History
HISTORY
1963 - 2007
Minnesota
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Researched
and prepared by
Gloria
Danielson, Veronica Malone & Linda White
March,
2001
INTRODUCTION
The Minnesota Herb Society (formerly the Twin City Herb
Society) was founded by Helen Olsen in 1963 to
encourage the study, the growing and the use of herbs. The
society met originally in members’ homes and
maintained a limited membership.
As interest in herbs grew, the group voted on how they would continue.
Most members wanted to open the membership
to be more inclusive, thus the current Minnesota Herb
Society was formed. We
became more involved and committed to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
maintaining the
Minnesota Herb Society has continued to grow and is fastmoving into the 21st century.
As we look to our
future, we will continue to be the Herb Society that is well known, very active, forward looking, and full of fun
loving, interested and contributing members.
This history is provided to chronicle the life of the organization for old, new and prospective members to learn
about the Minnesota Herb Society. Each year has its own section containing introductory remarks and
anecdotes, minutes from earlier meetings, pictures, and other memorabilia we were able to collect.
1963
Officers: President Helen Olsen, Secretary Virginia Janacek
September 6, 1963 marks the beginning of the Minnesota Herb Society (formerly called the Twin City Herb Society). After two informal get-togethers of 7 women who had a strong interest in herbs, a notice was placed in the Federation of Garden Clubs newsletter inviting anyone interested in herbs to come to the home of Helen Olsen, wife of Dr. E. George Olsen. This founder's meeting was a delight, she prepared a delicious lunch using herbs for the 9 who came, and after the business meeting showed her large herb garden giving samples to taste and smell. Helen is elected President and Virginia Janacek, Secretary. The charter members: are Adah Anderson, Eleanor Bacon, Virginia Janacek, Edith Kasperson, Marguerite Lenertz, Helen Olsen, Edna Rapp, Ruth Seamen, Rita Ulferts, Ceil Walsh.
Little did these ladies know that their interest in herbs was the beginning of something BIG. Probably due to the cultural revolution and the making of synthetic drugs, most people knew little or nothing about herbs. What are herbs? Besides chives and parsley and one or two used in ethnic cooking, most herbs had not been used for flavor, cooking, medicines or fragrance for many years. Each person chose an herb to report on at a future meeting. It was felt that only an occasional meeting should be held each year.
In December a Christmas Tea is enjoyed at Adah Anderson's home. At the meeting membership is limited to 16 as meetings will be held in member's homes. Bring a sandwich and the hostess will furnish dessert and coffee. The months for meetings were March, May, August and October. Meeting the first Tuesday of those months.
Thanks to these ladies who in 1963 decided they wanted to learn more about growing and using herbs and sharing their knowledge. Their sharing of plants, books and herb charts made for a fun congenial time spent together in this new pursuit of Herbs.
1964
In
1964 it is apparent that a constitution is needed. Members report on various
herbs. Group decided to meet on the second Tuesday of the month, in March, May,
August, and October. Helen Olsen and
Adah Anderson become members-at-large in the Herb Society of America.
The
spring meeting was held March 11 at the home of Marguerite Lenertz. Two more
members were added to the original 10.
Helen Olsen made contact with Mr. Smith at his greenhouse
about securing herb plants for the members.
He would plant several varieties in a basket and Helen ordered 14
baskets at about 65cents each! Rosemary
and Tarragon would be sold separately.
As reminder
cards would be sent to the members about the next meeting; it was decided that
$1.00 would be charged. Helen also
supported that a Constitution for their organization was needed and all agreed. It was decided that the meetings be held on
the second Tuesdays in March, May, August, and October. After lunch reports were given on Savory,
Dill, Leeks, Chives, Sage and Tarragon.
May 12
meeting moved from the Arboretum Picnic area to Helen Olsen’s new home due to
inclement weather –cold & rainy. The report on the Constitution and by-laws
were reviewed, and after discussion and corrections they were written up for
approval at the next meeting. The group
then went to Mr. Smith’s greenhouse for the plants. It was decided to meet on the fourth Tuesday
rather than the second Tuesday.
The
August 25th meeting was held with coffee at Rita Ulfert’s home in
The
1964 Roster booklets were made by Helen Olsen and given to each member. A motion was made and seconded to be
affiliated with the MN State Hort. Society.
The group met October 27th at the home of Ruth Seaman. A film was shown on the many uses of herbs in
food preparation. This was followed by a
lunch of herbed hot dish, sandwiches & relish & cranberry dessert.
On
Tuesday, December 29, a delicious luncheon was served in the warm hospitable
home of Edna Rapp with blooming plants in her east window. Carols were sung with Marguerite Lenertz playing the old-fashioned organ.
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1965
New members; Berniece
Anderson, Marilyn Davidson, Mildred Finley, Tilde Merkert and Evelyn Sand.
Bylaws finalized.
Inquiry had been made about planting a Shakespearean Garden by the Tyrone
Guthrie Theater. Then Actress Ellen Geer
contacted Helen Olsen concerning having such a garden at the Guthrie. Helen and
Tilde Merkert design and provide many plants for this Garden which members
planted and maintained. Bill Seaman made
signs of wood with quotes of Shakespeare.
Members were given free passes to some productions.
The March 23rd
meeting at 10:30 am was held at the home of Edith Kasperson. A staff writer and photographer from the
Minneapolis Tribune came. Mrs. Olsen was
interviewed and several photographs taken.
Two poems were read “Planing for Spring” by Lois Slocum & “Seed
Catalog” by Edgar Guest. Helen gave a
talk on the culture and propagation of herbs.
May 25th
meeting was again held at Edna Rapp’s home.
After the meeting a plant sale was held in Edna’s lovely garden.
It was reported at the
August 24th meeting that Edna Rapp’s displays at the Minnesota
Flower Society and for the Minnesota Men’s Garden Club were done very
well. Also, Adah Anderson did an
educational exhibit of herbs and display of jellies, cookies, and vinegars for
the West Suburban Council of Federated Garden Clubs. A State Fair Exhibit will be done on August
30th in the
October 26th
meeting, a Blue Ribbon for the State Fair exhibit was shown and won $18.00. Helen Olsen gave an informative talk on Her
Teas and their effects. The Christmas
articles made with herbs were shown and enjoyed.
December 14th a Christmas dinner was held at
Marguerite Lenertz's home. She served
Mallard Duck with mincemeat stuffing with herb seasoning and all the
trimmings. The $1.00 gifts were placed
under her large Christmas Tree for later sharing.
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Mrs. Alex Rapp of
1966
The
year's study is on nature's insecticides (herbs). Tilde also lectured on the Doctrine of
Signatures.
The group
met March 3rd at the home of Adah Anderson. The slate of officers was unanimously
accepted. Edna Rapp made and gave
corsages to each of the retiring officers.
On May 5,
eleven members attended a special program at
On May 31st
Tilde had an article published in the current “Flower & Garden”
Magazine. The May 1st meeting
was held at Edna Rapp’s. As a result of
the newspaper announcement of the meeting, Susan Halberg of the Dayton Co.
called Adah and offered to send a series of 6 pictures of Herbs, (11” X14”) for
each member, suitable for framing. The
members reported on information they found on Natures’ Insecticides (herbs). Edna and Helen gave talks. The Plant Sale was held at Edna’s garden
again.
August 23rd
Herb Smörgåsbord at Evelyn Sands home. Bill
Seaman, Ruth’s husband, a photographer from the Minneapolis Star Newspaper
& Mary Hart, food editor for Minneapolis Tribune and her photographer
Dwight Miller and also a writer and photographer from the St. Paul Pioneer
Press came and photographed the lovely Herb Smorgasbord Table. Diana Denecke came as a guest of Marilyn Davidson
to this meeting. Other displays were at
the Centennial Convention of the Minnesota Horticultural Society and at the
Richfield Flower Show held at Southdale on August 5th.
October 25th
meeting hosted by Helen Olsen. Tilde had
attended the lecture at the Pharmacy Convention and gave a report to the group. The assigned herbs (given in May) were now
reported on.
December Christmas Luncheon was held at Marguerite Lenertz's home.
1967
"Thyme" is
selected as the symbol for the society.
An enameled pin or charm was ordered for the members. Diana Denecke join
in early 1967 and Gloria Danielson attended and joined at the October
meeting.
