JARS v49n2 - An ARS Retrospective: Our Fourth Decade, 1974 - 1984, Part V

An ARS Retrospective: Our Fourth Decade, 1974 - 1984, Part V
Franklin H. West
Narberth Pennsylvania

Fifth of a six-part series on the history of the American Rhododendron Society, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

1974

Henry Schannen published the results of a membership survey that revealed overall positive attitudes toward the ARS, the Quarterly Bulletin and chapter activities. (1974, pp. 217-222) Arthur Headlam authored "Rhododendrons in a Hot Climate." (1974, pp. 232-236)

Bronze Medals in late 1974 were given by Massachusetts Chapter to Edmund D. Mezitt and Elinor Clarke; by New York to Dorothy Schlaikjer; by Middle Atlantic to Mrs. Richard H. Clemmer.

Best in Show at Atlanta (Azalea Chapter): R. 'Cynthia'; on cover in '74: 'Guardian Fir' from Halfdan Lem; and R. aurigeranum , perhaps the finest yellow vireya, according to John P. Evans, M.D. A suggested 3-year study outline of the species by Esther Avery. (1974, pp. 158-163) Henry Fuller told the story of 'Helen Everitt', a white Dexter F2. (1974, pp. 166-167)

Britt Smith wrote "Rhododendron Finds of Tse Ten Tashi in Sikkim." (1974, pp. 169-175) R.L. Ticknor in "Controlling Size and Flowering in Rhododendrons" discusses pruning, use of phosphorus and growth retardants to produce budded plants in one season. (1974, pp. 176-185; again in 1975, pp. 242-244)

Dave Goheen revealed that Chinese farmers used indolbutyric acid for centuries to root plants: it's in livestock urine. (1974, pp. 186-187) Dr. Sigmund Solymosy concluded that R. coryi is a form of R. viscosum . H.J. Slonecker found two pistillate forms of R. occidental . (1974, pp. 246-248)

Death came in 1974 to Warren Baldsiefen and Paul Vossberg. How to make new members feel welcome was detailed by Jane McKay. (1974, pp. 249-250) An informative timetable for flower show chairpersons from Portland by Edgar Olsen and Melvin Reeves. (1974, pp. 237-243)

Other new members in 1974: Ralph Pennington, Parker E. Smith, O. V. Ramussen, Dr. and Mrs. Carol Johnson, Robert W. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Ira D. Guthrie, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bones, Warren Burnett, Frank Dorsey, Robert Schreiner and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Paton.

1975

ARS President Alfred Martin announced a dues increase to $12.00. He reported on the officer nominees to take over July 1: August E. Kehr, president; Fred Galle, Eastern vice-president; Dr. E.C. Brockenbrough, Western vice-president; Ted Van Veen, secretary-treasurer. The acceptance of the Juan de Fuca Chapter was announced. All chapters were asked to set their officers' terms of office to coincide with national's terms. A rhododendron research foundation was proposed. (1975, pp. 91-92) Martin's farewell address is well worth reading. (1975, pp. 150-156)

The species collection at the University of British Columbia will closely cooperate with the Rhododendron Species Foundation in Tacoma, Roy L. Taylor said. (1975, pp. 226-230) The Rhododendron Species Foundation's new home on 23 acres at the Weyerhaeuser corporate headquarters in Federal Way, Wash., was announced and described by P.H. Brydon.(1975,86-88)

Peter Orr confirmed David Leach's observation that sawdust extracted with water increased seedling growth 50 percent when watered with the extract. (1975, pp. 10-14) He later reported those extracts no better than synthetic nutrients. (1975, pp. 158-161) H.A. Hoitink and A.F. Schmitthenner continued their study of resistance of species and hybrids to phytophthora. They gave a list of 12 resistant species and a short list of resistant hybrids. (1975, pp. 37-41)

Richard Murcott organized an Eastern Hybridizers Symposium at Planting Fields in March. Frank D. Mossman, M.D., began his history of rhododendrons with a table showing their order of introduction in Europe. (1975, pp. 70-77)

Among new members in 1975: H.C. Gehnrich, Fred Minch, James Calder, Dr. Joe H. Coleman, Daniel Campbell, Carl Adam Lehmann, Kendall W. Gambrill, E.M. Donovan, Dr. Philip M. Waldman, John Cantrell, Howard R. Kline, William E. Whitneyjr., G. Albert Reid, W.D. Tietjen and Frank Childers.

