who discussed plant losses during the summer, their causes and possible solutions. Election of officers for 1972 was held at the November meeting with these members chosen to serve: President, George Wambold; Vice-President, Bill Melton; Secretary,

Shirley Schoth; Treasurer' Ruth Wick; Delegate-at-Large, Tom Leal. A letter was to be written to the state DDT Board informing

them of the chapters concern that no relief was available to the home gardener for control of the native wood weevil.

I972-The January meeting was cancelled due to snow. The February meeting included guest speaker Warren Berg, who showed slides of his hybrids and a visit to Japan. The April meeting featured Jerry Taylor, a landscape architect, who spoke on landscaping with rhododendrons and companion plants. Bill Melton was chairman of the Chapter Show held

May 6th and 7th. The September treasurer's report showed a balance of $456.63 in the chapter account. Bill and Linda Melton gave an excellent slide program of their trip to the 1972 Rhododendron Conference in San Francisco. Officers elected at the October meeting were: President, George Wambold; Vice-President, Bill Melton; Secretary, Shirley Schoth;

Treasurer, Ruth Wick; Delegate-at-Large, Roy Clark. The December meeting included a

plant exchange and a program presented by Dr. Jim Pennell, W.S.U. Entomologist whose topic was weevil problems.

1973--The January meeting's main topic was a "freeze report" by John Eichelser stating that Portland area growers had lost half their crop. Damage in the local area was not that severe and further north less damage was noted. Featured at the March meeting was an educational program on landscaping, propagation (seeds and planting)r plant selection and proper planting, presented by Jerry Taylor, George and Marie Betts, John Eichelser an Edwin Winterling, respectively. Officers elected for the upcoming year were as follows: President, Ray Swanson; Vice-President, I)on Howe; Secretary, Janine Shaffer; Treasurer, Ruth Wick; Delegate-at-Large, Dorothy Chamberlain. The guest speaker was Dr. Frank Mossman who presented a slide program on fragrant occidentale azaleas growing along the Oregon coast and northern California. The December meeting included discussion

regarding nominating Bill Whitney for an A.R.S. medal and contacting the Shelton Chapter about joining in this action, as he had attended meetings there.

1974--At the January meeting Janet Swanson was named secretary of the chapter following the resignation of Janine Shaffer. John Eichelser announced at the February meeting the Weyerhaeuser timber Co. had donated 17 acres for the Species Foundation. James Caperci, a Seattle nurseryman, showed slides of plants he has grown over the past thirty years. A plant auction was held at the March meeting, making approximately $70.00 profit. The president reported at the September meeting he had received several letters from the National organization regarding money problems. It takes almost all the current income from dues to publish the quarterly and costs are rising. Chapter members were asked to consider possibly raising dues and/or money raising projects. President Swanson announced at the October meeting the annual dues are now $12.00. The incumbent officers were re-

elected at the November meeting. The president proposed a change in the bylaws to allow election of officers in April. This change was approved at the December meeting.

1975--At the January meeting the announcement was made that the Shelton Chapter requested the support of the Olympia Chapter for their nomination of Bill Whitney for the A.R.S. Gold Medal. The Olympia Chapter wrote the awards committee in support of this. The two chapters held their May shows the same weekend and shared publicity. Bill Melton was Show Chairman and Linda Melton was Publicity Chairman. Proceeds from a "lively" plant auction held in March were approximately $131.61, according to a report by Treasurer Ruth Wick. Officers elected at the April meeting were: President, Bill Melton; Vice-President, Dan Macomber; Secretary, Pat Hill; Tbeasurer, Dorothy Currie; Delegate-at Large, Sharon Cammarano. At the September meeting Bill Melton suggested another date other than Mother's Day weekend to hold the Chapter Show and Pat Hill explained the concept of the proposed yearbook. Jessie Macomber volunteered to be Refreshment Chairman. The October meeting was held in the Unitarian Fellowship Church. Guests at this meeting were Ben Briggs, Lorraine Eichelser, Bill Canfield and Wayne Arnold. At the December meeting the chapter voted to buy $100.00 worth of plants from the Species Foundation to auction with $100.00 the proceeds to be donated to the Foundation.

