History of HGC

The House and Garden Club of Frostburg had its beginning in the 1950’s with a group of women who came together and called themselves “Recent Graduates of University Women.” At that time they were also members of the AAUW (American Association of University Women). These women shared a common interest in gardening, community service and especially flower arrangements. The rather small group (compared to present membership) would meet in each other’s home each month to share their expertise and to socialize.

One of their early projects was to help the Frostburg Library get its start. The club donated $500 which had been raised from a card party and fashion show, donating books, and also drapes which had been made by members.

As time went on, the “Recent Graduates” were no longer quite so recent and their membership included women who were not specifically University Graduates. As a result, they withdrew from the AAUW in 1964 in order to involve new membership others who were not University Graduates, but who were interested in participating in the Club’s activities. The name of the organization was changed to The House and Garden Club of Frostburg.

For many years the Club was affiliated with the Federal Garden Clubs of Maryland, but problems on logistics and strict state guidelines did not prove helpful for the far Western Maryland Group. Therefore, the affiliation was eventually dissolved and the House and Garden Club of Frostburg became a stand-alone entity.

A major Club project has been the beautiful flower baskets on the lamp post that line the streets of Frostburg. Starting with just 16 baskets in the Spring of 1996, members and friends of the Club plant and maintain more than 60 baskets in the spring and decorate them with greenery and lights for the winter months. In addition to the lovely baskets, there are several flower beds around the town that are maintained by members for the beautification of the City of Frostburg.

The Club continues to meet almost monthly to learn, share, socialize and contribute to the Frostburg community.

(Many thanks to early Garden Club Members for sharing their memories for this history.)