The group studied Indian lore. Each member agreed to research and share
the learnings of a particular herb. The
herbs studied were:
Jerusalem artichoke Jack-in-the-pulpit
Butterfly weed Wild Indigo
Sweet Flag Sassafras
American wild mint Wild Geranium
Liverwort Solomon’s
Seal
Spiderwort Goldenrod
Boneset Wild Ginger
For the complete list review in the contents of the 1967 section of this
binder.
The Guthrie hosted a picnic as thanks for doing the herb garden there. In 1967/68, the
The Christmas party was held at Jax Cafe, with pomander balls made and
given to everyone.
1968
New members Fran Norton, Bea
Palmer, Bobbie Rowland join.
On March 26th , Berniece,
Ruth & Evy showed us how to make parchment stationary.
One of our most enthusiastic and
Charter members, Edna Rapp, passed away on May 19, 1968 from injuries sustained
from being struck by a car as she crossed Nicollet Avenue in March. She was returning to an herb exhibit she had
displayed at the Builder's Show at the Minneapolis Auditorium. Because her family gave a $13.00 gift to us
for an herb garden at the Arboretum, the herb garden fund was started.
June 4, 1968 Verna Meyer,
expert cook and columnist presented a program at Ruth Seaman’s home.
We held exhibits at
On August 27th,
we met at Rita Ulferts’ in
On October 22nd we toured
the Watkins plant in
Our Christmas dinner was at Diamond
Jim's on December 1st and made very special with extra gifts and
decorations made by Marguerite Lenertz.
New Members Barb Frieborg and
Jackie Reid. The Vice President is the
one to plan the programs for the year and Marilyn planned an international
(Food Year) for us. Our herb group was asked
to plant a kitchen herb garden at General Bartholomew home in
March 25th meeting held at the home of Gloria
Danielson. Each person has an herb to
report on..
June 4 we met with Hank Meadows, Executive chef of
WTCN-TV, at the Royal Market in
Exhibits again at the
Edina Flower Show and at the
Tilde gave us a 2 volume set of Modern
Herbals by Maude L. Grier.
August is a German Fair at Evy Sand's - coordinated by Rita Ulferts who
was leaving us and moving back to her native
September, 1969 was the beginning of
our vinegar sales at the Fall Festival at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
144 bottles were bottled and labeled at the vinegar chairman, Berniece
Anderson's home.
October 27 meeting at International
House 712 Washington Avenue SE. Stanley
and Marvel Chong conducted a tour, then an oriental lunch at the
December 2nd Christmas Swedish Smorgasbord at Marguerite
Lenertz home,
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1970
Officers: President Marilyn Davidson; Vice
President Gloria Danielson; Secretary Fran Norton; Treasurer Bea
Palmer.
This was a year of out and
about. We toured and had lunch at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
March 24th Greek Cooking
at Bobbi Rowland’s. We had another
sumptuous feast where we all brought food in the Greek tradition.
May 26th we met at Helen
Olson’s home for lunch and a program on her ‘Herb Talk’. Then we had our annual plant exchange. Our prolific writer Tilde Markert, had an
article on “How to Make A Kitchen-Door Herb Garden” which was printed in the
Lady’s Circle Magazine.
August is Smörgåsbord time. This year, Italian at Diana Denecke's home. Delicious foods in a fun setting!
September 25th this was
our 2nd vinegar sale at the Arboretum Fall Festival. We doubled the amount made and sold all 289
bottles in 3 hours. Berniece made a
hanging basket of herbs- chances brought in $75.
October 27th we met at the
home of Barb Frieborg for our business meeting and lunch. Then we learned how to use herbs in swags,
wreaths, and potpourris. We were
fortunate in these beginning years to receive so much publicity in our local
newspapers with photographs and recipes.
December 8 - Christmas party was held
at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. We
met at 12 Noon for lunch and our gift exchange.
At 1:30 PM we had a tour of the Masterpieces.
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1971
The membership grew. Virginia Janacek, a charter member, died late
this year.
March 23rd we
met at Bea Palmer’s home. Our program
was a study of different Herb Garden Designs, including slides.
May 25th because of cold
rainy weather, the Victorian picnic planned for the Arboretum is held at Bea
Palmers' home. Many came in costumes with much delicious food and plant
exchange. Ruth Seaman and Evy Sand transplanted over 1000 seedlings at Mr.
Kidders Nursery. Seed is donated from
Northrup King and planted by Mr. Kidder.
August 24, 1971, Smorgasbord held at
Marilyn Davidson's home went Spanish this time with a tremendous variety of
delectable foods. Where was the camera?!
October 16th workshops are
held at a cooking school building in
The Christmas party is held at the
Majestic Oaks Country Club in
Berniece has secured and paid an
architect to design an herb garden for the Arboretum under the supervision of
Dr. Leon Snyder. We have plants “holding”
in the ground cover area thanks to Berniece Anderson.
1972
Officers: President Berniece Anderson; Vice President Diana Denecke; Secretary Kathy Woodford; Bea Palmer continued as Treasurer.
March 11th we held an organizational meeting at
Boutell's in Southdale to help others start an herb club because our membership
was full. Berniece and Tilde planned the event with help from other members-
food, door prizes and literature were shared.
Two new groups were formed.
March 28th lunch at the
Sweden House, where Dr. Snyder gave an educational and inspiring talk. He
showed slides of an herb garden being constructed in
A landscape design
architect, recommended by Dr. Leon C. Snyder, Director of the Arboretum, is
commissioned by Berniece Anderson to design the location and construction of
the herb garden in the Arboretum. The selection of herb plants placement in the
garden is made by the Twin City Herb Society.
May 1st we
attend the Edina Garden Council, May Day Tea.
May 23, we christen our new herb plot
at the Arboretum. To celebrate the
occasion a box lunch social and plant exchange is held at Hill Top
House. A nice article by Judy
Bell was in the Minneapolis Star on Wednesday May 31st with recipes
from our Hill Top House Lunch.
August 22nd Herbs of the Cordon bleu with Marion Conlin,
who discussed herbs used in le grande cuisine the Un Dejeaner Buffet.
Vinegar sales were down due to lack of publicity. We gave $1000 to the Arboretum for the Herb
Garden Project.
October 24th we learned how to make some herbal cosmetics.
December 5th Diana hosted our Dicken's Christmas Feast,
complete with costumes and Diana preparing a delicious goose or “Raaft Goofe”
(early spelling). Helen came to the door
as David Copperfield, wearing a little boy wig.
We brought $1-2 gifts.
1973
Officers: President Bea Palmer; Vice President
Kathy Woodford; Secretary Jackie Reid; Treasurer Edith Kasperson.
We have more committees
working now. Several people have donated
books for our use as an herb society.
These books are kept at the Arboretum and our group librarian brings
them to our meeting so members can check them out until the next meeting.
April 3 - Happiness is success with
seeds and cuttings at Tonka Dale Greenhouse.
Tour and meeting with Bob Anderson then to Berniece's for Matzo Ball
Parsley Soup.
May 22 - met at Arboretum for an on
site discussion of the proposed herb garden.
Lunch was Gardener's Potluck (we exchanged lunches in whimsical flower
pots). Then a tour with Dr. Snyder of
the new
August 28 - A Shaker Sampling at the
home of Jackie Reid. Cooking fare was
plain but good. Bonnie Ellis showed
slides and told of the use of herbs by this fascinating religious sect.
Arboretum Fall Festival - our 5th Vinegar Sales. We sold all but 3 dozen of the 721 bottles
made. Berniece, Evy and Ruth dried and
packaged herbs for sale.
October 23 - Tenth Anniversary. Held at Lord Fletcher’s on
December 4 - Williamsburg Christmas
at Kathy Woodford’s home.
December 11, 1973 is the date of the
second revision of the Constitution and By
Laws.
1974
March 26 Fit for a Governor. We met at the Alexander Ramsey House where
some members prepared a favorite Ramsey meal in the kitchen using pots and
gadgets, the iron kitchen range and oven of the time, we also used recipes from
an 1853 Cookbook.
The first herb garden at the present location is planted in the Arboretum and maintained by the society. Lists of plants and diagram of the garden. Again the Herb Society received much good newspaper publicity.
The excitement for 1974 was the dedication of the new Leon Snyder building at the U of M Landscape Arboretum. We were glad that we had a sneak preview of the beautiful building led by Dr. Snyder himself on May 22, 1973
1975
Officers: President Jackie Reid;
Vice President Helen Olsen; Secretary Judy Bell; Treasurer Evy Sand.