1976--The first meeting of the new year started with the announcement by President Melton that he had not had rousing success

finding a May show chairman. The suggestion was made that the vice-president serve as chairman, however Dan Macomber (vice-president) immediately objected! After much discussion Dan moved the immediate past president be chairman. This was seconded and passed majority by vote! At the September meeting show chairman Ray Swanson reported the May Show was a success with lots of newspaper coverage. Approximately 700 cars went through Tumwater Falls Park on Saturday with 200 cars usually thought to be a good day. Pat Hill will again edit a yearbook for members but it will be pocket size. Bill Melton showed how he uses a plastic ice cream carton for a "sweat box for cuttings. He recommended keeping it outside, out

of direct sunlight on the north side of the house. He uses a mixture of sand, perlite and peat moss for rooting mix. The October meeting brought the sad news of the death of chapter member Tom Leal. Ray Swanson prepared and distributed forms "to get an idea of what the membership desires from the chapter".

l977-Included in the February meeting was a program by Andy Anderson of the Northwest Research and Extension Center at Mt. Vernon. He conducts research on tissue culture and explained what he has worked on with various crops and successes failure and with rhododendrons. The March meeting included an auction of 97 plants for a profit of $251.88. At the April meeting the winners of a Chapter Photography Contest, judged by Dick Milligan of the Daily Olympian and John Eichelser, were announced. Winner in 5mcategories was Bill Melton,3 categories, Berneice Jordan, 2 categories, Dan Macomber and 1 category, Lloyd Jordan. Officers elected were as follows: President, I)an Macomber; Vice-President, Warren Arnold; Secretary, Sharon Cammaranol Treasurer, Eloise James; Member-at-Large, Linda Melton. The October meeting featured two guest speakers, Jim Ely who spoke on root weevil control and Elmer Fisher who gave a presentation on km

hybrids and showed slides of Lawrence Pierce's garden.

1978-.The featured speaker at the January meeting was Alice Knight of Heather Acres who discussed the various types and sizes of heather. A special highlight of the April meeting was the presentation of the Bronze Medal to John Eichelser by President Dan Macomber. In November the present officers were re-elected except for the vice-president. Larry Law was elected to fill the vacancy left by Warren Arnold. The program was presented by Harold Greer of Greer Gardens in Eugene, Ore. He spoke on what he personally favors among hybrid rhododendrons, and showed slides of hybrids available in the future.

I979--At the January meeting George Wambold showed a slide program from the Species Foundation. Members enjoyed it so much it was shown twice! Bill Melton is chairman of the May Show and reported at the February meeting that progress is going smoothly. Officers elected at the April meeting were: President, Buzz Hettinger; Vice-President, Allen Moore; Secretary, Lori Eichelser; Treasurer, Eloise James. At the October meeting Frank Doleshy presented a program on his travels to Borneo and the rhododendrons he found.

1980--The January meeting featured a slide presentation on tissue culture by Bruce Briggs. Committee chairmen for the May Show, named at the April meeting, are: Publicity, Larry Law; Signs, Bill Melton; Educational Display, Allen Moore; Sawdust,

Ray Swanson: Moss, Cort Skinner Hosts and Hostesses, I.ori Eichelser; Commercial Displays, John Eichelser Trusses,

Dorothy Chamberlain; Potluck, Jessie Macomber and Janet Swanson. Officers elected at this meeting were: President, John Eichelser; Vice-President, Allen Moore; Secretary, Linda Melton; Treasurer, Janet Swanson. Guests introduced at the November

meeting included Janice Hammock and George and Marie Betts. The special guest speaker was Dr. Gustav Mehlquist, plant geneticist, nurseryman and college professor emeritus. He presented an enjoyable slide program to illustrate basic genetics.

Dorothy Chamberlain and Ruth Wick were named co-chairmen of the May Show.

1981--The February meeting featured a slide presentation by Britt Smith including many species rhododendrons and a visit to the British Isles. At the April meeting the present chapter officers were asked to serve a second year and all agreed. During the September meeting, President John Eichelser expressed thanks to the previous year's officers for serving again, to Dorothy Chamberlain and Ruth Wick, May Show Co-Chairmen' Pat Hill or the members yearbook, Ray Swanson, Librarian and to

Shirley Eichelser for all her work on the newsletter and for picking up after him! The guest speaker at the October

meeting was Ted Van Veen, whose program featured slides on cuttings, examples of new growth and various hybrids. Ellie Sather, Shelton Chapter President, proposed a Joint early show how with the Olympia Chapter. At the November meeting the announcement was made Bill Melton will be chairman of this Early Show with Roger and Joanne Downs as co-

chairmen. Chapters participating in the Early Show will be Olympia, Shelton, Grays Harbor and Lewis County.

