Ripley Horticultural Society marks 90th anniversary with fancy hats and lots of fun

The Ripley and District Horticultural Society celebrated its 90th anniversary with a plethora of fancy hats and lots of fun, Wednesday afternoon at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

About 60 people, including members and guests, were greeted at the door by president Sandra MacDonald, resplendent in her blue dress with beige overlay, turquoise hat and black gloves.

Following the singing of "O Canada," with Shirley Harris at the keyboard, and the "Lord's Prayer," MC Gail Vander Hoek welcomed everyone and remarked on the beautiful, sunny weather outside, and the sea of gorgeous hats in the room.

Roll Call was a memory of the horticultural society. The responses were varied, but most members noted the person who had invited them to their first meeting - and many of them were invited by Marj MacDonald. Many said they enjoy the friendship and fellowship and they learn something at every meeting.

Vander Hoek said there were guests from horticultural societies in Kincardine, Lucknow and Goderich at the Ripley celebration.

Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan congratulated the group on its 90th anniversary and said he enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with people he doesn't see all the time.

"As warden, I'm out and about a lot," he said, "so, I don't get to see as much of my home community as I'd like to."

He said 90 years is a long time. "Keep this wonderful group going for another 90 years."

Twolan also suggested having a photo taken of the whole group and sending it to the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.

Vander Hoek acknowledged the horticultural society's life members: Mary Worthington, Joan MacKay, Marj MacDonald and Sheila MacDonald; as well as the past-presidents: Fran Farrell, Tryntje Eisen, Elaine Shantz, Shirley Harris, Joan MacKay, Ann Finlayson, and Vander Hoek.

MacKay said that when she moved to Huron Street in Ripley, Mary Worthington was her neighbour and she became her friend and confidante. "This is a wonderful group and I appreciate everyone I have worked with. I came here as a real green-horn because all I had grown was corn and potatoes to feed my boys."

Sharon Nivins of the Lucknow Horticultural Society, past-district director; and Vicky Culbert of the Goderich Horticultural Society, new district director, presented a letter of congratulations from the Ontario Horticultural Association, to the Ripley group.

Sheila MacDonald and Dianne Simpson then gave a quick history of the Ripley Horticultural Society, which began as the Huron Township Horticultural Society in 1927. Ripley joined in 1933, and later it became "Ripley and District."

The first flower show was held in the Purple Grove Church. There were no flower shows in 1943, 1944 or 1945.

After the Second World War, there were only a handful of members remaining and they thought the group would have to disband. However, the members invited others and the numbers grew. Many things have changed over 90 years, but the focus remains to beautify the Village of Ripley.

A lively sing-song was enjoyed, led by Fran Farrell, accompanied by Shirley Harris on the keyboard.

The junior club presented a 90th anniversary banner and a group photo was taken behind it.

Tryntje Eisen, Elaine Shantz, Martha Sol and Doreen Platten then performed a skit about a woman who does whatever it takes, and spends whatever she has to spend, to obtain a Canada 150 bulb. She brings it home, takes it out of the box and admires it, and sets it on the table.

While she is in the shower, her husband asks her if she wants some onion soup. She says yes, so he scouts about for an onion and sees the bulb, which he cuts up and puts in the pot. The woman realizes what has happened and is upset but then realizes it will make a great story to tell at the next horticultural society meeting!