Highlights & History




45 YEARS ~ LINKING THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE

(article revised 1.2.14)

The Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club of Baldwin, WI, is celebrating its 45th anniversary as a federated garden club. The club was formed in 1968, under the name Botany Belles, by a small group of fourteen enthusiastic gardeners, federated in 1969; and has been active in Baldwin ever since. The Botany Belles became the Botany Belles and Beaus in 1998 when the garden club roster included two new male members.

Long-standing current members include Marilyn Doornink and Elvera Jacot. Margaret Doornink, who passed away in 2010, belonged for 38 years and had the distinction of being Club President in 1981, ‘82, ’83, ’90, ’91, ’92 and ’93. Wisconsin State Garden Club Federation State Vice-President in 1985-1987; State President in 1987-89.

The garden club has produced a State President, District Vice-Directors and District Directors over the past 40 years. Currently four of the Botany Belles and Beaus members serve in state positions for the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation: Marilyn Doornink (State Historian), Elvera Jacot (Memorial Chairman), Wendy Kramer (Ways and Means Chairman and Membership Services Chairman), Anita Voiles (Assistant Editor/Advertising Manager for Wisconsin Gardens Magazine), andIlse Hancock serves as St. Croix District Treasurer.

Over the years, The Botany Belles and Beaus:

  • held over 31 Small Standard Flower Shows judged by accredited judges.

  • contributed to many civic projects including: planting trees along the creek at the Wayside Park (’70), contributing floral planters to Greenfield School (’70), planting hanging baskets and large planters on Main Street and Highway 63 (’73 to present), planted trees for Arbor Day at the ball park (’77), planted trees at the nursing home (’78), contributed $500 to the new Pool Fund (’85), planted annuals at Windmill Park (’70 to present), supported Habitat for Humanity projects and planted new baskets on the renovated Main Street in 2013.

  • since 2014 has sold birdseed wreaths & bells at Doe on the Go to fund community garden projects.

The Club, in the past, also held annual Christmas Tour of Homes, Heritage Luncheons and hosted District meetings.

The Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Town of Baldwin town hall and has interesting programs and projects. Presently, the club boasts 32 members.