1982--The March meeting featured a beautiful slide program on the Genus Rhododendron by Harold Greer. Committee assignments for the May Show were named at the April meeting. They are: Truss display, Art Zabel, Linda Scheller and Ann Jewell; Publicity, Joanne Downs; Sawdust, Larry Law; Moss, Larry Leal, John Eichelser, Dave Jewell, Dave Cammarano and Bob Wick; Hosts and Hostesses, Joanne Downs Commercial displays' John Eichelser and Sharon Cammarano; Potluck, Janet Swanson. Officers for next year elected at this time were: President, Allen Moore; Vice-President, Dave Jewell; Secreta4r, Dee McDermott; Treasurer, Linda Scheller. New members introduced at the September meeting included Tom Fredrickson, Bob Reuter, Peggy Cameron, Dick Conant, Chuck Hornbuckle and Judy Warren. Individual dues were increased to $15.00 per year.

Discussion was held regarding finding a new meeting place as the Unitarian Church began charging $35.00 per meeting. (The charge was $10.00 per month when meetings were first held at this location). At the October meeting it was announced

the Olympia Chapter may use a room and the kitchen in the Olympia Community Center free as a non-profit

organization. Chapter members voted at the November meeting to donate the books in the chapter library to the Olympia Timberland Library.

1983--During the February meeting it was announced there will be no Early Show as dates at Capitol Mall are booked up. The Olympia Chapter and the Kitsap and Seattle chapters, are questioning the National Board transferring $47,000 from the Seed Exchange the to Research Foundation without contacting the general membership. Steve and Carol McCulloch became members at this meeting. The current officers were re-elected for another year. Tom Fredrickson was chairman of the Chapter Show held May 4-,5. At the September meeting Ann Jewell volunteered to be secretary when Linda Scheller resigned. Bill Melton was named chairman of the 1984 Early Show with Norman Orford as asst.

chairman, and Ann Roggenkamp and Ron Marzano will be co-chairman of the May (1984) Show.

1984--The annual plant auction was held at the January meeting. Membership dues were discussed at the February meeting. A raise from the current $15 to $24 had been discussed April l4th. John Clarke and Cliff Cannon were co-chairmen for the Chapter Show, held May 9-10. At the September meeting Bruce Briggs presented a program on a trip he and Doris made to Europe. They visited nurseries and also showed pictures taken in Germany, Italy, England, and Wales. President McCulloch presented the A.R.S. Silver Medal to Bruce Briggs on behalf of the officers and directors of the American Rhododendron Society. The award was to have been presented at the Western Regional Conference at Ocean Shores but Bruce and Doris were away at that time. Results of a rhody survey taken at the October meeting showed members chose "Cotton Candy" as the favorite pink rhody and the favorite

"other" rhody to be "Bambino".

1988--The January meeting featured Dan Robinson as guest speaker. He has been working with Bonsai for 30 years, has 400 plants, and gave much information on growing these plants. Profit from the February auction was $536.00. At the March meeting George Wambold reported on the progress of the May Show. Bobbie Powell served as chairman of the Early Show held at South Sound Center April l6-17. Officers elected at the April meeting were: President, Ross Merker; Vice-President, Bobbie and Don Powell; Secretary, Janice Hammock: Treasurer, Grant Fredricks; Board Members, George Wambold and Art Zabel On May 4th, Dan and Jessie Macomber were presented the Chapter's highest award, of the Bronze Medal in appreciation their help in designing, building and storing the truss show equipment each year, helping with cutting exchanges, Dan’s service as president and

Jessie's contributions in other ways. At the October meeting Bonnie Van Lierop gave an interesting program on bulbs; how to plant, the size bulbs to order, etc. The Christmas party was held December 14th at the Olympia Salmon Club. The program was a slide

presentation by Grant and Anita Fredricks showing the different seasons during the three years they spent in Germany, followed by an entertaining " Rhododendron Wheel Of Fortune" game, complete with comic strip "funny money devised by Ross Merker and Ann Roggenkamp.

