The following is from the Society archive circa 1970.
Cowden Horticultural Society
The first "Cowden & District Cottage Garden Show" seems to have been held in 1909. Certainly, the 5th Show was held in 1913 at Furnace Farm, the home of Mr Campbell Hausberg, the President and Founder. Records show that in 1913 over 650 people paid a total of £17.15.10 for admission; apart from the horticultural exhibits, there were village sports, a gymkhana, and sideshows. One of the classes was 'dead wasps, minimum 150'. Nobody in fact reached this figure, but the prize was awarded to an entry of 96!
In those early days the Show had no fixed site, being held in the gardens of various houses: Furnace, Falconhurst, Claydene, Saxbys. For the first twenty-two years the office of Secretary and Treasurer was held by Mr George Hadlow senior, father of our President.
Just before World War II, the Society had a difficult patch, and of course operations were suspended for the duration. But in March 1945 things started up again with a credit balance of £7.10s, and flourished anew. But again in 1956 activity fell to a low ebb, and the committee wondered whether in the face of lack of interest, the Society should continue.
It did continue, however, and today we have a steady membership and a satisfactory financial position. We have a Show each year in the summer, which is very well supported and additional meetings are held from time to time. In 1970 we had 92 entrants and 426 entries for the Summer Show. With your help we hope to have over 100 entrants and over 500 entries this coming year.
Applications for membership will be welcomed by the Hon. Secretary, Mr W.A. Trotter of Kitford Mead, Cowden.
The minimum annual subscription is 25 pence (15 pence for old age pensioners).