| 1967-1969 | Charles Herbert | |
| 1969-1971 | Lewis Bagoly | |
| 1971-1973 | Robert R. Huber | |
| 1973-1974 | Frank C. Kunze | |
| 1974-1976 | Carol J. High VMD | |
| 1976-1978 | John H. Topp | |
| 1978-1980 | Clarence Ziegler | |
| 1980-1984 | Dr. Fred S. Winter | |
| 1984-1986 | Francis H. Raughley, Jr. | |
| 1986-1988 | Fred S. Winter MD | |
| 1988-1990 | Jim Gears | |
| 1990-1994 | Eva Jackson | |
| 1994-1996 | Winfield Howe | |
| 1996-2000 | Robert Stamper | |
| 2000-2002 | Jim Gears | |
| 2002-2005 | Joan Warren | |
| 2005-2009 | Bob Smetana | |
| 2009-2012 | Steve Henning | |
| 2012-2017 | Bob Smetana | |
| 2017-present | Jerry O'Dell |
The Bronze Medal was authorized by the American Rhododendron Society in 1967, the same year the Valley Forge Chapter was welcomed into the American Rhododendron Society. The Bronze Medal Award was created to recognize Society members who make outstanding contributions to a Chapter, which may include accomplishments of the recipient outside the Chapter consistent with the goals of the Society. It is the highest award an American Rhododendron Society Chapter can bestow on one of its members. The award consists of an engraved medal and a certificate citing the recipient's accomplishments. A committee of Bronze Medal recipients is responsible for nominating award recipients. Congratulations to the following members of the Valley Forge chapter who received the American Rhododendron Society Bronze Medal:
| 1972 | Charles Herbert (from Philadelphia Chapter) | |
| 1978 | Ethel Herbert | |
| 1979 | Dr. Carol High | |
| 1980 | Clarence & Evelyn Rahn | |
| 1981 | Al & Edna Curley | |
| 1982 | Ross Davis, Jr. | |
| 1983 | Lloyd E. Partain (from Philadelphia Chapter) | |
| 1984 | Fred S. Winter MD, & Barbara | |
| 1986 | Francis H. Raughley, Jr. | |
| 1987 | Robert & Helene Huber | |
| 1987 | S. Reid Warren III & Joan | |
| 1991 | James D. Gears | |
| 1991 | Howard R. Kline | |
| 1992 | John & Bette Gross | |
| 1992 | Donald H. Mannion | |
| 1992 | Pauline Raughley | |
| 1992 | William & Ellen Steele | |
| 1994 | Eva & Noel Jackson | |
| 1995 | Barbara Ludwig |
| 1995 | Harold Sweetman, Ph. D. | |
| 1997 | Frank Brouse | |
| 1997 | Nancy Greenwood | |
| 1997 | Ann & Winfield Howe | |
| 1997 | Ruth & William Miller | |
| 2000 | Bonie Marcus Bennett | |
| 2000 | Margaret Fawcett | |
| 2000 | William D. Perry | |
| 2000 | W. Robert Stamper | |
| 2001 | Sylvia Green | |
| 2006 | William Dennis | |
| 2006 | Tony & Penny D'Alessandro | |
| 2006 | Mary Alice Snyder | |
| 2007 | Mimi Favre | |
| 2007 | Darlene & Steve Henning | |
| 2010 | Chris & Bob Smetana | |
| 2016 | Charlie Odenweller | |
| 2019 | Alice & Bob Horton |
| 2021 | 
The Pandemic hit the whole country in 2020. Pennsylvania's stay at home order was issued on March 22, 2021. All meetings were cancelled. The chapter newsletter continued and began including more feature articles. We started have meetings on Zoom. Our first in-person meeting was the joint Greater Philadelphia-Valley Forge picnic and annual meetings at Fort Washington State Park on June 20, 2021.
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| 2019 | 
On June 24, the Board of Directors at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens welcomed Tom Smarr as its new Executive Director. Tom succeeded Dr. Harold Sweetman, who grew the garden from the ground up as Jenkins' Executive Director for 33 years.
Tom Smarr came to Jenkins with over two decades of experience in horticulture, conservation, botanic gardens, public parks and organic landscaping. He held a master's degree in urban horticulture from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, and had worked for established institutions such as the University of Washington Botanic Gardens in Seattle, WA; New England Wild Flower Society's "Garden in the Woods" in Framingham, MA; the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston, MA; and the High Line, a public park in New York City along unused elevated train rails. Most recently, he led garden and natural areas design for The Parklands of Floyds Fork, a nearly 4,000-acre ribbon of parks in Louisville, KY opened in 2016 by 21st Century Parks, Inc.
A native of Pennsylvania, Tom stated: "It's a great honor to return home to lead this beautiful and important garden so expertly advanced by Dr. Harold Sweetman. I am excited to expand on the many initiatives already taking place at Jenkins: a well-documented plant collection, educational experiences focused on environmental horticulture and a free visitor experience for the community. Alongside a terrific and dedicated staff, I look forward to utilizing the resources that Jenkins can provide to further the mission and to connect people with our natural world. Great collaborative support will bring forth great achievements as we further the Jenkins legacy."
The 48-acres Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens which opened in 1976 showcases a world class collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Jenkins remains open daily and is always free of admission.
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| 2019 | 
Harold Sweetman retired as Executive Director of Jenkins Arboretum in June.
