CAMBRIDGE — According to “The History of the Dorchester Garden Club” written by Grace Leonard in 1946, there was a small gathering of 15 county residents on Feb. 7, 1930 for the purpose of organizing a garden club. At that gathering, officers were selected to lead this effort. Over the 90 years, the Dorchester Garden Club has grown in size and diversity to today’s group of like-minded individuals who care deeply about our Eastern Shore community.

The club’s theme for the 2020-2021 program year was, “90 years of playing in the dirt.” Many celebrations and gatherings to commemorate the 90th anniversary in 2020 were in the works, but as with everything else after Covid 19, plans came to a screeching halt to ensure the health and safety of the club’s members and their friends and family and the Dorchester community.

As a thank you and recognition to club members for all that they do, the club worked with C & K Lord in Cambridge to create a beautiful stainless steel garden stake that commemorates the 90 year milestone. The effort was led by club member Cheryl Willey. Stakes are being delivered to club members this week.

An interesting note: the Dorchester Garden Club’s first president back in 1930 was a gentleman, Dr. Guy Steele, and after 90 years of all-female officers, things have come full circle — David Adams has been elected president for the upcoming 2021-23 term.