In
the April issue of the Early American Life publication, Tilde Merkert’s very
fine article appeared, “ A Heritage of Herbs”.
Our member, Judy Bell had a nice write-up in the Byerly Bag, February,
1975. This year marks the beginning of
our Bicentennial Theme, therefore on June 3rd we were summoned to
patriotic plantings. When planting the
gardens was done, we enjoyed our picnic lunch and plant exchange, sharing our
surplus plants with others.
1976
The bicentennial year of our
Also, a booklet is printed entitled "Herbs in the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum." to commemorate the Bicentennial Year. The booklet gives a brief history and
diagrams the herb garden and plants planted there.
March 23rd Biblical Herbs presented by
"Mistress Woodford" at the home of Marilyn Davidson.
We began holding our meetings at the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum in the lovely Fireplace Room.
June 1st
and 2nd is Planting
Day. Bring your lunch via brown paper
bag. Many of the herbs planted in the
garden were started in the greenhouse.
Only $100 is required but $200 is given to the Arboretum for a bench on
7/7/76 in the herb garden in memory of Edna Rapp, who was struck by a car and
died soon after in hospital of injuries.
Many Bicentennial displays are done by members in
August 3rd & 4th we displayed
for the Diggers Club of Robinsdale and on August 11th for Beacon
Heights Garden Club held at vision of
September 26th - Fall Festival sale items are
vinegar and fresh herbs.
October 26th - Our theme, "Fragrant
Herbs and Their Uses". Berniece led
a demonstration on making lavender sticks.
Not easy to do but interesting and very fragrant. Just squeeze gently!
December 7 - Our holiday smorgasbord is held at Theresa Mieseler's farmhouse. She and her husband cook and heat their home with wood stoves. Fun and cozy!
1977
Officers: President Mary
Bydlon; Vice President Theresa Mieseler; Secretary Gloria Danielson; Treasurer
Barb Niels.
New members Thelma Adair and Mary Griffith. Inactive
Charter Members Adah Anderson, Virginia Janecek, Marguerite Lenertz and Rita
Ulferts are made honorary members.
January 25th a special meeting is held. Lunch in the tea room. Kitty Smith gave a talk on herb teas with the
Minnetonka Herb Society as our guests. A very informative and tasty meeting and
good time sharing it with friends.
Sunday, July 31st we set up an exhibit of
herbs at the Historical Society for their Pioneer Days. This is near the Minneapolis Institute of
Arts.
March 22nd
meeting, Lunch, Program "You and (herb of choice) ”. Description,
use and what part of the herb to use.
This was a show ant tell meeting of the herb we chose to grow and
use. Meeting was in the craft room.
May 31st
& June 1st , Garden planting.
August 30 - Jim Gilbert spoke to us on edible
plants. Always an interesting and
inspiring speaker.
October 25 - Herb Crafts, Herb Ideas. Merv Eisel demonstrated the many uses of pine
cones. All meetings are scheduled for
the Fireplace Room, with optional lunch in the Arboretum Tea Room. Programs to be held in one of the Craft Room.
Fall 1977 - Virginia Janecek died. (A charter Member)
December 6th, 11:30am -
1978
The Twin City Herb Society, founded in the fall of 1963, by a great lady, imaginative gardener and cook, Helen Olsen to plant and maintain the large herb garden, about 1900 square feet, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The purpose of the group is to encourage the study, the growing and the use of herbs.
In the beginning the herb society
meetings were held in the members’ homes but today, because of larger
membership and maintenance of the Arboretum herb garden, the meetings are held
in the Fireplace Room at the Arboretum.
January 24th , special meeting. Adele Campbell – “Slides of
March 28th , Program - “You and Fragrant
Herbs” Dues increased to $3.00 per year.
May 30th –31st Program – “Gardening in Herbs” We actually plant the herbs!
August 29, a workshop was held to
make items to be sold at the Fall Festival. With Berniece Anderson as the Fall
Festival Chair, we had full tables of herb wares to sell and did very well.
December 5th Our Holiday party at Bea Palmers
Home. Good food, fun, and fellowship and
of course our gift exchange.
Plans were approved for the first stage of the new herb
garden to be built in the spring. A
$2,000.00 donation was made to the Arboretum for the garden.
1979
Officers:
President Gloria Danielson; Vice President, Sue Simonton;
New members: Ruth Engelbert, Sandy
Tanck, Judy Hostinick, Steve Kelly, Mike Hager.
January 10 – Letter to members from Ruth Seaman to
Theresa Mieseler regarding change of group.
January 23 – Program: Mervin Eisel – showed slides from
trip to
May 29 – Theresa Mieseler spoke on Herb Garden Planting
Techniques, then we planted the garden after lunch.
August 23 – Herb Display in
August 28 – Program: Dr. Francis Devos – explained “new
design” of garden. Then discussion on
Fall Festival followed by
gourmet Box Lunch in the Ordway Shelter.
September 10 – Bottling Day at Helen Olsen’s. September 28th Fall Festival (many
photos). For several years, Thelma Adair
brought her motor home to the Fall Festival.
Why? to pamper us with her delicious soups, breads and goodies. Also, it provided a place for us to warm up,
visit and relax for awhile. This year,
Helen Olsen and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary. We gave her a Loveable Ugly
Doll dressed as a Herb Lady.
October 23 – “Something’s Cooking”
December 4, Christmas Party in Arboretum basement craft
room. Gift exchange – an ornament.
1980
Officers: President
Sue Simonton; Vice President Rachel James; Secretary
Ruth Engelbert; Treasurer Marilyn Dean
The new officers listed above were
unanimously elected.
January 22 - Professor and Mrs. Ray Shove give a talk on
"Mushrooms and Herbs". A
lecture and slideshow on common mushrooms found in
Under the guidance of Linda Brandt, the Minnesota Herb
Society developed the design for Society letterhead. Logo was selected by the membership and a
two-color letterhead, envelopes, labels, and stickers are printed. A reproduction follows.
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Minnesota
Herb Society donates $1000 for bricks in the herb garden. Memorial made to the Arboretum for a bench to
be placed in the herb garden.
March 18 - Meeting at Abdul Afandy’s, 2523 Nicollet. Abdul talked about mid-Eastern cooking and
its unusual use of herb and spice combinations with lunch after.
April 22 - special landscaping forum with Dr. Leon
Snyder
May 27 - Native and Wild Herbs "Indian Herbal
Lore" with Ann Sigford, naturalist from
July 1st - New garden was planted by Herb Society and
the next day Helen and Berniece did follow-up work.
August 26 - Herbal Roses - Their fragrances - jellies,
teas and rose hips by Mrs. Hazel Sweeney of Minnesota Rose Society.
State Fair Display by Diana Denecke.
Many workshops were scheduled to make such items
as: Herb Honey, Christmas Ornaments,
Herb Wreaths and Soap making. These
items were for us to sell at Fall Festival.
September 4 - Amy Core Past President of Natural
Historical Society will speak on botanical studies of herbs. Minnetonka Herb Society will be our guest.
September
16 – Vinegar bottling day at Barb Neils’ new home.
October - Speaker from the
December
9 - Christmas Party at Diana Denecke’s home.
Early
beginnings of our newsletters are included in this section.
Adah Anderson died this year, she was 88.
1981
Oficers: Prefsident Diana Denecke; Vice President Aly Sayre; Secretary Marcia Kelly; Treasurer Mary Griffith.
New
member Frances Reid.
The membership voted to increase the
dues from $3.00 to $5.00 a year. Theme
for this year is "Back to Basics".
Herb Study Groups were formed around the following topics and a member
volunteered to chair each:
Champion Bread Baking
Cook’s Delight Crazy About Crafts
Pickling party Herb
Vinegar
The newsletter began using the new
logo and was named Minnesota Herb Society Update.
The
March
24 - Arboretum librarian June Rogier's, "Unique Herb References" plus a display to identify plants.
April
- Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis suggested we put in an
May
19 - Herb Buying Spree - Our first Nursery Tour of local herb growers
nursery. We went to Shady Acres, Kelley and Kelley, and Ben Gowan.
May
26 - Herb Garden Planting - lunch - plant exchange.
In June 1981, the experimental Knot
garden was planted.