There had always been a Director at Jenkins with the name Sweetman. It started in 1974 when Leonard Sweetman was hired at age 60 to begin the initial plantings before opening up to the public in 1976. Leonard was assistant director of Scott Arboretum under John Wister. He planted thousands of plants on what was previously an undisturbed woodland. These were according to the plan, mostly azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel and other ericaceous plants. Leonard retired in 1986 at the age of 74 and sadly died from a stroke the week following his retirement. The trustees turned to Leonard's son, Harold Sweetman to replace his father as the only full-time staff gardener. Harold held a doctorate in biology from Boston University. Harold had not only inherited his father genes, he also had a lifelong education from his father in the practical side of converting a natural woodland into expression of his love for the natural world. Harold Sweetman, over the past 32 years, continued planting with each growing season. In addition to growing the gardens, he grew a staff of dedicated horticulturists. Maggie Knapp was the very first full-time gardener in 1999, followed by remarkable Hamilton Educational Fellows, including Steve Wright, Director of Horticulture and Maddison Paule, Head Horticulturist. With the Forever Jenkins - Endow an Acre Endowment approaching the $20 million goal, Harold felt it was time to make way for a new director. Undoubtedly the new Executive Director, along with passionate gardeners, staff, and community members all dedicated to the special mission of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, will ensure that Jenkins will continue to flourish and be a vibrant public garden "Forever." VF ARS Clubhouse On January 21, 1988, the Valley Forge Chapter of the ARS had their first meeting at Jenkins. Chapter President, Fred Winter reported that Harold had offered for Jenkins to be the meeting place for the VF Chapter. The chapter met in the house that preceded the John J. Willaman Education Center. Harold often refers to Jenkins as the Valley Forge Chapter's clubhouse. Thank You Harold for the VF ARS clubhouse! [Return to Top] | |||
| 2019 | 
On May 18, at the ARS Convention in Malvern, PA, Steve Henning was presented the ARS Gold Medal Award. The Award reads: You have immersed yourself fully in a wide variety of activities that support the American Rhododendron Society. These include maintaining Henning's Rhododendron and Azalea pages for over 20 years. This publication provides a wealth of educational material on almost every aspect of rhododendrons. You have written excellent articles and provided rhododendron photos for the ARS Journal. You launched on your personal website both the Rhododendron and Azalea Bookstore and later, the ARS Store, with all proceeds directed to the ARS. You also acted as the Registrar for the very successful 2018 joint spring convention between the ARS and the German Rhododendron Society. Most recently, you served as co-chair for the 2019 ARS Spring convention. For your outstanding contributions, the American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the Gold Medal to Stephen M. Henning. May 18. 2019, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo shows ARS President Ann Mangels, left, and Glen Jamieson, JARS Editor, present Steve Henning the ARS Gold Medal. [Return to Top] | |||
| 2019 | 
The Chapters of District 8 hosted the 2019 ARS Convention at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern. Tuesday, May 14, 2019: ARS Executive Committee meet in the evening. Wednesday, May 15, 2019: ARS Board of Directors meet all day. We had a pre-tour to Chanticleer and Winterthur. It included a box lunch at Winterthur. Thursday, May 16, 2019: The convention started with a bus tour and box lunch at Tyler Arboretum followed by a bus tour and Wine & Dine Garden Party at Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens. Plant sale opened after we returned from Jenkins. There was no program Thursday night. Friday, May 17, 2019: A full day of bus tours at Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens, and Wayne Guymon's WynEden. A box lunch at Longwood was included. Dinner followed by a program was at the American Helicopter Museum that evening. The speaker was Dick Murcott, Philadelphia, Adopted Home of America's First Hybrid Rhododendrons. Saturday, May 18, 2019: A full day of bus tours to Morris Arboretum, Stoneleigh, the Farley garden, and Perc Moser's Garden. A box lunch at Morris was included. Banquet and keynote speech was at The Desmond in the evening. The keynote speaker was Jenny Rose Carey, Philadelphia - America's Garden City. Sunday, May 19, 2019: Breeders roundtable was in the morning. We had open houses at private gardens and distributed list of more public gardens. A total of 235 registered. [Return to Top] | |||
| 2015 | 
Cooperation: On June 2, 2015, the Valley Forge (VF) and Greater Philadelphia (GP) ARS Chapters had a joint board of director meeting after their regular individual board meetings. The meeting discussed the strengths of each of the two chapters. GP has an outstanding propagation program and, hence, a great Plants for Members (P4M) program. GP also leads the efforts to have an ARS booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show every year. On the other hand, VF hosts the Joint Meeting at the Uwchlan Meeting House each February and the District 8 CutX and Auction each August. The Chapters already share responsibility for the Joint Meeting at Uwchlan and alternate sponsorship of the annual spring Flower Show with GP hosting it at Morris Arboretum and VF hosting it at Jenkins Arboretum. Since VF has had some propagation snafus recently and GP has a very strong propagation program, GP agreed to make its propagation program a joint program with VF members invited to participate. Also, the P4M program would be hosted by GP and open to VF members. In the spirit of mutual cooperation, the two chapters agreed to not have a chapter meeting during the month the other chapter has its banquet. That means that in November, VF would host both chapters at its banquet, and in April, GP would host both chapters at its banquet. At no time was there any mention of a merger. The point was to build on the strengths of the two chapters. Hopefully this will initiate a new period of cooperation and create two stronger chapters.
