Before We Were the Fairfax Ferns
In the early 1950s, a new development was being constructed in the Town of Fairfax, on a site that was once a farm. It was beautifully green, hilly, and full of ferns. The early homebuyers began to landscape their plots and, of course, much discussion ensued between the ladies about flowers, shrubs, and trees. Soon the Greenway Hills' Garden Club came to be! Twenty-two members joined, headed by Jule Royal as the first President. Membership was limited to only this subdivision.
In the 1960s, the town exploded and a brand new development was growing across the street. Applications to join the club expanded to other neighborhoods. New young homeowners were moving in. At this time under the leadership of Nona Walsh, the name of the Club was changed to "The Fairfax Ferns Garden Club" and in 1964, the first "out of the subdivision" member was voted in as a member. Hildie Carney is still a member 54 years later. Hildie has often said that she "felt like an outcast for the first few years."
By the late 1960s, the club had grown to its capacity of 30 members and had a waiting list! Presidents Gladys McCaw lived on Pickett Rd. and Pat Beck moved to Prestwick Dr. and stayed a member till she passed away in 2010. Mary Kowalski lived on Forest St. and her daughter Marianne, who is now a member carrying on the legacy, lives near Burke.
Today, our membership consists of a large surrounding area as far as Centreville where Karin Rindal lives and Justine Harris' address is Great Falls. And - that is where it all began - we welcome all the "outsiders," the stars that help make this club as busy and successful as it is today. Best of all, the many friendships that have endured through the years that are spread all over Fairfax County!
In the 1960s, the town exploded and a brand new development was growing across the street. Applications to join the club expanded to other neighborhoods. New young homeowners were moving in. At this time under the leadership of Nona Walsh, the name of the Club was changed to "The Fairfax Ferns Garden Club" and in 1964, the first "out of the subdivision" member was voted in as a member. Hildie Carney is still a member 54 years later. Hildie has often said that she "felt like an outcast for the first few years."
By the late 1960s, the club had grown to its capacity of 30 members and had a waiting list! Presidents Gladys McCaw lived on Pickett Rd. and Pat Beck moved to Prestwick Dr. and stayed a member till she passed away in 2010. Mary Kowalski lived on Forest St. and her daughter Marianne, who is now a member carrying on the legacy, lives near Burke.
Today, our membership consists of a large surrounding area as far as Centreville where Karin Rindal lives and Justine Harris' address is Great Falls. And - that is where it all began - we welcome all the "outsiders," the stars that help make this club as busy and successful as it is today. Best of all, the many friendships that have endured through the years that are spread all over Fairfax County!