August
25 - Tour Berniece Andersen’s delightful herb garden; meeting and Mediterranean
Madness Luncheon at Mary Griffith's
home and pool.
September
15 - Bottling Day at Barb Neils new home.
September
26 - Fall Festival at the Arboretum
October
27 - Giving Herbs as Gifts
December
8 - Christmas Party at Marge Sterks’ home.
Fun, joyful and fattening.
1982
Another year of fun activities and
member commitment and involvement.
Continued media coverage in the Mpls. Star Tribune.
Final phase of the reconstruction of the
January
26 – Report from this year Pioneer study
group.
March
23 – Rites of Spring. Seeding
seminar. Seed and sprout lunch in the
Arboretum Auditorium. Lunch was a make your own special sprout
salad or sandwich.
May
25 – Herb Garden Planting, box lunch social and plant exchange.
August
24 –
September
14 – Vinegar bottling at Barb Neils’ home.
September
25 – Fall Festival - Everything sold.
October
26 - Gourmet Gifts from your kitchen.
Guest panel members were: Cicely
Southernwood, Rosemary Rue, and Myrtle
Bergamot. This was followed by a Brat
Fest.
December
27 -
1983
Charter Member, Marguerite Lenertz
died July 5, 1983.
Drawings
and time-plans are made for the
March
15, we planted herbs in strawberry jars in the greenhouse with Theresa
Mieseler. In May
24 was the date set for planting in the herb garden and lucky for us, an
ambitious committee has reworked the garden soil. Dr. Devos
will talk to us on the future plans for the herb garden area.
August,
1983 Arboretum is 25 years old. Diana
Denecke and Gloria Danielson created a Wreath of Garlic for the State Fair entry.
It took first place and best of Show and we received $30.00 from the Minnesota Horticultural
Society. On August 23rd our herb Feta Day, we will participate in making crafts
after demonstrations in readiness for the Fall Festival in September.
October,
met at the
For the Festival of trees, Gloria Danielson and Ann Rieff trimmed the
tree for our first year of
participation.
December
6, 1983 Christmas Party at Frances Reid’s home.
The theme for the celebration is “Christmas ala Carte”. We did a gift
exchange, $5.00 value.
December Gloria Danielson and Ann
Rieff trimmed a tree for the Festival of Trees, our first year of participation.
1984
Officers: President Aly Sayre; Vice President Judy Hostnick; Secretary Frances Reid; Treasurer Ann Werler.
January
24 – Annual Meeting. Reports were given
from the Study Groups.
Dues raised from $5.00 to $7.50. We
planned to have one Tuesday per month for evening gardening. New members, Ann McNitt, Elaine
Sundquist, John Wetzstein.
March
27 program on "Strawberries - The Sweet Herb", talk given by Dave
Bedford of the Hort.
. The
Knot garden and Monk's garden were completed.
In addition, we worked with the Weaver's Guild of Minnesota, Dye Group
in the development of a
Herbs for Every Garden by Gertrude
B. Foster
How
to Grow Herbs for Gourmet Cooking by Frederick O. Anderson
Betty
Crocker’s Kitchen Gardens by Mary Mason Campbell
Herbs
For Use and For Delight, by Daniel J. Foley
A
Modern Herbal, Vol. I & II, by Mrs. M. Grieve
Better
Health with Culinary Herbs by Ben Charles Harris
Luchow’s
German Cookbook by Jon Mitchell
Fun
with Herbs by Ruth Seaman
Gardening
Without Work by Ruth Stout
The
Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening - Herbs
August
- During "Arboretum Week" this year, The Minnesota Herb Society was
represented by Theresa
Mieseler who gave a demonstration and talk on culinary herbs, and by Mary Bydlon who gave a demonstration and talk on
herb blends, butters, the making of pesto and the
many uses of pesto. Vinegar bottling –
Marge Sterks.
October
program was presented by Barb Neil and Jane Duden. They showed how to construct and decorate an authentic German Gingerbread
House. Mary Bydlon demonstrated how to
bring the holiday spirit into
your kitchen with herb and spice ropes, with calico pouches filled with potpourri and topiary trees made of herb bouquet garni packets
ready to dunk into simmering soups
and stews.
December 4 - Christmas High Tea at Mary Griffith's was festive in her newly expansive addition of her home. The life size ceramic Zebra was quite the sight to behold.
1985
January 22, there were many good reports given at the annual meeting. Basil (Basileua is Greek for King) was the herb of the year. Theresa gave everyone a present of soil, trays & different kinds of basil seeds to plant as she gave us much information on basil.
January - Cheryl Van Horne and Steve Kelley offered to become co-editors of the Minnesota Herb Society Newsletter, UPDATE, replacing Mary Bydlon the editor for 6 years.
The Knot Garden, Fragrance Garden and the Cloister Garden are donated to the Arboretum by other groups and are planted near the main Culinary Herb Garden. The Minnesota Herb Society plants and maintains the three gardens. Another $1,500 donation is made by the Minnesota Herb Society for the statuary fund. A Herb Overlook Wedding Tower Sculpture produced by artist Andrew Leicester is selected for the west entrance of the Culinary Herb Garden.
March meeting is held in the Fireside room at the Arboretum. A business meeting followed the program by Mary Bydlon "Herbs-Friend of the Cook".
The May business meeting and program took place in a classroom at the Arboretum, planting of the gardens followed.
Berniece Anderson and Gloria Danielson created an herb arrangement in a brass Brazier" for Art in Bloom at the Minnesota Art Institute, pictures are included in this section. This was our first year of participation in Art In Bloom.
May was a busy month, we also had our Nursery Tour.
June 27, the First Annual Herb Symposium called "June Herb Conference" took place at the Arboretum organized by Theresa Mieseler.
The August meeting was held in the Fireside Room. The program "Artistic Arrangements of Herbs and Flowers" by Dorothy Brindle. Potluck Picnic following meeting.
October meeting in the Arboretum Fireside Room. Program by Joyce Battcher "Quick Creativity with Herbs Using the Food Processor and the Microwave".
December brought "A Cup of Christmas Tea" at Theresa Mieseler's new home.
1986
Officers: President Judy Hostnick;
Vice President Christine Gepp; Secretary Elaine Sundquist; Treasurer Ruth
Engelbert;
Minnesota
Herb Society bylaws were revised.
Donations are made to the Arboretum in the amount of $552.00 for
treatment of elm trees, and $294.70 for
garden plants, $192.52 is made from the Fall Festival. The group voted to be responsible for the
maintenance of the Wedding Structure on as an as needed basis. It was estimated this would be $200
every seven years.
Mary
Bydlon wrote a History of the Herb Society.
It was said to appear in a
guidebook that the Arboretum is publishing.
These current Historians have
never seen this History.
March
Meeting - Fireside Room, program followed "Herbs and Naturalistic Plants
in the Landscape Design" by Ann McNitt.
May brings Planting Day and plant exchange.
May
8-10, Berniece Anderson and Gloria Danielson with Bonnie Rutton as helper
selected the statuary "The Ram and the Painting , The White Bridge" for this year’s Art in
Bloom arrangements.
The
second Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Symposium is held on Culinary Herbs August
14, Thursday, from 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, the focus was on culinary delights. Many of our members were presenters for the
various classes. The featured
speaker on herbs and the main entre was
Beatrice Ojakanges. At 3:15 PM The herb
Overlook or Wedding Tower Sculpture by Andrew Leicester was dedicated.
The
August meeting is held in the Arboretum Ordway Shelter. The program is by Judith Fifer - Editor/Publisher
of "
The
October meeting was held at the Fireside room at the Arboretum. The featured speaker Gisela Meyer, on
"Weaving Herbs Into Our Lives".
December's
Christmas Canape Buffet held at the home of Maude Primus'. Bring recipe with
canapé or dessert.
1987
Matilda (Tilde) Merkert died January
20, 1987, she was 84.
Dr Leon C. Snyder died this year.
The
January, 1987 issue of the Minnesota Herb Society UPDATE, page 1, has a clear
statement of what the Society is all about.
A comprehensive letter/report regarding the “Wedding” Tower written by
Frances Reid , chair of the committee is included in this section. A good read.
January meeting at the Arboretum Fireside Room with election of
officers.