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| 2012 | 
On May 4, at the ARS Convention in Asheville, NC, Steve Henning was presented the ARS Silver Medal Award. The award stated: "You have mastered the development of internet websites and used them effectively to inform and instruct the public about rhododendrons. Henning's Rhododendron and Azalea Pages was one of the earliest sources of on-line information. District 8 benefitted hugely from the website you developed for the 2009 Eastern Regional Conference. When a major historic azalea collection was announced for destruction, you took the initiative and created a website to focus activities to save it. Your efforts have stopped the pending destruction, helped raise monies for the continued preservation of the azaleas, and attracted U.S. Congressional support. For your outstanding contributions, the American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the Silver Medal to Stephen M Henning." Photo shows District Director Karel Bernady (left) and ARS President Don Smart (right) presenting the award to Steve. [Return to Top] | |||
| 2009 |  166 people attended the ARS Eastern Fall Conference which was held at the Inn at Chester Springs. The theme was Rhododendrons in Penn's Woods and featured rhododendrons that were hybridized in Pennsylvania and /or introduced in Pennsylvania. Valley Forge along with the other District 8 chapters: Greater Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Pine Barrens, and Susquehana Valley Chapter hosted the conference. Karel Bernady was conference chairman. Joan Warren headed up the extensive plant sale which had 2,000 rhododendrons which were introduced in Pennsylvania by rhododendron greats such as Gable, Delp, Pride, Doppel, Ahern, Rhein, Minihan, and Wister. Bob Smetana organized a popular foliage show. The inspiring talks were:
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| 2009 | Jenkins Arboretum, the Valley Forge Chapter's home, completed the beautiful new John J. Willaman Education Center. This facility is home for the chapter's meetings, board meetings, plant sale and flower show. Harold Sweetman is Jenkins Executive Director and Valley Forge Chapter member. | |||
| 2007 | Valley Forge Chapter's 40th Anniversary Banquet, which was held at the St. David's Golf Club, featured Hank Schannen as speaker. Hank reminisced and then proceeded to describe 20 improvements in rhododendron culture he would like to see in the next 20 years:
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| 2007 | Dennis MacMullan, wrote an article on rhododendron hybrids that was published in the Summer, 2007, edition of the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society. The author of several articles that have appeared in the ARS Journal, Dennis focused this time on his own hybridizing efforts, which started in the late 1960's. One of Dennis's hybrids is named for his friend and fellow Valley Forge Chapter member and hybridizer, Howard Kline. [Return to Top] | |||
| 2007 | 33 new members joined at the plant sale which was chaired by Bill Dennis. Under Bill's leadership, the plant sale offered 10% discounts on plant purchases to new members. This paid off big at a time when the ARS is nationally suffering a decline in membership. | |||
| 2004 |  ARS Convention was held at the Valley Forge Hilton, King of Prussia. Garden tours included: Tom and Barbara Ahern in Bethlehem, Frank Brouse in Norristown, Diane Burko and Richard Ryan in Point Pleasant, Chanticleer in Wayne, Cresson Family in Swarthmore, John and Holly Doppel in Lenhartsville, Jim and Kay Gears in West Chester, Win and Anne Howe in Downingtown, Robert and Helene Huber in Salford, Eva and Noel Jackson in Radnor, Jenkins Arboretum in Devon, Brian and Cathy Keim in Rydal, Howard Kline in Bernville, Longwood Gardens, the Moyer Garden in Bethlehem, Mount Cuba Center in Wilmington, Rarefind Nursery & Garden in New Jersey, Pauline and Francis Raughley in Delaware, Ralph and Elizabeth (Liz) Schumacher in Gulph Mills, Robert and Barbara Tiffany in Point Pleasant, Tyler Arboretum in Media, Fred and Barbara Winter in Pottstown, Winterthur in Delaware, and Bill Zurich in New Jersey. Speakers included: Dick Murcott, Henry (Hank) Schannen, Jim Barlup, Kenneth Cox, Bill Steele, Dr. Gary Moorman, George Woodard, Steve Kristoph, George McLellan, Paul James, Harold Sweetman, Ed Collins, Dick Gustafson, Ted Stecki and Jerry van de Sande. |
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| 2001 | Dr. Harold Sweetman, Valley Forge Chapter, becomes Chairman, Research Committee: which fosters and encourages research in the rhododendron field. This committee serves as a clearinghouse to receive and evaluate research proposals. This committee works with the Rhododendron Research Foundation. [Return to Top] | |||
| 2001 | Wister Estate, Tyler Arboretum received $2.7 million from the estate of John and Gertrude Wister. Some of this money is designated for the restoration of the Rhododendron Collection that was planted by the Wisters fifty years ago. | |||
| 1998 |  Jim Gears, a member and former president of the Valley Forge Chapter of ARS, received the "Stanley Murray Award for Volunteer Service" (Volunteer of the Year) Award from the Asheville, North Carolina-based Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at their 25th Annual Meeting on June 19 at the USFS Corpening Training Center in Crossnore, NC. |
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| 1998 |  Jenkins Arboretum was described in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) newspaper, "The Morning Call," as having a rhododendron and azalea collection equivalent to Longwood Garden´s orchid collection. Credit goes to Harold Sweetman for the development and maintenance of the arboretum, to those who volunteer their time and expertise and the American Rhododendron Society Valley Forge Chapter which has donated many plants to the collection. (From "Bob´s New Branch" (the president´s message) Valley Forge Chapter Newsletter, September 1998) |
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| 1997 |  Hank Schannen received the ARS Gold Medal at the annual meeting in Vancouver, BC. Besides being a frequent visitor at Valley Forge meetings, Hank operates Rarefind Nursery in New Jersey and has held numerous position in the American Rhododendron Society. He is our chapter auctioneer for plant auctions. His prize hybrid, Solidarity (right), is a popular plant on the East Coast. |
