About

 About

The Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club is a long-standing club in Williamston Michigan . It is a non-profit (EIN: 81-3846624 ) , is a member of District 2B of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. , Central Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc. and shares their mission and goals. 

Address: P. O. Box 413, Williamston, MI, United States, 48895 

Organized 1925

Federated 1948

501(c)(3) public non-profit corporation

43 Members

45 State Life Achievement Award Members

4 Central Region Life Members

​9 National Life Members 

 The Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club's mission is to stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; to promote the study of horticulture and floral design; to provide resources and opportunities for its members; to promote protection of native trees, plants, birds and pollinators; to promote and support civic beautification and enviromental responsibilities. 

History

Historical Tidbits by Jolanta Piecuch, 2025 (as seen in the 100th anniversary brochure)

1925 – 1940: Early Years of the Club
Founded in 1925 and led by Carolyn Frey, the club is the second oldest civic organization in Williamston and the fifth oldest garden club in Michigan. Its formal structure was established on March 5, 1937, with Clara Hathaway as president. Originally named the Red Cedar Garden Club, members met in private homes. The club focused on hosting flower shows, supporting one another, organizing educational meetings, and promoting petunias as Williamston's official flower, all aimed at fostering community engagement and beautifying the town.

1940 – 1960: Growth and Community Involvement
During World War II, the club promoted "Victory Gardens," with member Nina Ketchum receiving a special citation from the Governor for her contributions.
In 1948, the club became federated with Michigan's garden club network.
Over the next two decades, the club pioneered therapy gardens, sponsored teachers at conservation camps, and continued hosting flower shows. As membership grew, the club expanded its activities to include youth gardening and community projects.

1960 – 1980: Beautification and Community Engagement
The club focused on beautifying Williamston’s streets and recreational areas, including purchasing and planting downtown planters, trees along Grand River Avenue, and donating trees and shrubs to local schools. It also fostered community involvement by organizing garden contests and sponsoring High School Oratory Contests. In honor of Arbor Day, the club planted trees at schools for several years.
In 1968, the club won the Inter-City Council Award for civic beautification, leading to a five-year downtown renovation in Early American style and the city’s national “Paint the Town” award. In 1976, the club won 1st place in the State Bicentennial Award for its Liberty Tree Project, planting 34 trees and distributing 1,500 Austrian Pine seedlings to schools.

1980 – 2000: Impact and Growth
In 1980, the club donated funds for the restoration of the Williamston Museum at the Depot and became the first group to hold meetings there in 1985. The club's ongoing community contributions included donating trees, such as a White Pine for Michigan's Sesquicentennial at Old Mill Park and a spruce tree at City Hall (later replaced). It also beautified public spaces with flower boxes on the bridge, at the library, and post office, and planted daffodils along Highway I-96 near the Williamston exit.
The club supported educational initiatives, donating to the 4-H Children’s Garden at MSU, the Williamston Schools Wetland Teaching Center, and the McCormick Park Restroom Project. Additionally, it planted annuals and bulbs in local parks and petunias along Putnam Street. From 1992 to 1996, the club organized public Flower Arranging Courses to promote horticulture in the community.

2000–2020: Growing Together
As the new millennium progressed, the organization strengthened its collaboration with local institutions, such as the Williamston Farmers Market. The club continued sponsoring the Smokey Bear program and donated to various local causes, including the Bandshell, Library, Food Bank, Theatre, school gardens, state garden network, and scholarships.
In the second decade, the club removed the invitation-only membership requirement, encouraging wider community participation. Members remained active in beautification projects, fundraisers, garden tours, conferences, flower shows (including youth flower shows), and local events.
In 2016, the club introduced a new logo, designed by our member Jolanta Piecuch, marking its growing identity, and by 2017, became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The club also maintained its educational programs and popular "Cups of Love" holiday program.

2020 – Present: A Legacy of Service and Education

Over the past century, the focus of the club has evolved from its original emphasis on organizing and attending flower shows to a broader commitment to the beautification of our city.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the club remained very active, engaging members through social media and limited in-person activities, continuing its beautification efforts.

A major focus since 2020 has been improving the club’s organizational structure, including creating its first comprehensive Operations Manual in 2022 to guide activities and governance.
The club has earned numerous awards and grants from national, state, and district networks, and members remain highly engaged, volunteering, holding leadership positions, and receiving individual recognition at the national and state levels. Members participate in conferences, garden tours, and courses, while supporting causes like memorial tree donations, scholarships, Arbor Day, the Smokey Bear contest, and collaboration with local organizations.

Notable contributions include a 2021 gazebo and park restoration donation, and planting over 4,000 daffodil bulbs in two parks from 2022-2023. 

Monthly educational meetings continue, and new members are always welcome.