American Rhododendron Society 2022 Spring International Convention
pioneers
The ARS owes a debt of gratitude and honors a number of dedicated plantsmen who represent the foundation of what was to become an organization with thousands of members worldwide.
Giants of the Past
Based on article, Giants of the Past by Ted Van Veen, JARS v38n4, Fall 1984. Each name links to an informative ARS article from the Virginia Tech archive.
Junction City, Ore. 1881 – 1940 A man deeply in love with his plants in spite of severe hardship and a tragic ending. Deceased before the American Rhododendron Society was formed.
Bellevue, Wash. 1888 – 1958 A shy, kindly man deeply devoted to the work of the ARS, and to a broader use of the “King of Shrubs”. Charter Member. Gold Medal 1957.
Camas, Wash. 1892 – 1970 Afflicted with “Rhododendronitis”, he buried himself in extensive, purposeful hybridizing and various works for the welfare of the ARS. Charter Member. Gold Medal 1964.
Leaburg, OR, 1892-1982 Practicing physician 1925-1975. Wrote about R. irroratum ‘Polka Dot’ in JARS V24.n4 (background feature on ars75.org). ARS President 1969-1971
Long Beach, Wa., 1899-1990. 3rd President of the ARS, 1958-1963. Only ARS member to hold all offices. Hosted the first International Rhododendron Conference, Portland, Or., 1961. One of the founders of the Rhododendron Species Foundation. ARS Gold Medal 1969
Portland, Ore. 1897 – 1974 Joe Gable with George Grace (r) Prime mover behind the initial organization and successful growth of The ARS. Charter Member. Gold Medal 1961.
Milton Walker, one of 7 founders of the Rhododendron Species Foundation, with Jim Gossler. First plants for the RSF were housed on the Walker property in 1968.
Portland, Ore. 1881 – 1961 His pioneer efforts in developing better propagation techniques established the feasibility of rooting rhododendron cuttings which resulted in wider use of the genus. Author of Rhododendrons in America. Charter Member.
Glendoick, Scotland, UK Peter took over Glendoick and founded the Rhododendron Nursery in 1953. World plant explorer, winner of Victoria Medal of Honour. Prolific writer along with son, Kenneth. ARS Gold Medal, 1993
Eugene, Ore. 1894 – 1963 Pursuit and collection of information on the genus through worldwide correspondence, books, and personal contact. Charter Member. Gold Medal 1960. Del’s wife, Ray, was also a major contributor to the Society, providing over 1,200 rhododendrons to Hendricks Park following the death of her husband in 1964.
Brinnon, Wash. 1894 – 1973 A man of seemingly limitless energy and radiant enthusiasm for hybridizing rhododendrons. Charter Member. Gold Medal posthumously 1975.
Portland, Ore. 1883 – 1961 European trained horticulturist who pioneered the nursery and landscape business in the Portland area. Charter Member. Honorary Life Membership 1955.
1904-1998 St. Paul, Oregon Joined ARS one month after founding. Published frequent articles in Journal, National Director, avid hybridizer, creator with wife, Molly, of the celebrated Cecil and Molly Smith Garden. Awarded Bronze Medal by Portland Chapter, Spring 1980. Received ARS Pioneer Award, May 1985. Awarded ARS Gold Medal in April of 1967.
1906-1990 Salem Oregon Born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Asked to be first VP of ARS. For ten years propagator, then manager at U.C. Botanical Garden in Berkley, later Director of Strybing Arboretum. Started retail plant nursery with John Henny and mail order business in Salem. Noted photographer. Honorary Board member of RSF and Curator of the Rhododendron Species Foundation plant collection. Editor of the ARS Quarterly Bulletin. Awarded ARS Gold Medal in 1971.
(l-r) John Henny, first ARS president; TedHansen, Howard Slonecker and Cecil Smith, who all served many years on the National Board of Directors; Rudolph Henny, first editor of the Bulletin, and Bob Bovee, nurseryman and long-time member of the National Board.
May 1951 Cut truss display at the A.R.S Rhododendron Society Show, Portland.
Portland, 1974 — The city hosts the 3rd of its ARS Portland Conventions