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| 1991 | We held our first solo Flower Show on the Conservatory Fern Floor of Longwood Gardens (previously held jointly with Philadelphia Chapter at Tyler Arboretum) on Sunday, May 12 (Mothers Day). This fabulous exhibit, with over 400 entries and educational posters, was seen (and photographed!) by thousands on Longwood's busiest day of the year. The winner of "Best in Show" was first-time exhibitor Sally Novello with 'Narcissiflora', a beautifully groomed deciduous yellow azalea, for which she received a watercolor painted by Helene Huber especially for this occasion. [Return to Top] | |||
| 1988 | Lehigh Valley Chapter is started. Bruce Keyser becomes their first president. | |||
| 1988 | Plant Sale held at Jenkins Arboretum for the first time. Previously it had been held at Tyler Arboretum and later at Valley Forge Methodist Church. | |||
| 1986 | Harold Sweetman becomes the Executive Director of the Jenkins Arboretum. A biologist by training, he has worked for over two decades developing Jenkins´ extensive collection of species and hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as providing a showcase for the full range of native flora. Dr. Sweetman maintains a poisonous plant collection for the purpose of student field study. | |||
| 1984 |  A Guide for the Hungry Gardener, A collection of Favorite Recipes Plus Helpful Gardening Hints from the Members of the Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, was published. Barbara Winter was Chair of the Committee, Helene Huber was the artist and calligrapher, and Francis Raughley compiled the horticultural information, with focus on rhododendrons and azaleas. The impetus to the cookbook was the Bourbon Slush served by Barbara Winter whenever the Annual Meeting and Picnic or any other function was held at her and Fred's house. |
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| 1982 | Gertrude S. Wister: was presented the ARS Gold Metal for her contributions as a speaker and an author and for her leadership in numerous foundations. [Return to Top] | |||
| 1978 |  "Hybrids and Hybridizers" is published by Phil Livingston and Dr. Frank West. It features Charles Dexter, Joe Gable, Ben Morrison, Guy Nearing, Tony Shammarello and many younger hybridizer and their plants. It is dedicated to Dr. John C. Wister. "a unique record of hybridizing rhododendrons in the eastern United States. ... It is an enduring account of an American Revolution in garden rhododendrons designed to replace the mid-nineteenth century hybrids of the British" from the Introduction by David G. Leach. |
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| 1976 | ARS Convention is at Valley Forge Sheraton. Valley Forge, Princeton and Philadelphia co-host. Garden tours include: Tyler Arboretum, John & Gertrude Wister's, Joe & Doris Becales', Swiss Pines, Charlie & Ethyl Herbert's, G. Dave Lewis's, Tom Koenig's, and Mrs. Luenenschloss's. The flower show was at the American Baptist Center, across the street from the hotel. | |||
| 1973 | Heman Howard announces names for many Dexter plants that were formerly only known by the garden where they were grown and a number. For example SW12507-12 at Swarthmore becomes Acclaim. | |||
1972 |
 Test Garden at Tyler established by Philadelphia and Valley Forge Chapters. The area was about one fourth planted, by springtime with over one hundred plants. Dr. John C. Wister was the first director of Tyler Arboretum (1946-1968). The arboretum itself started in 1825 when two brothers, Jacob and Minshall Painter, set aside land to systematically plant more than 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs. In 1944 descendant Laura Tyler bequeathed the property to be a nonprofit arboretum. In 2001 Tyler Arboretum received $2.7 million from the estate of John and Gertrude Wister. Some of this money is designated for the restoration of the Rhododendron Collection that was planted by the Wisters fifty years prior. |
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1972 |
First Annual VF ARS Banquet, Nov 5, 1971: Having an enthusiastic membership and a healthy treasury as the result of several successful spring plant sales, the officers, and directors concluded that the chapter should hold it's first annual banquet and program. The colonial era Seven Stars Inn was chosen as the site. At seven o'clock pres Bob Huber welcomed the members and the guests. The invocation was read by Mr. Herbert. After an excellent dinner Dr. West introduced the principal speaker of the evening, Mr. Robert D. McDonald, the director of the John .J. Tyler Arboretum. Mr. McDonald is also the director of the Plant Records center of the American Horticultural Society. Lew Bagoly presented framed and newly mounted to Mr. Charles Herbert his Bronze Medal Citation. Table decorations of chrysanthemums, and several hundred rhododendrons were distributed as door prizes. An informal decision to return next year was met with approval. |
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| 1971 | ARS Convention is at the Ben Franklin Hotel, Philadelphia. Garden tours included: George & Betty Arrington's, Princeton Display Garden at Hun School, Jo & Leon Heuser's Indian Run Nursery, Fred & Ernesta Ballard's, Al & Mary Martin's, George & Elizabeth Henny's, Charlie & Ethyl Herbert's, Frank & Alice West's, Jack & Gertrude Wister's and Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore, and Tyler Arboretum. Ernesta Drinker Ballard, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and Alfred S. Martin, the first Eastern Vice President of the ARS, organized the convention with the aid of the Valley Forge, Princeton and Philadelphia Chapters. The Philadelphia chapter met at The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society headquarters for many years. Mrs. Ballard was a colorful person in the history of the ARS:
Ernesta Drinker Ballard (1920-August 11, 2005) was a founding member of the National Organization for Women and a horticulturist. Ballard marched on Washington, lobbied for the Equal Rights Amendment, and raised money for female political candidates. She also was a founding member of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL), and served as chairwoman of the organization from 1989 to 1991. She to co-founded "Women's Way" an umbrella support group that funds a host of women's groups, including Women Organized Against Rape, The Women's Law Project, Women Against Violence. Ballard closed a successful horticultural business in 1964 to head up the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and supervise its annual extravaganza, the Philadelphia Flower Show. She expanded the flower show from four staffers to more than 100 employees. Alfred Martin was involved with King Fifth Wheel, a Pennsylvania based manufacturer of engine parts for the aircraft industry. He had previously served as President of the Philadelphia Chapter and later became President of the ARS. [Return to Top] |
