This series of articles continues to celebrate the women who contributed to the beauty of our town and developed new traditions in their effort to beautify the city of Parsons and led the Mountaineer Garden Club into the future.
November 05, 1985 was a centenary event in Parsons as a flood roared through Parsons and Tucker County. Many buildings and properties were destroyed. The phrase “looks like a war zone” was heard on many lips and the devastation caused by the flood assaulted residents’ eyes.
One of Debbie Stevens’ memories of the 1985 flood was a voucher given to her from the Mountaineer Garden club via WV Garden club for 2 plants to replace those she had lost. She went to the Rennix Garden Center in Valley Bend and chose a purple azalea, which continues to grow in her garden. Unfortunately, the tree she chose failed to thrive.
Debbie was President from 1987-1988. She had small children at the time and one of her fondest memories was of her daughter slipping on mom’s heels, and playing dress up with a purse, jewelry because she was going to the Garden Club meeting. All members dressed for the meetings in a dress or pantsuit and usually heels.
Debbie had a treasure trove of memorabilia in a file folder which she proudly shared. She had a “yearbook” hand crafted by Dess Kidwell. Dess was a well- known member and former president who was artistically talented. She drew the cover of wildflowers, painted and laminated the cover sheet for approximately 20 members and they are still treasured by many members today. The yearbooks contain information re: bylaws, officer and member information as well as upcoming local, state and national events. In a side note, Debbie displayed a list of the women who were also listed by their husband’s name included in parentheses.
Debbie also initially recognized the need for equality in flower show presentations and developed the Easter Show at Mountain Valley Bank to complement the Christmas show at Citizens National Bank.
She feels strongly when interaction occurs with the public, discussing plants, flowers and the contributions of the Mountaineer Garden Club encourages citizens and businesses to participate in beautification of their property and businesses and having pride in our hometown. The Mountaineer Garden Club sponsors a Yard of the Month selection from homes and businesses during the growing season.
For more information about the Mountaineer Garden Club, contactvshomo72@gmail.com.
Public invited to The Mountaineer Garden Club’s 60th Anniversary on Sept. 6 at Piccolo Paula’s Café from 4-6 p.m. Door Prizes and light refreshments.
