Our Mission and History

The purpose of the North Country Garden Club is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of gardening. This is demonstrated through encouragement of conservation of natural resources; support of education in the fields of gardening, horticulture, conservation and natural sciences; stimulation of community interest to improve and beautify buildings and their surroundings, parks, roadsides, wildlife sanctuaries and other civic projects; and financial and other assistance for the furtherance of such projects. The club also makes contributions to educational, scientific and charitable organizations for these purposes.

The North Country Garden Club was founded in 1913 by twelve women who lived on Long Island’s north shore. The garden club movement flourished on Long Island during that time; by 1922 there would be as many as ten local garden clubs in the area. Growing over the years, the club’s focused goals would earn it the reputation as a leader in the garden club world.  Five months before the formation of the North Country Garden Club, the Garden Club of America (GCA) had been founded in Philadelphia. This national organization would inspire and coordinate the activities of local clubs like the NCGC. NCGC became a member of the Garden Club of America in 1914; since that time NCGC members have served in leadership roles in the national organization. Today the GCA is comprised of 200 member clubs and approximately 18,000 club members throughout the country.

Founders

October 10, 1913

Mrs. J. West Roosevelt, President
Mrs. Frank N. Doubleday, Vice President
Mrs. E. M. Townsend, Jr., Secretary
Mrs. Thomas S. Young, Treasurer
Mrs. Paul Dana
Miss Cornelia Beekman
Mrs. Edwin D. Morgan
Mrs. Henry deForest
Mrs. Robert deForest
Mrs. Henry P. Tailer
Mrs. Walter Jennings
Mrs. Charles L. Tiffany, First Librarian