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| 1968 | Bronze Medal introduced as highest award presented by a Chapter. | |||
| 1967 | Charlie Herbert and 15 friends found the Valley Forge Chapter, American Rhododendron Society on March 1. At the May, 1967 ARS Annual Meeting in Asheville, NC, ARS President Edward B. Dunn welcomes Valley Forge Chapter. It is the 23rd chapter. The Valley Forge chapter comes in with 16 members and 10 associate members, that is members of other chapters who desire to be affiliated with the new group also. The officers are: Pres. Charles W. Herbert, Phoenixville Pa.; Vice Pres. - Oscar F. Krebs, Norristown, Pa., and Sec.-Treas.; Mrs. Ruth Amenda, Perkiomenville, Pa. |
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| 1967 | Edward W. Collins, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Greer, Henry A. Schannen, and Bruce G. Keyser join the ARS | |||
| 1962 | Dr. John C. Wister, Swarthmore, receives the ARS Gold Medal at its annual meeting at Winterthur. He was head of the Dexter Study Committee since its inception in 1945. | |||
| 1962 | Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Bagoly of Phoenixville join the American Rhododendron Society | |||
| 1961 | Lloyd E. Partain and Francis H. Sholomskas join the American Rhododendron Society. [Return to Top] | |||
| 1959 | Guy Nearing receives the Gold Medal at the International Rhododendron Conference in Portland, OR, for his furthering the hybridization and propagation of the Rhododendron genus. | |||
| 1959 | Ross Davis of Wayne joins the American Rhododendron Society. | |||
| 1958 | Dr. John C. Wister, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, received the first American Horticultural Society Liberty Hyde Bailey Great American Gardener Award for his contributions to American horticulture. | |||
| 1957 | Philadelphia Chapter is formed on November 11, 1957 at Morris Arboretum. It is the 12th chapter. | |||
| 1953 | Joe Gable receives the ARS's second Gold Medal for 30 years of accomplishments in the investigation and hybridization of the Rhododendron genus. | |||
| 1952 | Charles Herbert of Valley Forge joins the American Rhododendron Society. | |||
| 1952 | ARS presents its first Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to the genus Rhododendron to ARS President Sersanous. | |||
| 1951 | ARS by-laws establish chapters. Seattle, California and Middle Atlantic become the first three chapters. [Return to Top] | |||
| 1947 | ARS publishes first issue of the American Rhododendron Society Quarterly Bulletin. | |||
| 1945 | On January 9, 1945 the articles of incorporation of the American Rhododendron Society were signed. All board members were from Oregon and Washington. No charter members were from Pennsylvania. The first annual meeting is held in Portland, Oregon, and featured an extensive collection of blossoming plants and cut trusses. [Return to Top] |
Some of the sadder moments …
| 2016 | Win Howe – Winfield "Win" Howe, a member of the Valley Forge Chapter of the ARS since 1986, died in February 2016 following a long illness. Win and his wife Anne were both very active members of the Chapter, involved with coordinating the annual plant sale, plants for members sale, and the annual flower show. They were judges of flower shows held by other nearby chapters. They were also involved in setting up the annual Chapter banquets. Win served on the Chapter board of directors and was the Chapter President from 1994-96. He attended and prepared a program about the ARS 1996 Convention in Oban, Scotland. In 1997 Win and Anne were awarded the Valley Forge Chapter Bronze Medal. He was the Chapter newsletter editor for several years. He was Associate District Director from 2000 to 2003. Indefatigable as he always was, he was also Chair of the 2004 International Rhododendron Convention held in Chester County, PA. Their garden was on the 2004 Convention garden tours. He also waged constant warfare against critters that he was sure were put on God's green earth to fight and annoy him and hinder his propagation efforts - voles, chipmunks and squirrels - to say nothing about white-tailed deer. Oh, the expletives! Win donated many hours of volunteer service to area gardens including Longwood Gardens, Jenkins Arboretum and the Green Valleys Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania at Welkinweir, where he also donated many azaleas. The Howe garden was also open several years for tours as a fund raiser for the Owen J. Roberts School District Parent Teachers Association. They were also members of the Elverson, PA., Garden Club. In his spare time, Win enjoyed woodworking and hiking. He and Anne hiked the highest mountains in Maine and in the Presidential Range in the New Hampshire National Forest. Always inquisitive, he obtained a permit to collect native plant seeds in the Presidential Range. He collected, struck, and grew on thousands of rhododendrons, azaleas, and native plants in their garden in Upper Uwchlan Township in Chester County and sold and donated many of these plants to Chapter members and friends. He named one of the deciduous azaleas after their daughter, Rebecca Anne. Win's hard work and investment in the Chapter will be sorely missed.
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| 2012 | Fred Winter – The Valley Forge Chapter of the ARS lost one of its oldest and dearest members when Fred Winter died at the age of 93, on June 21, 2012. He died at home surrounded by his wife Barbara and their family.
Fred and Barbara joined this chapter in 1973, and Fred was president twice, from 1980 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1988. They received the ARS Bronze Medal from the Valley Forge Chapter in 1984. Fred was Alternate District Director from 1982 to 1985, and was an associate member of the Greater Philadelphia chapter. During his tenure as president, the chapter membership grew and programs were greatly improved. Fred encouraged member participation in meetings, Truss Shows, plant exchanges and garden tours. He opened his garden every year for tours including those from conventions, shared plants with members, and had very wide horticultural interests.
In 1984, the chapter published A Guide for the Hungry Gardener, a collection of members recipes plus gardening hints, and Barbara was chair of the committee. The impetus for the cookbook was the Bourbon Slush served by Barbara whenever the annual picnic or any other function was held at their house.
