The Woman's National Farm and Garden Association (WNFGA) was organized in Pennsylvania in 1914. The organization is structured at a national level, division and state level, and the local/branch level.
Mrs. Louisa King, a Michigan resident, recognized writer and lecturer on gardening and horticulture, was instrumental in starting the national organization. During her travels to England, Mrs. Louisa King was inspired by country women known as the Woman's Farm and Garden Association of England. Upon Louisa's return to the United States, Mrs. King played a vital role in the establishment of the Woman's Agricultural and Horticultural Association of America, later renamed to Woman's National Farm and Garden Association. Mrs. Louisa King became the first president in 1914.
NORTHVILE BRANCH FORMED
Louise Tritten and her mother, Alma Spicer of Plymouth, were influential in forming the "Northville Branch of the Michigan Division of the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association" on May 25, 1936. The branch was sponsored by Mrs. Clara Bryant Ford, wife of Henry Ford, who also served as national president from 1927 - 1934.
Historically, this branch has provided local academic scholarships. To help fund these scholarships, the membership initially hosted a Flower Show. During WWII, the show became known as the "Victory Garden Harvest & Flower Show." In the 1950s, it was called the "Fruit, Flower & Vegetable Show"; and in the 1960s became known as the "Flowers, Fashion & Food Show."
From 1938 through 1958, our branch sponsored a Birdhouse Contest for schoolboys in the seventh through twelfth grades.
From 1963 until 1967, the Northville branch provided a Horticultural Therapy Program at the Northville State Hospital.
In 1975, the Northville organization's Holiday Greens Mart was established and continued for 49 years until 2024. The annual Greens Mart sale offering fresh wreaths and roping to area businesses and residents to decorate for the holidays. Members assembled wreaths that we adorned with pinecones and our bright, hand-made “signature” red bows.
In 2013, The Northville Garden Club, Inc. incorporated as a Michigan nonprofit corporation, and is currently recognized by the IRS as a tax‑exempt 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. Donations are tax‑deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The Club has welcomes speakers on a broad range of gardening and conservation topics, offering these educational programs openly to the community.
RECENT HISTORY:
Since 2025, the Northville Garden Club has hosted a variety of new fundraisers including seasonal garden tea parties, plant and bake sales and more to come.
The mission of the Northville Garden Club is carried out though our projects in the community. The very active Civic Service Committee plants and has maintained flower and vegetable gardens at Mill Race Village at the Yerkes and Hunter Houses over the decades. Produce is donated to Northville Civic Concern. The Committee also maintains daffodil and hosta gardens, as well as a floral arch and seasonal decor at the City park next to the Northville District Library. A trillium flower is represented on the tree carving at the park honoring our Club's long history in the community, and a sign at the park’s corner notes that the Club has adopted the park as part of its stewardship in the community
Club members also participate in community education and conservation by volunteering to lead garden programs with Northville Parks & Recreation, Scout troops, senior living centers. Members also help organize an annual garlic mustard pull in Northville Township and support other local conservation efforts.
We recently celebrated our 90th Anniversary. Representatives from WNF&GA joined us for a beautiful luncheon, which included proclamations from a variety of governmental leaders in recognition of this major milestone in our history.