1989-.Two guest speakers presented the program for the January meeting. Dr. Bill Gruber, from the Seattle Chapter, gave a slide presentation with musical accompaniment after which he answered questions related to photography. E. White Smith then shared

slides he had taken while in Australia for an international rhododendron meeting. Chapter members chartered a bus to the first Northwest Flower and Garden Show on Sunday, February 19th. Joanne Campbell served as chairman of the Early Show held at South Sound Mall, April 8th and 9th. At the April meeting Bruce Briggs was presented with an Olympia Chapter jacket in appreciation of all the help he has given the chapter. The incumbent officers agreed to serve for the coming year. The late Chapter Show was held May 6th and 7th with Bill Slossen serving as chairman. A tour of members gardens was held May 13th.

Included were the gardens of Dan and Jessie Macomber, Bob and Ruth Wick, and Norm and Marguerite Orford. Heinz and Edith Stolz became members of the chapter. Several chapter members toured Briggs Nursery on October 7th. November meeting information included news that Bob Wick is at the Evergreen Convalescent Center and Lori Gangsei is a candidate for A.R.S. District 3 Director. An enjoyable Christmas party was held at the Shmidt Mansion in Tumwater on December 6th.

1990--Guest speakers at the January meeting were Fred and Jean Minch who gave a slide presentation on what they had done in hybridizing and plants in their yard. They also shared information about micro-irrigation. The chapter members voted not to have an Early Show this year for a variety of reasons. Joanne Campbell and Janice Hammock agreed to be co-chairmen of the May Show at Tumwater Falls Park The chapter bus trip to the Pacific Northwest Flower and Garden Show in February was cancelled due to snow. The plant auction was a success, netting the chapter $1040.00. The April meeting included the news that Lori Gangsei was elected A.R.S. District 3 Director. Officers elected for the upcoming year were: President, Bobbie Powell; Vice-President,

Joanne Campbell; Secretary, Connie Roth; Treasurer, Don Clark; Board Members, Bill Melton and Bob Reuter. Art Zabel was presented with the Bronze Medal on May 9th while the chapter members were visiting his rhododendron

garden. He was honored for his generosity in sharing his garden by opening it to the public each spring. Committee chairman were announced at the September meeting: hospitality, Janice Hammock; Telephone, Jim and Elsie Reynolds; Refreshments,

Bill and Della Bennett; Publicity, Steve Gangsei; May Show, Gwen and Bob Stimmel, Connie Klein and Paul Rogers. Joe Wheat, a longtime member and past president of the Olympia Chapter, passed away in August. Joe was a good worker and a friend to our club. Austin Kennel, National A.R.S. President, spoke briefly at the October meeting about the Rhododendron Society Board of Directors and the change of officers. Don and Jean Clark presented a very informative program on their method of starting

cuttings. I)December 5th was the date of the annual Christmas potluck held at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Lacey. A wonderful slide presentation featuring azaleas, and set to music, was given by Steve and Lori Gangsei.

1991--The featured speaker for the January meeting was Gwen Bell who showed slides of the rhododendrons and other sights of New Zealand. Lori Gangsei reported on the Western Regional Conference to be held in Olympia in October. The March meeting included a slide program by Britt Smith, showing his seed parent rhododendrons and their varied and beautiful offspring. Chapter members were saddened by the death in March of John Clarke, an enthusiastic member and a true gentleman. Several members

made an enjoyable trip to Grandridge Nursery in Issaquah on April L3th. Details of a planned trip to Meerkerk Gardens and the Barfod Fern Nursery, scheduled for April 20^th were given at the April meeting. The present officers were unanimously elected to serve another term. Ross Merker reported on programs planned, and Joanne Campbell discussed plant sale plans for the October regional meeting in Olympia. George Wambold and Dorothy Chamberlain were awarded the Bronze Medal (at the Chapter Show Potluck on May 17th) in recognition of their years of outstanding service to the chapter. At the September meeting Bill Canfield

gave a mini-clinic on rhododendron care. The announcement was made that chapter member Jack Bunnell passed away during the summer. Several fund raising ideas were suggested, but not acted upon, when discussion was held on the need for more funds to meet rising costs of the A.R.S. Dennis Hendrickson, a Seattle Chapter member from Renton, presented a scenic slide program on Rh. albillorum in the Olympic wilderness, at the October meeting. A report given by Shirley Eichelser (in Lori Gangsei's absence) showed 320 people attended the Western Regional Conference at the Westwater Inn in Olympia.