The Winter's garden is a joy to behold and very different from the property that they bought. It was a shambles then, but hard work by Fred and Barbara and their sons and daughter over the years created a beautiful masterpiece. It is known as Company Farm, and has a history going back to when the nearby Schuylkill Canal was built between 1816 and 1825. Their renovated barn was used to house the barge-towing mules, and the path to and from the canal is now the rhododendron garden. The garden was selected to be included in the Archives of American Gardens, Horticulture Services Division, Smithsonian Institution, in 2002.
Fred had a long and interesting life along with his career as a radiologist. He loved to sing and joined the local singing group, enjoyed opera and musical theater and would often burst into song when amongst friends. Kathy Van Veen will remember him giving her an old RCA Victor LP of Rombergs The Student Prince (her favorite), and then bursting into song in his Mario Lanza style.
Fred cared about people and started a program to teach children about the health hazards of tobacco and other addictive substances, visiting many classrooms during his retirement. He volunteered with CARE-MEDICO and trained radiology residents in Afghanistan and Thailand. He also joined a polio group helping to immunize children in India. He was an avid skier and he and Barbara traveled extensively worldwide. As a member of the Navy Medical Corps he served in WW11 and the Korean conflict.
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| 2009 | Clarence Rahn died on December 8, 2009 at the age of 97. His wife Evelyn had passed away in 2004. Clarence and Evelyn Rahn became members of the Valley Forge Chapter in 1971. They had a nursery and specialized in rooting deciduous azaleas. They supplied local nurseries with their azaleas. They were very modest, but extremely generous and loved company. He was very generous with giving plants to other chapter members, especially new members, and giving sound advice on raising rhododendrons and azaleas. He also developed the Azalea Study Group at the Valley Forge Chapter. Clarence contributed to chapter plant sales, judged truss shows and was active on several committees, the board of directors, and in many chapter activities. Clarence and Evelyn were also associate members of the Pine Barrens Chapter, and helped the Greater Philadelphia Chapter to plan and put together the exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show for many years. In addition he was instrumental in establishing the Charlie Herbert Memorial Azalea Garden at Swiss Pines in Charlestown Township. They received the Bronze Medal in 1980. Their Bronze Medal stated: "Our sincere appreciation to you, Clarence and Evelyn Rahn, for the many years of selfless service given to the Valley Forge Chapter. We are especially grateful for all of the time and effort you have given to so many of our committees and activities. We have been continually inspired by your humility and willingness to serve. Through your generosity in propagating and donating plants, you have captured the true meaning of our purpose as a plant society. For many years to come, our gardens will be beautified by the deciduous azaleas you have provided. Our chapter will be enriched far longer, however, by your dedicated example and by your enthusiasm for the genus Rhododendron." That same year Dr. Rhein in Mechanicsburg made a cross of the rhododendrons Bellrose x Ross L. When he registered the plant in 1999, he named it "Clarence Rahn." The Rahn's eventually sold their acreage near Douglasville and moved to the Lutheran Home in Topton. They gave many of their plants to Fred and Barbara Winter who still care for the Rahn Garden located at the Winter’s home. [Return to Top]
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| 2009 |  Henry "Hank" Schannen collapsed and died on September 16, 2009, at Rare Find Nursery, which he started in Jackson, New Jersey, in 1995. Hank Schannen joined the American Rhododendron Society in 1967. He was a long-term member of the Princeton Chapter and served on the ARS board of directors, the Princeton Chapter board of directors, and as president, Princeton Chapter. He was chairman of the ARS Research Foundation and had served on various other ARS committees. He was the recipient of the ARS Bronze Medal, and in 1997 was awarded the ARS Gold Medal. He was a board member of the Rhododendron Species Foundation and a member of the Magnolia Society, Holly Society, Hardy Plant Society, and the American Conifer Society. He was a frequent program presenter at annual ARS conventions, regional conferences, and local horticultural organizations. Hank was a renowned rhododendron expert and had that rare gift of a skilled orator and could captivate any crowd. He was the auctioneer at District 8 Cutting Exchanges and presented the programs at the Valley Forge 2007 banquet and the 2004 Uwchlan meeting of Valley Forge and Philadelphia. He traveled to gardens across the United States, especially to Pacific Northwest gardens and to Germany. An active hybridizer, Hank introduced some of his own hybrids: R. 'Hank's Mellow Yellow', R. 'Golden Globe', and R. 'Purple Elf'. His "signature" plant, R. 'Solidarity', which is widely grown in many parts of the United States and Europe. He wanted to name the plant after his mother, but she said a rhododendron with a difficult Polish name would never sell. The compromised by naming the plant Solidarity after the Polish labor union. He had 20,000 un-bloomed seedlings under evaluation. His RareFind Nursery in Jackson, New Jersey had 11 acres of rare and unusual plants and a display garden. He propagated over 1,000 rhododendrons cultivars and a similar number of unusual shrubby and perennial plants. [Return to Top] |
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| 2009 | Joseph "Joe" Becales. died on March 23, 2009 after a long illness. Joe was a member of the Philadelphia Chapter and an associate member of the Valley Forge Chapter for over 35 years. In 1976, Joe and Doris opened their garden to the ARS National Convention. Doris passed away a few years ago. Joe's passion was dwarf conifers. Some of Joe's named hybrids are Amelia Becales, Antigua, Becales' Big Yellow and Fashion Plate. He had many unnamed hybrids that were available at the 2009 ARS Fall Eastern Regional Meeting. Many of these unnamed hybrids are used frequently by many hybridizers in their work. | |
