Honoring the legacy of the Kane Garden Club's Founder
KANE - With September on the horizon, the Kane Garden Club eagerly anticipates its centennial anniversary, marking a century of horticultural passion and community engagement. Although September may seem distant, its arrival is swift, prompting the club to launch on a journey of reminiscence and celebration in the months leading up to the milestone.
In the spirit of commemorating the club's rich history, a dedicated committee has been formed to curate a series of vignettes, each highlighting pivotal moments and significant events from the past 100 years. These anecdotes will be unveiled gradually, offering glimpses into the
club's evolution and contributions to the community. Today's reflection shines a spotlight on the club's origins, tracing back to the visionary leadership of Florence Newcomer.
As July approaches, members can look forward to the unveiling of the first installment in a collection of ten stories, each chronicling a distinct chapter in the club's storied history. These narratives will serve as proof to the enduring legacy of the Kane Garden Club and its enduring commitment to fostering a love for gardening and nature.
Amidst the bustling preparations for the centennial celebrations, the Kane Garden Club remains unwavering in its commitment to nurturing community engagement through cherished events like the upcoming Hanging
Basket event on April 20th. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the club has opted to host two sessions, ensuring ample opportunity for both members and the broader community to partake in the joy of gardening and celebrate the club's rich heritage.
It is within this context of activity and shared enthusiasm for horticulture that the profound influence of Florence Wood Newcomer (18891949) emerges. As a foundational figure in the club's history, she served as its founder and inaugural president, laying the groundwork for its journey. Since its establishment in 1924 as the oldest club in District VIII, Newcomer's visionary leadership has propelled the Kane Garden Club to prominence,
extending its impact far beyond the boundaries of Kane. Through her expertise, gardens flourished in neighboring areas such as Bradford and Warren.
Newcomer was widely recognized as one of the most prominent horticulturists in her region, esteemed for her expertise in garden planting, flower arrangement, and related activities. Her counsel was highly regarded at both local and regional levels.
Newcomer held the distinction of being the inaugural director of the State Federation of Garden Clubs from Northwestern Pennsylvania. District VIII was federated in 1929, and shortly thereafter, in January 1930, the Kane club became federated as well.
Newcomer's influence extended far beyond the boundaries of Kane, reaching neighboring areas such as Bradford, Warren, and beyond. Her expertise guided the creation of numerous cherished gardens in these locales, as individuals sought her directions and relied on her advice. Through her meticulous guidance, these gardens flourished, becoming vibrant showcases of beauty and botanical diversity. Her legacy in horticulture lives on through the enduring splendor of these prized gardens, each a testament to her passion and skill in cultivating natural beauty.
In her youth, she demonstrated her artistic flair by painting wildflowers on china. In 1921, she wed Samuel S. Newcomer, a respected druggist in Kane, and the couple lived at 134 Bayard Street.
Upon her passing, Newcomer was survived by her husband and one sister, Olive Evens. She was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, a location rediscovered by member Jan Baker in 2023. The Kane Garden Club remains committed to honoring Newcomer's memory and decorate her grave in a manner befitting a garden club's tribute.
Newcomer's legacy lives on through the Garden Club of Kane, which established a native wildflower sanctuary in Evergreen Park in 1950 to commemorate her memory. Members received guidance from Albert Vick of Vick's Wild Gardens, Narberth, PA, in creating and maintaining this sanctuary. Since its inception, the garden club has dutifully overseen the upkeep of the site, honoring Newcomer's passion for horticulture and dedication to her community.