Paul Rogers and Connie Klein gave a mini-clinic on winter care of rhododendrons. At the November meeting Ben Briggs and Walt Elliott, of the Shelton Chapter, presented a slide program on their hybridizing efforts and an interesting talk on what the goals of a hybridizer should be. Don Clark gave a mini-clinic on the care of rhododendrons at this time of year. The Christmas party was held December 19th; a delicious potluck dinner was enjoyed and a slide program was presented by Dan and Joanne Campbell showing flowers of Hawaii, the Chapter Show in May and rhodies and azaleas in their yard, followed by a fun rhododendron game (based on the “ PIT” game), led by Ross Merker and Ann Roggenkamp, and a gift exchange.

1992-.At the meeting in January, Heinz and Edith Stolz delighted fellow chapter members with a slide presentation of their travels in Germany last spring, which included a visit to the Eachmann Rhododendron Nursery. Lynn Genasci was introduced as a new member. Steve and Lori Gangsei gave I mini-clinic on care of the rhododendron garden this month. Friends of long-time chapter member Bob Wick were saddened by his death in January following an extended illness. He is remembered as a willing worker and a strong supporter of club activities. Joanne Campbell distributed the new name tags at the February meeting.

They are the shape of Washington state, white background with gneen lettering, decorated with a red rhododendron

truss. Dean and Mona Moberg were introduced as new members. Jean Minch of the Tacoma Chapter, Co-Chairman of the National Rhododendron Conference to be held in Tacoma in 1993, reported on the progress of this event. Jeanine Graham agreed to be the liaison for the Olympia Chapter and the Conference planning. Ross Merker announced the sweatshirts and jackets, previously ordered by members, were ready for distribution. For the program Fred Minch demonstrated his method of starting

rhododendrons from seed. Steve McCulloch presented the mini-clinic, stressing now is the time to begin weeding and to consider planting a ground cover to keep down future weeds. A successful plant auction was held in March, with George Wambold serving ably as auctioneer, assisted by Dan Campbell and Don Powell. Included in the April 15th meeting was a report by Co-Chairmen Connie Klein and Judy Belenski on the progress of the May Show. New members and guests introduced at this meeting Include Connie and Bill Martin, Bill and Anna Tourtillott and Scott Worman. Elections were held with the following members chosen to serve during the upcoming year: President, Joanne Campbell; Vice- President, Bill Canlield; Secretary, Connie Roth; Treasurer, Janice Hammock; Board Members, Bill Melton and Bill Bennett. President Bobbie Powell presented the Chapter’s highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Ruth Wick and Clifford and Gladys Cannon for their many years of service and enthusiastic support of the Olympia Chapter. Bill Melton presented a program on hybridizing followed by a mini-clinic given by Roger and Joanne Downs which focused on how to prune rhododendrons after winter damage, etc. A photography workshop, conducted by Bill Heller, a member of the Seattle Chapter, was held at D. ond J. Rhodies on Saturday, Aprll l8th. Chapter members e4ioyed a carpool trip to

Lakewold Garden and the Species Foundation on April 25th. A successful Chapter Show was held May 16-17.

Meeting and History adjourned.

l1

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Olymplia, Wa

August 29, 1962

Mrs. Ruth Hanson Secretary

American Rhododendron Society

Portland , Oregon

Dear Mrs. . Hanson

On June 26th a group of residents of Thurston County met in Olympia for the purpose of organizing a rhododendron society and It was decided at that meeting to become a chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

This letter, therefore, is an application for such a chapter in your organization

to be called the Olympia Chapter.

