History of the Society

Started in 1919, the Society has a long and proud history.

Florence Shepherd

The Russell Horticultural Society first welcomed a female president, Florence Shepherd, in 1927. She was president until 1929 and is the first recorded female president of a community organization in the Township of Russell. As president, she focused on encouraging residents to clean up the village, care for lawns and plant hard maples and new varieties of flowers and bulbs as well as encouraging council to cut weeds and remove rubbish along streets. Florence paved the way for other women to lead the Society over the years and make lasting contributions to our community.

Past Presidents

Rev. P.J. McLaren 1919-1920

Dr. P.B. Proudfoot 1920-1921

Rev. W.B. Morgan 1921-1927

Mrs. Florence Shepherd 1927-1929

Mrs. Mabel McCaffrey 1929-1934

Mrs. K.M Browne 1934-1937

Mrs. K.M. Boyd 1937-1938

Mrs. Jean McArthur 1938-1939

Mrs. G. Gamble 1945-1947

Mrs. G.I. McCaffrey 1961-1962

Mrs. I. McCaffrey 1962-1963

Mrs. Ina Kindaid 1963-1965

Mrs. Ada Latour 1965-1969

Mrs. Helen Morrow 1969-1971

Mrs. Doris Graham 1971-1973

Mrs. Bertha Smith 1973-1976

Mrs. Doris Graham 1976-1977

Mrs. Betty Hay 1977-1981

Miss Judith Tapley 1981-1985

Mr. Ken Dugdale 1985-1989

Ms. Trudie Lentz 1989-1996

Bobbie Helpman 1996-1998

Jon Funston 1998-2001

Pat Stachon 2002-2003

Lindley McPhail 2004-2011

Pegi Holtz 2012-2013

Louise Houle 2014

Marcel Beauchamp 2015-2016

Carole Van Die 2017-2019

Grace Stapper 2020-2022

Pegi Holtz 2023

Louise Houle 2024

Grace Stapper 2025