PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

The South Mountain Environmental Education Center's Dottie Gilbert Reading Room is an extensive educational resource and reading room lovingly tended by members of the Diggers Garden Club:

The story of the Diggers Garden Club began in 1938. The Great Depression was in full swing and the effects of it were felt throughout America. Here in Phoenix, twelve special ladies formed a bond by working with each other to create beautiful and extravagant gardens. Their daily activities included planning and designing lavish gardens, removing weeds, and trading flowers and plants. It was a time of bonding for them while their husbands were away looking for work. In addition, it was also a way of mentally sidestepping what soured so many people during the economic decline. Upon completion of the day’s activities, the day’s host furnished coffee, tea and cookies, and a game of Bridge. To increase membership, members invited a friend to join them each time. Today, the club is composed of over 50 individuals.

CHARTER MEMBERS
1938

Mrs. John Austin
Mrs. Robert Coever
Mrs. Irvin Druke
Mrs. Dudley Fournier
Mrs. A.H. McLellan
Mrs. T.C. McReynolds
Mrs. O. D. Miller
Mrs. Jesse O’Brien
Mrs. Mary Percival
Mrs. Sarah Sanders
Mrs. Reed Shupe
Mrs. C.W. Waddoups



	The South Mountain Environmental Education Center's Dottie Gilbert Reading Room is an extensive educational resource and reading room lovingly tended by members of the Diggers Garden Club: The story of the Diggers Garden Club began in 1938. The Great Depression was in full swing and the effects of it were felt throughout America. Here in Phoenix, twelve special ladies formed a bond by working with each other to create beautiful and extravagant gardens. Their daily activities included planning and designing lavish gardens, removing weeds, and trading flowers and plants. It was a time of bonding for them while their husbands were away looking for work. In addition, it was also a way of mentally sidestepping what soured so many people during the economic decline. Upon completion of the day’s activities, the day’s host furnished coffee, tea and cookies, and a game of Bridge. To increase membership, members invited a friend to join them each time. Today, the club is composed of over 50 individuals. CHARTER MEMBERS 1938 Mrs. John Austin Mrs. Robert Coever Mrs. Irvin Druke Mrs. Dudley Fournier Mrs. A.H. McLellan Mrs. T.C. McReynolds Mrs. O. D. Miller Mrs. Jesse O’Brien Mrs. Mary Percival Mrs. Sarah Sanders Mrs. Reed Shupe Mrs. C.W. Waddoups Related Links: http://www.asu.edu/lib/archives/gilbert/1960-64.htm Dottie Gilbert Arizona Republic obituary notice (382kb pdf Adobe Acrobat) back to top Back to SMEEC main

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