As instructed by Mr. Carl Fawcett we are enclosing herewith a copy of the by-laws which have been adopted by this group as well as a list of the 27 charter members. Also enclosed is our check in the amount of $73.50 which covers membership in the American Rhodoondron Society for 21 of these members at the rate of $3.50 per

couple or individual

Three of the 27 charter members have elected to retain their membership in the Tacoma Chapter and have paid local dues only to us: they are Mr. & Mrs. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs. Richelser and Mr. & Mrs. Fawcett.

Two of the members, Mr. & Mrs. Cannon and Mr. & Mrs. Clark, have been members of the Tacoma chapter

But now request transfer to the new Olympia Chapter and their dues for 1963 are included in my check.

Three of the 27 charter members, Mrs. Magill, Mr. & Mrs. Andrews of the Andrews Greenhouse and Mr. & Mrs. Earl Paulk on your records as have paid their dues for the coming year. Mr. & Mrs. De Boar are also on your records as open members and request transfer to the Olympia Chapter; however, their dues in the amount of #3.60 for the year 1963 are included in my check.

If there is any other information or material you require in order to process this application, please do not hesitate to call on us.

We hope that the above application for a new chapter in Olympia will be approved at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of the American rhododendron Society.

Yours very truly,

Mrs. F. G. Kearns

Secretary-Treas.

Olympia chapter

Cc: Mr. Carl Fawcett

8616 S. 19^th St

Tacoma 88, Wash

Mr. & Mrs. Clyde P. Andrews Mr. & Mrs. Irving L. Lind

1519 So. Wilson St Rt. 6, box 190

Olympia, Wash. 352-1481 Olympia, Wash. 357-4590

Mr. & Mrs. George Betts Mr. & Mrs. John E. Lister

Rt.1, box 390 Rt. 7, box 631

Rochester, Wash. Olympia, Wash. 352-8951

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Briggs Mrs. Clyde Magill

3320 Gleason Rd. Rt. 7, box 670

Olympia, Wash. 352-4568 Olympia, Wash. 352-2383

Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Cannon Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Millenbach

715 East 15^th St. 2532 No. Meridian Rd

Olympia, Wash. 357-5864 Olympia, Wash. 352-5138

Mr. & Mrs. A. G. Chamberlain Mr. Lewis Mobbs

1711 East Bay Dr Rt. 1, Box 77

Olympia, Wash. 357-8128 Olympia, Wash. 357-9871

Mr. & Mrs. Roy Clark Mr. & Mrs. Earl Faulk

2101 Olympia Av. Rt 6, Box 330A

Olympia, Wash. 352-7863 Olympia, Wash. 352-2306

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Coleman Mr. & Mrs. Henry S. Porter

Rt. 7, Box 699 Rt. 1 Box 317 L

Olympia, Wash. 352-1632 Olympia, Wash. 352-5362

Mr. & Mrs. R. J. DeBoer Mr. & Mrs. M. J. Reed

Rt. 6, Box 329 A Rt. 7

Olympia, Wash. 352-7471 Olympia, Wash. 357-9553

Mr. & Mrs. John Ehlers Mr. & Mrs. Henry A. Skog

Rt.3, Box 432 700 So. Foote St

Olympia, Wash. 352-3978 Olympia, Wash. 357-5075

Mr. & Mrs. John Eichelser Mr. & Mrs. Alonzo Smith

Rt. 7, box 538 2021 Boulevard Rd

Olympia, Wash. 352-5270 Olympia, Wash. 352-1728

Mr. & Mrs. Harman H. Engelland Mr. M. W. Spalding

Rt. 7, box 617 Rt. 5, Box 515

Olympia, Wash. 352-3954 Olympia, Wash. 352-8044

Mr. & Mrs. Carl Fawcett Mr. & Mrs. Wm. R. Stillwell

8616 So. 19^th St 421 No. Devoe Rd

Tacoma 66, Wash. SK 9-3890 Olympia, Wash. 352-1165

Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Craler Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Watson

Rout 3 P. O. Box 374

Olympia, Wash. 352-3853 Olympia, Wash. 352-1712

Mr. & Mrs. James B. Guiles Mrs. John R. White

Rt. 10, Box 811 Rt. 7, Box 418

Olympia, Wash. 357-8257 Olympia, Wash. 352-4748

Mrs. F. G. Kearns Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd Wolford

Rt. 7, Box 696 702 So. Cushing St.

Olympia, Wash. 352-1017 Olympia, Wash. 352-9093