| 2008 | Francis "Fran" Raughley, Jr. died on July 5, 2008 at the age of 86. A life-long resident of Delaware, he pursued his career as a project engineer at DuPont, retiring in 1985. He spent his retirement pursuing his passion for gardening, having attended the Barnes Foundation Arboretum School, volunteering as a garden guide at Winterthur, and being an active member of several ARS chapters as well as day lily and holly societies. Fran faithfully brought his collection of books to sell at each meeting. He received the ARS Bronze Medal in 1986 after serving as Valley Forge Chapter president from 1984-1986. | |
| 2007 | Barbara Ludwig died recently. Barbara was a long-time and loyal member, who shared her talents in numerous capacities. She served most notably as Chair of the Truss (Flower) Show Committee. In 1991, when the Chapter decided to hold the show on the Conservatory Fern Floor of Longwood Gardens on Mother’s Day, Barbara met the challenges and set up and chaired the show there until 1999. For this alone, she was a deserving recipient of the Chapter’s Bronze Medal. | |
| 2005 | Margaret Fawcett, passed away May 27, 2005, after a long battle with cancer. The Valley Forge Chapter lost a good friend. She fought valiantly against the cancer that finally took her life, and two days before her last brief hospitalization she was out planting flowers. For 15 years, Margaret actively served the chapter as a board member, program chair, membership chair, volunteer at annual plant sale fundraiser, and was always ready to take part in any chapter event. Among other activities, and along with her close companion, Frank Brouse, she attended the Southern Highlands Conservancy meetings in North Carolina, garden tour bus trips, and native plant study group. Last November she mustered up the energy and enthusiasm to go on a two-week garden and sightseeing tour to Italy with Frank and with Tony and Penny D'Alessandro. The four close friends had a marvelous time together. As a board member, hers was always the voice of reasonableness and encouragement. She never had an unkind word to express about another or any situation. She also had a keen sense of humor, and two months before her death, she showed off her returning hair, lost to chemo, to some of the balding men of the chapter. Margaret was a bright and engaging woman with an untiring enthusiasm for life. She never lost that positive attitude...even at the end. We will all miss her. [by Frank Brouse] Margaret received the Bronze Medal in 2000. [Return to Top] |
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| 2004 |  Evelyn Rahn, On May 6, 2004, Clarence Rahn, his sister-in-law and niece went to the Jenkins Arboretum to tour the gardens and for the dedication of a special bench for his wife, Evelyn.The photo to the right of Clarence with Joan Warren was taken on May 6, 2004, at the dedication of the Evelyn Rahn memorial bench. Margaret Fawcett took this photo. The bench was given by the Valley Forge Chapter of the ARS in memory of Evelyn, and it has a plaque on it saying that it was donated to the arboretum by Evelyn's friends at the Valley Forge Chapter of the ARS. Clarence was really pleased to see the bench and to have lunch, though he said that Evelyn would never have expected so much. [Return to Top] |
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| 2002 | Don Mannion passed away. He was a Bronze Medal recipient, active member, and Chair of 1st plant sale at Jenkins Arboretum (1988), held in parking lot. | |
| 2001 | Ruth W. Davis, Valley Forge Chapter, passed away recently. A desirable rhododendron was named for her. She and her late husband, Ross, were early members of the Society. (2001) | |
| 2001 | Virginia S. Jefferis, (Mrs. Raymond P. Jefferis), Greater Philadelphia Chapter, passed away recently. She was a founding member of Philadelphia Chapter. Mrs. Jefferis raised dwarf rhododendrons and donated a number of them to Longwood Gardens. | |
| 2000 | Ross Davis, Valley Forge Chapter, passed away earlier this last spring (2000). He was an early and long-time member of ARS. He was a recipient of the Chapter's Bronze Medal. He was a unique individual, a consummate plantsman who could always be counted on to tell it like it is. [Return to Top] | |
| 1999 | Frank Kunze, Valley Forge Chapter, passed away on February 7, 1999. He was an ARS member for over 25 years and a past President of the chapter. He was especially interested in azaleas and loved to share his experiences and knowledge. | |
| 1999 | John Fawcett, Valley Forge Chapter, passed away on February 8, 1999, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. | |
| 1999 | Louise Gable, daughter of the late Joseph Gable and mother of Valley Forge member Judy Allison, passed away recently. | |
| 1999 | Gertrude McMasters Smith Wister: Mar. 24, 1905-Jul. 13, 1999 Editor of National Gardener and author of numerous books. For more than 25 years, Mrs. Wister served on the board of trustees of the Tyler Arboretum in Lima, Delaware County. She also served as assistant and then acting director there from 1944 to 1977. Mrs. Wister was also assistant director of the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College from 1955 to 1960 and with her husband, John C. Wister, created Wister Garden, now part of the Scott Arboretum. John Wister passed away in 1982. | |
| 1998 | Ethel M. Herbert, Valley Forge Chapter, passed away on September 25, 1998 at age 94. Her husband, Charles Herbert, was a founding member of Valley Forge Chapter. Early chapter meetings were held in the Herbert's living room. Ethel received the Bronze Medal in 1978. | |
| 1998 | Albert Curley passed away. He was a Bronze Medal recipient, who, after retirement from Fed. Reserve, was the Chapter's Treasurer for some time. Both he and Edna had been very active in '70s and '80s. | |