The
future of the Herb Society is discussed due to lack of participation and less
input in the Arboretum herb gardens, payment to the Arboretum as volunteers,
wedding tower grievances, etc. Membership includes 25 active members and 12
supporting members. $250 is given to the Minnesota Arboretum Endowment
Foundation in memory of Arboretum Director Leon Snyder. A sundial is ordered ($336) for the
March
24 as there was no quorum at the January meeting, the election of officers was
held. Also members grievances will be discussed
so we can ”on with the show”. Bonnie
Rutten reported the dates for Art In Bloom April 30 – May 2. She showed a picture of the painting that was
chosen, title “Marriages”.
May
meeting at the Ordway Shelter, with herb planting and plant exchange.
August
18-19 - third Herb Symposium, “Country
Herb Days”. Many Minnesota Herb Society
Members as presenters. Many of us
dressed in long country dresses and hats!
August
business meeting at the Fireside Room.
Program and Potluck Country Picnic.
Bring your favorite dish with an herb as an ingredient and include the
recipe.
October
27, our program was on Lemon Scented Herbs by Christine Gepp. She told about the folk lore, history,
growing and their practical uses.
Bernice Anderson headed the committee that made beautiful miniature
tussy mussys for the Festival of Trees.
Our tree was the “gem of the show”.
The
Christmas Party was held December 8 at the spacious home of Fran Norton McCoy
overlooking
1988
Officers: President Barbara Bursey;
Vice President Frances Reid; Secretary Gisela Meyer; Treasurer Steve Kelley
After
the Annual Business Meeting on January 26, Diana Denecke presented, “Herbs of
the Bible”.
Diana
has worked on a Biblical Garden for her church as part of the landscaping. Lunch was
a potluck affair where we each brought food or seasonings from the
bible. Diana used many props in her talk,
i.e. Crown of Thorns blooming and a stuffed lamb. The hotter the climate, the hotter the
food.
Two
Society Members have died. Marguerite
Lenertz and Rita Ulferts who had moved back to her native
The
March meeting is held at the
It
is this year that the Society changed the bylaws addressing the issue of a
quorum.
Section II. Those
members present at any regular meeting of the Minnesota Herb Society shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business barring natural disasters
including inclement weather.
At
the May meeting members received new work aprons for planting in the
gardens. Our traditional pot luck lunch
followed. The
We
again participated in Art in Bloom at the
In
July, workshops for making a variety of herb products are held at Gisela
Meyer's farm "A Day In The Country", in
At
the Herb Symposium in August, members gave workshops and were guides in the gardens. The theme this year was "Our American
Herbal Heritage", Adelma Simmons
was the featured speaker. We had a
fantastically stocked and beautifully displayed shop where we sold our various herb products. We did not participate in the State Fair this
year.
October
25, Colleen Dodt of Herbal Endeavour
in
December 6, Christmas Party with a St. Nicolas Theme at Frances Reid’s home. Barbara Bursey brought her collection of St. Nicholas Figurines, Steve Kelly was St. Nicholas and passed out gifts.
Steve
Kelley presented a program on creating topiaries. Ann Werler and Frances Reid were speakers in
March on how to use herbs in the perennial garden and the fine points of
compost and mulch.
Again,
Stennis Shade Tree Co. donated their work in treatment to ward off Dutch Elm
Disease. Minnesota Herb Society donated
$449.70 in plants for the
The
fifth annual Herb Symposium theme is "Herbs From Around The
World". Keynote speakers are
Madeline Hill and Gwen Barclay. Barclay
is author of Southern Herb Growing. She
and her daughter Gwen Barclay, owned and operated the Hilltop Herb Farm and restaurant in
We
participated in Art in Bloom.
Questionnaires
regarding members’ interests were mailed to the membership.
Welcome
packets were assembled to be given to new members, and prospective
members.
Exhibits
- Gloria Danielson with the help of Betsy Dienhart received 1st prize and Best
of Show for their "Herbes Around the World" display at the Minnesota
State Fair.
Christmas
party was at Diana Denecke’s home.
1990
At
the January meeting Mary Diehl gave a demonstration on decorating hats with
dried herbs and flowers. We brought hats
to Maude Primus and Bev Norris who both had broken bones.
On
March 27, Steve Kelley presented a program on planting an
The
artwork "Princess Charlotte of
The
Helen
Olsen represented us at the Arboretum's "Mother Nature Day in the
An
Herb Symposium workshop was held at Gisela Meyer's farm and the Herb Symposium
had a "Victorian" theme this year.
On
August 28, we had a members’ Garden Tour with our meeting at the first home and
a pot luck at the third home. It’s
always interesting to see other people’s
Diana
Denecke with the help of Gloria Danielson and Christine Gepp arrange a
"Peter Rabbit in Mr. McGregors Garden" display at the Minnesota State
Fair.
Bottling
Day at Laura Emmers and Fall Festival September 29.
The
Festival of Trees theme was “Nature’s Bounty”.
Christmas
Party on December 4, at Ruth Engelbert’s home “Christmas in
1991
The
January program was "The Taste of Cooking”, resulting in lunch for
all. Thelma Adair served Ham Wild Rice
Soup and Bread.
The
March meeting speaker is Carrol Henderson of the D.N.R. and a retired pilot for
Northwest Airlines. He talked about
herbs and perennials for wildlife. He is
working to provide bluebird houses to increase the populations of
bluebirds.
We
participated in Art in Bloom. The
painting was “Springtime Maiden” by Corot.
Laurene Wastvedt and Christine Gepp prepared the display.
Planting
Day in May with bag lunch social and plant exchange following at the Ordway
Shelter. Also in May a Nursery Tour and herbal luncheon at Lord Fletcher's.
Seventh
Annual Herb Symposium in August - "New Trends in Herbs". This was a 3-day Symposium with a variety of
topics for every interest. On Saturday,
August 17, a tour of Gardens and Greenhouses was held including lunch.
Participated
in the Arboretum Fall Festival in September.
"The
All Member Garden Review" was the program at the October meeting.
Wrapping
up the year at the home of Maude Primus for an "Olde English
Christmas".
1992
Decorating and Cooking with Herbs presented by Laurene
Wastvedt,
Propagating & Cultivating Herbs by Theresa Mieseler
and Steve Kelley, and Phyllis Waggoner
of the Weavers and Dyers Guild showing us materials dyed naturally.
The
Herb Symposium netted $1800 this year. A
donation to the Arboretum of $337 for garden plants, and $887 for the
Art
in Bloom arrangement was completed in May.
Normandy Pasture was the painting chosen. Laurene Wastevdt purchased a beautiful box
and delightful arrangement done by Laurene Wastevdt, Christene Gepp and Linda
White.
Some
of the Herb Symposium Speakers and Programs this year were Susan Belsinger,
Flowers and Herbs in the Kitchen; Don Haynie, Fresh Herb Arrangements; Nancy
Beaubarie, Landscaping with Herbs. And
again some of our members were presenters.
A
members’ garden tour was held at several members homes.
1993
One
of the program’s for the year was Richard Isaacson, the Librarian at the
Andersen Horticultural Library of the Arboretum.
Mulching
was done in the Fragrance garden.
Donation to Arboretum of over $800 for garden plants, $60 to Orchid
Lights as well as a herb planted strawberry done by Janet Sinner.
An
herb brochure was printed in combination with the Arboretum and the Minnesota
Herb Society to be displayed in the gardens to provide information regarding
the various herbs to passers by.
Our
missing sundial was replaced.
We
participated in the 10th anniversary of Art in Bloom. Christine Gepp and Linda White chose the
painting, Temptation by Adolph-William Bouquereau.
A
Garden Tea was held at the home of Frances Reid.
Our
Symposium Workshop was held at
The
9th annual Herb Symposium was held August 12-14, with an emphasis on
Health, Happiness, and Herbs.
An
audit committee was appointed to examine finances of the Society for the past three
years and a financial report developed.
In
October Betty Caspar, Dee Wolff and Michelle Dissette gave a wonderful wreath
and swag-making demonstration.
Again
we trimmed a tree for the Arboretum’s Festival of Trees. Diana Denecke inspired us with a Shakespeare
tree “A Winter’s Tale”, note the crown at the top of the tree. Gisela Meyer made paper snowflakes and home
made paper with embossed designs.
1994
This
was a very successful year for new memberships; 7 new active members and 6
supporting members joined our group. Bringing our total membership to 83.
In
January we met at Shady Acres Herb Farm where Tresea Miesler talked on growing
herbs during the long winter months.
