162 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



the society rapidly grew in favor, and many more names were added 

 to the roll. In June, 1885, was held our first '' Flower Show," which 

 was a perfect success in every wa}^ In addition to the '' Flower 

 Show" we had refreshments served, both afternoon and evening, of 

 both days. In the following November was held a " Chrysanthemum 

 Show," which was also a success. 



The third year, Mrs. W. C. Hooker was again elected to the 

 Chair; Mrs. W. E. Mason, Vice-president; Mrs. B. F. Peterson, Sec- 

 retary; Mrs. Mary Gill, Treasurer. Nothing of note occurred dur- 

 the year, except the society held regular meetings and were con- 

 stantly gaining in knowledge of floriculture. 



In August, 1886, Mrs. Dr. Noyes was made President; Vice- 

 president, Mrs. Dr. Robbins; Secretary. Mrs. B. F. Peterson; Treas- 

 urer, Mrs. 0. F. Berry. The society has made a handsome display 

 each year, at our county Fair, and has taken special pains to make 

 the Floral Hall attractive. In February, 1886, the Guild gave an 

 " Old Folk's Concert," for the benefit of the poor, which was turned 

 into the relief fund of our city. The receipts were $37.15. 



In 1886 we commenced sending, or rather furnishing, flowers to 

 all funerals, no one being missed, if possible, and the poorest given 

 special attention. 



In this, our mission, it is to be hoped we have done some good. 

 We have seen the widow's face brighten, and the mother smile 

 through her tears, and received the grateful thanks of many sor- 

 rowing ones when presented with an offering made from our choicest 

 flowers. The sweet flowers ! They cheer us when nothing else 

 will. Bright gems of earth, which make us think what Eden was, 

 what Heaven may be. 



In June, 1887, we held a second " Flower Show." A number 

 of displays in cut flowers were made by the Guild, as well as by 

 ladies outside of the society. The "Flower Show" was again a suc- 

 cess and netted the sum of $33.53. 



In August, 1887, Mrs. Duane Pennock was elected President; 

 Mrs. W, R. Hamilton, Vice-president; Mrs. Elizabeth Cherrill, Cor- 

 responding Secretary; Mrs. Frank McMechan, Recording Secretary; 

 Mrs. J. M. Browning, Treasurer. 



We have derived much pleasure in our meeting together, and 

 the members of the society have become endeared to each other by 

 the strongest ties of friendship. From its first organization, the 

 society has been the most successful. Its founders were ladies of 

 the highest culture and refinement, and the society has been very 

 fortunate in electing such able officers. Much credit is due them 

 for the ability and faithfulness with which they have performed their 

 work. We feel that much good has been done by our society, and 

 that much more can be accomplished. In a word, we are proud of 

 our Floral Society, and hope we will encourage others to form them- 

 selves into societies for the purpose of improving in the care and cul- 

 ture of flowers. 