| 1998 | Betty J. Gross passed away. She was a Bronze Medal recipient, talented gardener, together with husband John, and a garden to prove it. | |
| 1997 | Edna Curley passed away. She was a Bronze Medal recipient, former Chapter Corresponding Secretary and early Chapter Historian, | |
| 1996 | Walter Kern: 1905 - May 29, 1996. Walter and his wife Elaine sent $20 to Edmund de Rothschild in the early 50's and requested they send him an assortment of Exbury Azalea seed. From this humble beginning, Walter expanded from his Exbury seedlings to his own hybrids. Walter and his wife Elaine are founding members of both the Philadelphia Chapter and the Valley Forge Chapter. Walter received the ARS Bronze Medal. | |
| 1990 | Lloyd E. Partain: 1909 - Mar. 10, 1990. Lloyd was a charter member of the Philadelphia chapter and active in the Valley Forge and Potomac Valley Chapters. A native of Arkansas, a soil and plant scientist, Lloyd was instrumental in introducing the Glenn Dale azaleas. He received many metals including the Bronze and Silver Medals of the ARS. [Return to Top] | |
| 1986 | Guy Nearing: January 22, 1890 - March 19, 1986. He was a brilliant student and star athlete at the University of Pennsylvania. He almost went blind and contracted tuberculosis. After a career in advertising he established himself as a nurseryman. Nearing invented the Nearing Frame and created the rhododendron hybrids Ramapo, Purple Gem, Windbeam, Wyanokie, Brandywine, Chesapeake, Delaware, Hockessin, Lenape and Montchanin in his Ridgewood, NJ. He received the ARS Gold Medal in 1959. | |
| 1986 | G. Albert Reid 1911 - February 17, 1986. While Al was working for Fischer's Greenhouses, he decided to hybridize the beautiful greenhouse azaleas for hardiness. He created the Linwood Hardy Azaleas, in Linwood, NJ. He registered over 50 varieties of Linwood Hardy Azaleas, all double, semi-double, or hose-in-hose. He eliminated all azaleas that were single. | |
| 1983 | Orlando S. Pride: 1905 - October 25, 1983. Lanny Pride of Butler, PA hybridized many hardy azaleas, rhododendrons and hollies. His greatest achievement was breeding evergreen azaleas that would survive in NW Pennsylvania. The best knows are Marjorie, Nadine, Vicky and Mary Holman. They survived a winter with temperature down to -30F. Some of his super hardy rhododendrons are Blazen Sun, Charles Robinson, and Cloud 12. His super hardy deciduous azaleas include Pink Peppermint, Yellow Bird, and Coral Queen. Not many are in the commercial trade. He received the ARS Gold Medal in 1979. | |
| 1982 | Dr. John Caspar Wister: 1887-December 27, 1982. He was a member of a prominent Philadelphia area family, which included the 18th century physician Caspar Wister, after whom the wisteria was named. After graduating from Harvard in 1909, Dr. Wister had made major contributions with rhododendrons, roses, peonies, daylilies, iris, lilacs, daffodils, magnolias and many others. Dr. Wister had received gold medals from the Mass. Hort. Society, Garden Club of America, American Daffodil Society, and American Rhododendron Society. He served as director of the Scott Foundation at Swarthmore University and Tyler Arboretum. At age 66 he began a rhododendron-hybridizing program to create July blooming rhododendrons. Dr. Wister and his wife Gertrude were the first husband and wife to both receive Gold Metals from the ARS. | |
| 1982 | Tony Shammarello: 1903 - October 10, 1982. After a devastating winter at his Ohio nursery, Tony began hybridizing very winter hardy, compact rhododendrons. Tony produced 29 such plants ranging from Besse Howells, Holden, Lavender Queen, Rocket, Sham's Candy, Spring Parade, Yaku Angel, Yaku King, Yaku Prince, Yaku Princess, and Yaku Queen. He received the ARS Gold Medal in 1973. | |
| 1978 | Charles Herbert: Feb. 12, 1901-Nov. 26,1978 A founder of both the Philadelphia Chapter and Valley Forge Chapter. See Charlie's Obituary | |
1972 |
Joe Gable: 1886-July 20, 1972. Joe started his long relationship with rhododendrons after returning from England after World War I. He subscribed to the 1923 Rock Expedition being organized by Arnold Arboretum. In return he received many packets of seed Dr. Rock found in China. The best plant was R. vernicosum but it was very slow to bloom. Joe hybridized native plants with his Chinese species and came up with many hybrids still in the trade including: Albert Close, Atrier, Annie Dalton, Atroflo, Beaufort, Bosutch, Cadis, Caroline, Catagla, Catfortcampy, Conemaugh, Conewago, Conewago Improved, Conestoga, County of York, David Gable, Disca, Dr. Rock, Frazzles, Freckles, Gretchen, Haag's Choice, Henry Yates, Katherine Dalton, Kentucky Cardinal, Ladifor, Madfort, Mary Belle, Maxhaem Yellow, Milo, Moon Shot, Pink Twins, Pioneer, Robert Allison, Red Sox, Sir James, Skylark, Strawberry Swirl, Tom Thumb, and Vernicosum. He received the ARS Gold Medal in 1953. His daughter Mary Caroline Gable carried on the family nursery until her death in February of 1998. The family nursery in Stewartstown, PA no longer exists. |
Thank you to Sonja Nelson and the American Rhododendron Society for permission to use information from ARS Quarterly Bulletins.
Thank you to Laura Grant for researching the original records of the club in ARS archives.
Thank you to Tadeusz Dauksza for searching his archives of ARS bulletins for early information on the Valley Forge chapter and its founders.
Thank you to Eva Jackson for contributing information from the Valley Forge newsletter.
Thank you to Ted Stecki and Karel Bernady for contributing information on Charlie Herbert and the early years of the Valley Forge Chapter.
Thank you to Win Howe for contributing the list of Bronze Medal recipients and flower show records.
Thank you to Joan Warren for contributing the report of the Rhododendron Study Group and information on Chapter members.
Thank you to Helene Huber who drew the botanic sketches over the years.
Thank you to Bud Gehnrich, Dr. R. Gustafson, Randell Jesup, Sally Perkins, Jim Willhite, & Steve Henning for contributing pictures.
Thank you to Dr. Homer E. Salley and Harold Greer for compiling the pedigree of the hybrids made by the Valley Forge founders.
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