Other
events that we participated in were Art in Bloom. Christine Gepp and Linda White chose the
picture of “Madonna & Child” by Cornelius Van Cleve. Diana Denecke was asked to interpret which
Biblical herbs and fruits would have been used at that time.
A
Garden Tea was held at the home and
At
the Herb Symposium this year we were in charge of filling the bags distributed
to those attending. This years theme was Health, Happiness and Herbs. Among the programs were;
Herbal Health Care: History,
Philosophy, and Practice of Medicinal Herbs;
Tasty Herb Teas; Cooking Light...
Cooking Right; Lemon Fresh Herbs;
Vegetarian Cooking East Indian Style;
Herbal Body and Skin Care and
Beginning the
An
evening meeting was held for those who cannot come during the daytime
hours. Over $2,000 were made through the
Herb Symposium and Fall Festival. One of
our meeting programs this year was, in July a crafts workshop for making herb
related items for sale.
At
the October 25th Mary Taylor,
new member gave talk on How Native Americans used Wild Plants &
Herbs for Food, Medicine, and Crafts.
The
Minnesota Herb Society Gourmet Dinner group was formed. Members are: Virginia Heinzen, Veronica
Malone, Gisela Meyer, David Nachtsheim, and Laureen Wastvedt.
Beginning with this year, there is more detail of events and activities in the included Newsletters.
1995
Officers: President Veronica Malone; Vice President Lori Swanson; Secretary Linda White; Treasurer Dee Wolff;
In addition to all the things we normally do each year, we approved the revised bylaws. With the rewrite of the bylaws, the Board of Directors was changed to include two members at large. The election of Frances Reid and the appointment of Ted Caspar completes our new Board. With the use of our membership flyer we continued to take advantage of every opportunity to recruit new members. Through participation in the Linders Nursery Festival event and the graciousness of Theresa Mieseler to distribute our flyer at her Herb Fest we have kept our organization's name and identity active.
July 19th, we re-introduced a garden tour of members' gardens. For this first tour we met at the home of Pat Wuest then went to St Paul to meet and visit the garden of the writer of "Backyard Herbs", and to Elizabeth Eaton, Linda White and Christine Gepp's gardens.
Meetings: As is our custom, this year's meetings all had a business segment followed by a program. We held three of our meetings away from the Arboretum. One at Shady Acres where we had demonstrations on Vinegars, Soup Blends and Teas. One was at the Bakken, a wonderful garden tour conducted by our own Aly Sayre and the third at the Hennepin County Extension Office where we had a demonstration in wreath making by our own Betty Caspar, Dee Wolff and Shelley Dissette.
Fundraising Events: Herb Symposium - Our participation was a success. We had overall responsibility of the luncheon and table decorations. The center pieces this year were bags of Pasta, Kitchen, Bath, or Bread, all of these of course had as their base, Herbs. For the lunches we worked closely with Diane Reed of the Tea room in the developing of the menus and then planned and conducted two tastings. Each member of the sub-committee prepared an item and met for a luncheon to taste and suggested improvement if necessary. Diane was a joy to work with, incorporating our ideas and producing two memorable luncheons. We were successful with our variety rich sales table. Our members were very creative and supportive with the many contributions of time and talent they made for sale. On this we netted $549.90. Autumn Sampler - This too was a success. Our sales table had much the same variety as we had for the Symposium. This event netted us $965.03.
Other Accomplishments - Participated in Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Art Institute. Gloria Danielson and Christine Gepp chose "Syrian Mosaic of Birds" to create their arrangement. We held our annual "Nursery" Tour and Herbal Luncheon. The tour on June 6th took us to Stillwater and an interesting time at Camerose Hill Herb Farm with member Cyndie Sinclair as our guide. We had lunch at the famous Lowell Inn and then went on to Squire House in Afton. We began developing a History of our Society, a copy will be kept in the Arboretum Andersen Library. We improved on the Members' Handbook to contain all the information regarding the society that every member would need in order to be involved throughout the year. Started the process of redesigning the Fragrant Garden. Developed a budget and financial tracking system which we followed during the year. Donations to Arboretum of $60 to Orchid Lights, $306.70 in plants for the gardens, $400 for new design of Fragrant Garden.
1996
Monarda (bee balm) Herb of the year
Officers: President Veronica Malone; Vice President Lori Swanson; Secretary Linda White; Treasurer Dee Wolff; Members at Large Ted Caspar &Frances Reid
Helen Olsen and Theresa Mieseler are made honorary members.
David Nachtsheim died November 17, 1996, he was 73.
This was a year of continued involvement with herbs and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In keeping with our bylaws we provided many activities for all our members to have an opportunity to participate and learn more about herbs. In addition to the usual events of the Herb Symposium and the Fall Festival we started the growing season with the return of a more traditional planting day pot luck of delicious food, May wine, a plant exchange, great socializing and getting to know each other, and wonderful planning by the Planting Day committee. This event was held in the new Sensory Garden of the Arboretum.
Art in Bloom participants Christine Gepp and Gloria Danielson put together an arrangement for the painting "Landscape with Cattle and Sheep".
The Kitchen Herb Garden was really at its best in 1996. This year in addition to our customary herbs we planted many varieties of peppers which added more color and interest. Work in maintaining the gardens was consistent and seemed to be enjoyable for all.
With 6 new Active Members and 6 new Supporting Members we added more new members than during the previous year. This brought our membership to 38 Active Members and 38 Supporting Members for 76 members, and increase of one. Our membership reported 370 volunteer hours. We began a system of coding the Membership Flyers so that we could track the sources of new members. We continue to improve upon the Membership directory with the addition of such information as a page to record volunteer hours, place for notes of meetings, and listing of past presidents and honorary members. The goal is to have this booklet contain everything our members need to be as involved as they wish.
This year we moved closer to the completion of the redesign of the Fragrant Herb Garden. The design was approved by the Arboretum and our members worked with the staff to remove old plant material and plant new material. Our hope is in 1997 funding will become available to do the "hardscape" of the design. $600 are paid for the design services of Cole Burrell for a new plan for the Fragrant Herb Garden. The Minnetonka Herb Society contributed $1000 for the purchase of an Urn as the focal point in the Fragrant Herb Garden.
Our two fundraising events went well and provided the funds necessary to meet our commitment to the Arboretum for herb plants and related material. For the Herb Symposium we had the responsibility for supporting the Chef's cooking demonstration and Shirley's needs, to help make the event a success. "Herbs on High" is the Festival of Trees theme with Jill Boettcher, Gisela Meyer and Gloria Danielson decorating the tree.
In July we had our members' Garden tour and tea. We visited the gardens of Cole Burrell, Marilyn Brummer, and Laureen Wastvedt with a tea at Laureen's and even visited her neighbors courtyards. An 8 page article in the August issue of Midwest Living features the beautifully planned and plantings in Frances Reid's gardens.
Our holiday party was hosted by Veronica Malone and Marlys Hansen.
1997
Thyme Herb of the year
Officers: President Veronica Malone; Vice President Pamela Keil; Secretary Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Dee Wolff; Members at Large: Ted Caspar & Frances Reid
This, the third and last year of my Presidency, was one of establishing systems for the future managing of the Society. These systems included the refining of the descriptions of the various committee responsibilities, increasing the attentions to the study of herbs, presenting an analysis of our activities for review by the membership, and striving for closure on our future direction.
We increased our membership in large part due to our ad in the Shady Acres Herb Farm's 1997 Catalog. The year ended with 94 members, 56 supporting and 38 active. This is up by 18 new members for the year. While this is wonderful growth, we need to continue to work at attracting active members.
The year was an active one, participation in:
Art in Bloom - The sculpture by Degas "Woman in the Bathtub" was selected and an
arrangement by Gloria Danielson with Linda White as her helper.
Garden Clean-up, Annual Nursery Tour/Herbal Luncheon
Planting Day, Workshop to prepare for Symposium
Garden Tea, 13th Annual Herb Symposium
Fall Festival, Vinegar bottling and potluck
Holiday Party Hosted by Barbara Dow .
Garden Planting & Maintenance
Thanks to the active participation of the membership we were successful in the many events.
We had a successful fun-filled year working with and learning more about herbs.
