Osage County Historical Society (OCHS) members last Tuesday held a short ceremony to honor the Linn Garden Club with a plaque at the Zewicki House.

OCHS President Doris Frank said the plaque was the final step in showing the group’s appreciation for the garden club’s dedicated service to the historical society.

“It is my pleasure to dedicate this plaque to your members, past and present,” Frank told Linn Garden Club Chairperson Mary Buhr. “Thank you, and may we continue our working relationship for years to come.”

Ron and Veronica Hoffman oversaw the development of a stone plaque made by Martellaro Marble and poured the concrete base. The plaque reads, “Dedicated in gratitude to the Linn Garden Club for tending to the Zewicki House Gardens,” with a presentation date of 2018. OCHS committed to offering this plaque late that year as part of the garden club’s 60th anniversary, and the plaque sits near a birdbath built by Mrs. Zewicki, surrounded by flowers planted by the club.

In the years since the Linn Garden Club was founded in 1958, members have been focused on improving their own gardens, with annual tours held, and maintaining the Zewicki House Garden.

“Our history is long, and we hope for another 60 years of service,” said Buhr. “Many plants have been here and thrived for a long time.”

A handbook owned by Irene Ebert in 1959 states the Linn Garden Club was officially organized in March of 1958, with the official flower being the rose, the club colors were red and green, and by-laws were written. The object of the club was to stimulate interest and love in gardening and increase the knowledge of horticulture, promote friendliness, and fellowship in the community.

Members were asked to commit to five items: “Must be interested in gardens; willing to take part in activities; willing to serve on committees; entertain and pay dues promptly, and attend all meetings unless impossible to do so.”

From the beginning of the Historical Society’s existence, Linn Garden Club members made it their project to maintain and improve the gardens at the Zewicki House Museum.

According to garden club documents, a meeting held March 28, 1986, indicated that members committed to maintaining the grounds of the Zewicki House.

After discussion, a committee including Ruth Lockwood, Polly Lock, Grace Maddox, Fay Eastman, Merle Turner, and Irene Ebert was formed to plant flowers in the yard at the OCHS building.

Roberts explained that occurred 28 years after the club was formed, and the following month’s minutes indicated that work was done by a few members.

In May 1986, minutes from that meeting show the club agreed to beautify the grounds, with Merle Turner named chairman of the committee. He was to see to buying plants and overseeing their planting. A motion was made to hire a man to clean the garden beds, but there is no indication that ever took place, Roberts said.

From that point on, during the growing season, the club’s minutes were brief, noting in many cases that work had been done but few details.

While the club’s primary focus was on the OCHS grounds, members were active in other pursuits in the community, including Linn Technical College.

In 1955, Ruth Lockwood presented a check to the first scholarship winner. In 1987, the second winner was announced, Paul Morris, and in 1990, the garden club was thanked for its contribution to the college. A scholarship fund was reestablished in 2019 for a State Tech Commercial Turf student from Osage County.

Club members are Buhr, Secretary Rhonda Bish, Judy Monnette, Jeanine Dulle, Jacquie Huhman, Erica Knepp, Miriam Knepp, Judith Muenks, Patti Waterman, Dorothy Wolfe, Christina Yutzy, and Dan Laughlin. Long-time member Beulah Laughlin passed away July 22.

Buhr said there is plenty of gardening for everyone.

“We welcome anyone who would like to join the Linn Garden Club,” she added.