Again a very productive year under the leadership of Veronica Malone. The Fragrance garden has progressed nicely and an Urn has been picked out for next spring. The Herb Symposium was a success with only one evening and one day of sales, we still sold our vinegars and wares well. We held a Nursery and Garden Tour/Luncheon. A Garden Tea was held at the home of Frances Reid. The Gourmet Group continues to meet and a second Gourmet Group was identified this year.
The Fall Festival was a successful event for all and a successful fundraiser for our group.
For Festival of Trees "Babes in Toyland" our chair, Beth Ritter led us in making decorations of sachet filled teddy bears and other scented and colorful decorations.
1998
Mint Herb of the year
Officers: President Ted Caspar; Vice President Pamela Keil; Secretary Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Linda White; Members at Large Veronica Malone & Betsy Dienhart
This is our 35th year. We have the woman who began the Minnesota Herb Society - Helen Olsen to thank for the very existence of this group and a wonderful membership for making it what it is today! Thank you Helen Olsen and all of you for creating the Minnesota Herb Society.
This has been another year of activity and change. Thanks to the work of Veronica Malone (our past president). Our January meeting discussed her Herb Society Analysis with positive response resulting in changes to be published in our '99 Directory. Her constant pursuit as liaison to the Arboretum brought about the completion of the re-design of the Fragrant Herb Garden project with Peter Olin finding funds to implement. Our thanks go to Veronica for all her efforts.
Our usual activities went along smoothly. Art in Bloom participant Gloria Danielson chose the 3-dimensional artwork "Dali's Salad" for her charming and humorous arrangement.
In June our garden party at Giesela Meyer's farm. Her gardens are huge, the gazebo her husband Ray made in his shop from telephone poles was a welcome treat out of the sun.
The 14th annual Arboretum Herb Symposium was disappointing both in the attendance and our income from our sales table. The report from the wrap-up meeting of that event will lead us to the style of our participation in the future.
The theme for the Festival of Trees was "Birds, Butterflies, Bees and Blooms".
Another festive Holiday Party at Maud Primus' lovely home overlooking Lake Harriet. Santa (alias Linda White) was there too.
The addition of a well attended evening meeting in August at Veronica Malone's home and participation in the Shady Acres Herb Fest were productive events. Last, but not least, is an overview of our newsletter. Not only is there more information about herbs, but also a vast sharing of herbal recipes. The new column "Dear Herby" is great and we ask your participation in all of the newsletter columns. Our thanks for helping to make this a memorable year.
1999
Lavender Herb of the year
Officers: President Ted Caspar; Vice President Carolyn Earl; Secretary Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Linda White; Members at Large Veronica Malone & Betsy Dienhart
Once again we continue to be an active, thriving group thanks to all of you- active and supporting. Unlike so many groups who limit their numbers and, because of close ties, are not able to incorporate new persons, we are experiencing the enthusiasm and talents of new people along side those of our long-timers. So this has been a great year!
The gardens continue to be our main interest as together we share and learn by doing. The featuring of the Herb of the Year has added a new dimension, such as the many varieties of lavender (rosemary for 2000). Under the leadership of our past president Veronica Malone, the Herb Symposium took on new organizational form that resulted in both increased attendance and program variations. Judy Hoxmier's participation in chairing our sales table has brought this into a real money maker. The variety of sales items she has developed and her leadership in packaging and displaying have turned us into professionals. Early plans for 2000 look like our group will be the main supporters of the event.
We also saw the placement of the Urn focal-point in the Fragrant Garden and eagerly await the water feature which we are told has been funded.
Participation in the Art Institutes "Art in Bloom" continued our tradition of enhancing a chosen work of art. This year's was Gustav Courbet's "Deer in the Forest". Gloria Danielson and Linda White were the designers for the floral arrangement this year.
The March Meeting at Shady Acres gave Lavender the royal treatment. Theresa did a demonstration on the planting, care, and maintenance of lavender. We then took a trip to the greenhouse to catch a glimpse of the babies growing.
Under the leadership of various chairs, the Shady Acres Herb Fest, the Arboretum's Symposium and its Fall Festival resulted in increased income through a larger variety of our group's handmade items. The workshop for and the resulting Festival of Trees at the Arboretum was a sight to see and enjoy, the theme this year was ????
Under our new president, Carolyn Otto, we can look forward to increasing learning and activity in which we can share our love of herbs.
The Holiday Party was at the home of Judy Hoxmier.
2000
Rosemary Herb of the year
Officers: President Carolyn Otto/Carolyn Earl; Vice President Carolyn Earl; Secretary Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Barbara Dow; Members at Large Veronica Malone & Ted Caspar
Carolyn Weiss died February 29, 2000. She was 69.
Carolyn Otto died in September. Memorial Service was held September 25th at her home where family and friends gathered.
Our year started on a sad note, with our newly elected President developing a brain tumor and passing away in the September. Carolyn Otto had been with us only a short time, but has left her mark. She was instrumental in beginning our Herbal Interest Groups (HIGS). This group met in homes for evening discussion sessions on planting, book reviews, Hmong herbs and cooking to name a few. These are lively meetings and informative for all, food is always present..
Rosemary was the Herb of the year and our garden at the Arboretum had a wonderful display of the many varieties. All of the gardens were especially beautiful this year and were tended by our faithful members. We have wonderful plans for the coming year. The gardens offer a perfect opportunity for us to educate and interact with visitors to the Landscape Arboretum.
Another great education forum is the Herb Symposium, which was again chaired by Veronica Malone. Attendance was again up from the previous year and our sales tables again showed substantial gain with many useful attractive herbal products. This year we added a tour of a private garden, Veronica Malone's and Marlys Hansen's garden was on tour including a box supper. This was very well attended and enjoyed by all.
Fall Festival and Herb Fest found us again selling our Herb Vinegar, which is always popular and a major source of our revenue. Our sales table has also grown and now offers many food items as well as personal care products, all of course in our herbal theme.
We had a lively turnout for the Festival of Trees Workshop. Our tree this year was again one of the most popular ones on display and certainly the most fragrant.
We have again gained new members throughout the year. They have brought us fresh outlooks and been a great asset to us, as are all our members. However, one of our goals for the coming year will be to reach out to an even broader base to expand our Society. Our focus is to educate and what better way than to grow and reach out to all.
2001
Sage Herb of the year
Officers: President Carolyn Earl; Vice President Chip Abernethy; SecretaryFrances Reid; Treasurer Barbara Dow; Members at Large Ted Caspar &Gisela Meyer
Sage was the Herb of the Year for 2001 and its presentation in the Herb Garden was outstanding. We had tiered planters filled with many varieties of sage that created quite a conversation piece for Arboretum visitors.
Our HIGS programs are doing well. There was an average of one meeting per quarter and they covered topics from infusions to pressed flowers made into cards. These groups continue to draw our members that work and have difficulty participating in other events. This is good and we enjoy getting to meet with all members.
There was a change to our format for the 17th Annual Herb Symposium this year. We had an herb Gardening Education Day in June followed by the Symposium on a Friday in August and a wrap up Garden Winterizing Day on Saturday. We did not have our usual Thursday evening classes. Attendance was down considerably due to the heat, but the crowd was much more responsive and the information exchange seemed to be better. The sales table took in record profits.
Fall Festival and Herb Fest also brought us an increase in our revenue. We keep expanding the variety of items offered for sale and personal care items seem to be the best sellers. Vinegar sales were down this year but donations of vinegar were up. The bottles that remained after all the sales events were donated to the Arboretum Gift Shop.
Vinegar bottles needed to be purchased this year as the donated bottles had been consumed. This was a major expense and we had to buy 2300 bottles. We are selling bottles to reduce this inventory.
We had members represent our Society at the Home and Garden Show and at the Uptown Art Fair this year in order to expand community awareness of our group. Response from this type of event is slow so we have not been able to gauge the effectiveness of these efforts.
Art in Bloom and Festival of Trees showed off the creative talents of our members with lovely displays both events. We receive many favorable comments from people outside our group for our efforts at events like these.
Our focus toward education was enhanced by our future commitment to absorb the costs of Speakers for The Herb Symposium. This will allow us to have greater control of the program topics offered.
Membership is slightly down this year, but we have commitment to draw new members to our group. Most of our new members have signed on as active members and this is a good asset for us.
2002
Echinacea Herb of the year
Officers: President Bev Norris; Vice President Chip Abernethy; SecretaryFrances Reid; Treasurer Gisela Meyer; Members at Large Carolyn Earl & Veronica Malone
The Herb of the Year was Echinacea, a medicinal herb, not too well known and difficult to work with.
The HIG's Group worked on a variety of projects: rug hooking; dying wool; making stem gems; making chicken pin-cushions; and origami.
Helen Olsen, our first president, had her 100th birthday celebration with us in June. We surprised her with some of her former colleagues who were able to attend.
We were also participants at the Dundee open house and Plant Education Day at the Arboretum.
Our nursery tour took us to St Joseph where we toured Thomsen's greenhouse and nursery.
A one-day symposium in June focused on teas and blends.
A three-day August Symposium had a variety of activities that included "learning by", baking bread, making bath salts, fizzies and soap, pressed flower cards, and enjoying a foot soak. Teachers were there to show how to create an herbal first-aid kit and ikebana flower and herb designs. The symposium concluded with an herbal picnic. Man positive comments have come to us since.
The newsletter went on line for the first time in October.
We were able to have sale tables at the Symposium, Fall Festival, Herb Fest, and for the first time, at the Arboretum's Festival of lights, all adding to record sales.
Our clever and creative members made an arrangement for Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and made bugs for the Festival of Trees at the Arboretum.
We added seven new active members and six sustaining. members for the year.
2003
Basil Herb of the year
Officers: President Bev Norris; Vice President Betsy Dienhart; Secretary Chip Abernethy; Treasurer Gisela Meyer; Members at Large Carolyn Earl & Barbara Dow
Basil, the Herb of the Year! What could be better? Versatile, fragrant, it has it all. Unfortunately our garden got a later than usual start due to a rainout on planting day. But a little later, visitors were surprised at the many varieties we planted.
A lively group of 26 turned out for the Nursery Tour at Venero's Gardens, followed by a tasty lunch at Billy's Lighthouse.
In July the long-awaited opening of the Berens' Historical Museum was the major event. We were able to hang Helen Olson's rug in a prominent place there, one seen by all who enter.
We chose a book for the Arboretum Library in memory of Mary Bydlon, one of our past presidents. A memorial fountain was purchased with funds from Bernice Anderson's friends and money from the Society. This will be placed in the Fragrant Garden in Bernice's memory.
Linda White gets our heartfelt thanks for her many faithful years of labor in printing our Newsletter. Sylvia Costa was able to take over this task for us for the present.
We had opportunity to fulfill our purpose to educate by working on the Symposium, the Fall Festival, the Herb Fest, and on sales projects. We learned new ideas from our HIGS' groups. Along the way we had fun and developed friendships.
Many Thanks to all for your support the past two years!
There is more detail of events and activities in the included Newsletters.
The
Officer Listing
1963 Officers: President
Helen Olsen
1964 Officers: President Helen Olsen
1965 Officers: Helen is president.
1966 Officers:
President Edith Kasperson; Vice President Marguerite Lenertz;
Secretary Ruth Seaman; Treasurer Mildred Finley.
1967 Officers:
President Marguerite Lenertz; Vice President Evy Sand; Secretary
Marilyn Davidson; Treasurer Rita Ulferts.
1968 Officers: President Evy Sand; Vice President
Ruth Seaman; Secretary Diana Denecke; Treasurer
Virginia Finley.
1969
Officers: President Ruth Seaman; Vice
President Marilyn Davidson; Secretary, Edith Kasperson; Treasurer Mildred
Finley;
1970 Officers: President Marilyn Davidson;
Vice President Gloria Danielson; Secretary Fran Norton; Treasurer Bea Palmer.
1971 Officers:
President Gloria Danielson; Vice President Barb Freiborg; Secretary Fran
Norton; Treasurer Bea Palmer
1972 Officers: President Berneice
Anderson; Vice President Diana Denecke; Secretary Kathy Woodford; Bea Palmer
continued as Treasurer.
1973
Officers: President Bea Palmer; Vice
President Kathy Woodford; Treasurer Edith Kasperson; Secretary Jackie Reid.
1974 Officers: President Kathy
Woodford; Vice President Secretary
Treasurer Edith Kasperson
1975 -
Officers: President Jackie Reid; Vice President Helen Olsen; Secretary
Judy Bell; Treasurer Evy Sand.
1976 - Officers: President Mary
Bydlon; Vice President Theresa Miesler;
Secretary Gloria Danielson; Treasurer Evy Sand.
1977 - Officers: President Mary
Bydlon; Vice President Theresa Mieseler;
Secretary Gloria Danielson; Treasurer
Barb Niels.
1979 – Officers: President Gloria Danielson; Vice President, Sue Simonton; Secretary, FrancesNorton; Treasurer, Marilyn Dean.
1980 - Officers: President
Sue Simonton; Vice President Rachel Jones; Secretary Ruth Engelbert; Treasurer Marilyn Deon
1981 Officers:
President Diana Denecke; Vice President Aly Sayre; Secretary
Maria Kelly; Treasurer Marcia Griffith.
1982 Officers: President Diana Denecke; Vice President
Aly Sayre; Secretary
Marcia Kelly; Treasurer Mary Griffith;
1983 Officers: President Aly Sayre; Vice
President Judy Hostnick; Secretary
Frances Reid; Treasurer Ann Werler.
1984 Officers: President Aly Sayre;
Vice President Judy Hostnick; Secretary
Frances Reid; Treasurer Ann Werler.
1985 Officers: President Judy
Hostnick; Vice President Gisela Meyer; Secretary
Elaine Sundquist; Treasurer Ruth Engelbert
1986 Officers:
President Judy Hostnick; Vice President Christine Gepp; Secretary Treasurer Elaine Sundquist; Treasurer
Ruth Engelbert
1987 Officers: President Mary Bydlon;
Vice President Luella Leifeld; Secretary
Gisela Meyer; Treasurer Gaynold Jensen;
1988 Officers:
President Barbara Bursey; Vice President Frances Reid; Secretary
Gisela Meyer; Secretary Treasurer Steve
Kelley
1989 Officers: President Nancy Everson; Vice
President Barbara Bursey;
Secretary Gisela Meyer; Treasurer
Steve Kelley
1990 Officers: Co-Presidents Ruth Engelbert & Gloria Danielson; Co-Vice Presidents Jane Greenberg & Pat Scherven; Secretary Laura Emmer; Treasurer Steve Kelley
1991 Officers:
President Betsy Dienhart; Vice President Virginia Heinzen;
Secretary Laureen Wastvedt; Treasurer Steve Kelley
1992 Officers: President Virginia
Heinzen; Vice President Steve Kelley; Secretary
Barbara Dow; Secretary Treasurer David Nachtsheim
1993 Officers: President Ted Caspar; Vice
President
1994 Officers:
President Ted Caspar; Vice President Veronica Malone; Secretary
Linda White; Treasurer David Nachtsheim
1995 Officers: President Veronica Malone; Vice
President Lori Swanson;
Secretary Linda White;
Treasurer Dee Wolff;
1996 Officers: President Veronica Malone; Vice
President Lori Swanson;
Secretary Linda White;
Treasurer Dee Wolff; Members at Large Ted Caspar & Frances Reid
1997 Officers:
President Veronica Malone; Vice President Pamela Keil;
Secretary
Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Dee Wolff;
Members at Large Ted Caspar & Frances Reid
1998 Officers: President Ted Caspar; Vice
President Pamela Keil;
Secretary
Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Linda White; Members at Large Veronica Malone &
Betsy Dienhart
1999 Officers: President Ted Caspar; Vice
President Carolyn Earl;
Secretary
Jill Boettcher; Treasurer Linda White; Members at Large Veronica Malone &
Betsy Dienhart
2000 Officers: President
Carolyn Otto/Carolyn Earl; Vice
President Carolyn Earl; Treasurer Barbara Dow; Secretary Jill Boettcher; Members at Large Veronica Malone &Ted
Caspar
2001 Officers: President Carolyn
Earl, Vice President Chip Abernethy; Treasurer Barbara Dow; Secretary Frances
Reid; Members at large Ted Caspar & Gisela Meyer
2002 Officers: President Bev
Norris; Vice President Chip Abernethy;
Secretary Frances Reid; Treasurer Gisela
Meyer; Members at Large Carolyn Earl & Veronica Malone
2003 Officers: President Bev
Norris; Vice President Betsy Dienhart;
Secretary Chip Abernethy; Treasurer Gisela Meyer; Members at Large Carolyn Earl
& Barbara Dow