Henry Fuller described in "The Time Has Come" his work with David Fluharty in selecting and propagating native azaleas. He echoed Henry Skinner's challenge to produce fine hybrids of native azaleas. (1975, pp. 101-108) August Kehr reported in "Recent Additions to Published Rhododendron Chromosome Numbers": All the Malesians counted were diploids. R. occidentale is hexaploid (78) and probably contributes higher chromosome numbers to its hybrids (and the larger flower sizes to the Exburys). Polyploidy probably explains the unusual range of variability in R. occidentale , arising from a range of chromosome numbers from diploid to hexaploid found in this species. (1975, pp. 110-113)

Rhodora ( R. canadense ) made the April cover, extolled by Dave Goheen and Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Rhodora, dear, if sages ask thee why thy beauty is wasted on earth and sky; tell them, dear, if eyes are meant for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being." (1975, p. 120)

Among the medals given in 1975: a Silver Medal to H.H. Davidian for his work in rhododendron taxonomy; a Gold Medal to Ruth Hansen for the multitude of ways she labored for the growth of the ARS; another Gold Medal to Gustav Mehlquist, geneticist; a posthumous Gold to William E. Whitney; and a Silver Medal to Marie Grula, President Martin's secretary. Bronze Medals were given by Portland to William Curtis and Ruth M. Wood; by San Mateo to Everett E. Farwell Jr. and Frank Pagliettini; by Middle Atlantic to Douglas D. Withers; by New York to Robert D. Gartrell and by Philadelphia to Gustave E. Landt.

President Kehr announced approval by the Board of funding 12 research programs on rhododendron problems identified by the Research Committee. He reported that Dr. W.C. Anderson had found the means to cause rhododendron tissues in culture to differentiate into plantlets, thereby providing a rapid means of propagation. (1975, pp. 148-149)

'Scintillation' received an Award of Excellence in 1973. Arthur I. Coyle in "Rhododendron Culture in the Lower South of the U.S." described raised beds of 50-50 sand and peat mulched with 8 inches of pine needles. He listed 26 clones that performed well. (1975, pp. 169-178) Bruce King, Samuel Jones and Fred Galle report that native azaleas can be grouped into five natural alliances based on the similarities of their flavenoid chemistry. (1975, pp. 179-183) Frank Willingham, Ph.D., found only tetraploids in the many R. calendulaceum he studied over its entire altitude range and various flowering forms. He found no triploids indicative of R. bakeri x R. calendulaceum hybrids. (1975, 183-186)

Hideo Suzuki in "New Discoveries of Rhododendrons in Japan" described among his findings new forms of several species (1975, pp. 206-210) and in 1976 described R. kaempferi (1976, pp. 2-3) and R. metternichii f. variegatum (1976, p. 58).

1976

The winter Quarterly Bulletin featured the early plant explorers: Engelbert Kaempfer by Rolf Schilling (1976, pp. 4-5); Sir Joseph Hooker, Reginald Farrer, George Forrest, and Frank Kingdon Ward by Frank J. Anderson (1976, pp. 10-15). Included were four of Hooker's drawings (1976, pp. 15-19). In 1977 Gwen Bell wrote of George Forrest (1977, 25-30).

Collingwood Ingram suggested removing all the leaves of half hardy rhododendrons during prolonged cold spells to prevent transpiration and turn them into pseudo-deciduous shrubs. (1976, pp. 23-24) No follow-up report on the survival rate of such treatment! Hal Bruce wrote of Winterthur's elepidotes (1976, pp. 25-31) and then later their azaleas (1976, pp. 74-82); lepidotes (1976, pp. 159-162) and finally the deciduous azaleas there in Delaware (1976, pp. 216-220).

On the winter cover, R. vernicosum aff. R. 18139, discussed by the Gable Study Group (1976, p. 37). Col. and Mrs. R.H. Goodrich published the entire Rock 1929 expedition's numberings, correlated with U.S. Plant Introduction and USDA numbers (1976, pp. 178-182); additional numbers were published in 1979 (1979, pp. 175-176).

Among the medals given in 1976: Bronze by Portland to David Goheen; by Middle Atlantic to Harry L. Nash Jr. posthumously; by Tualatin Valley to Forrest Bump, M.D., Thomas McGuire, Margaret Sahnow, and Earl Connelly; by New York to Bruno Kaelin, Fred and Joanne Knapp; by Tappan Zee to Richard W. Redfield; by Princeton to Elmer and Mary Greey, and Dr. G. David Lewis; Lewis County to Marie and George Betts; by Massachusetts to Louis A. Cook.

Richard Jaynes reported some viable seedlings from evergreen-deciduous azalea crosses, intermediate between the parents but sterile. (1976, pp. 44-48)

Among our new members in 1976: Richard Carlson, Donald H. Voss, Ralph Sangster, Gary Farwell, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Payton, Malcolm Clark, Gordon Jones, Sally Reath, Yoshiro Ito, Louise Gable Allison, Eugenia Beutler, Leon Yavorsky, I.O. Ostbo and E.W.M. Magor.

Arthur Headlam succeeded with growing epiphytic vireyas on fibrous tree fern logs. (1976, pp. 94-97) Robert Campbell suggests that raising the temperature of blooming, self-incompatible plants to 95°F for a day or two might result in good seed set in rhododendrons. (1976, pp. 107-109) W.R. Philipson said, "Botany and horticulture make uneasy bedfellows. Nomenclature is not designed to recognize specific variants." Meldon Kraxberger pursued that very subject in "Which Form is Finest?" (1976, pp. 141 -143) Matthew Nosal fully discussed using pink azaleas to perfection. (1976, pp. 144-147)

The Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary in New Zealand.(1976,pp. 148-152) Frank Mossman,M.D., described some of the many variants of R. occidentale . (1976, pp. 153-156) August Kehr's presidential address at the 1976 convention at Valley Forge reviewed our 22-year history as a society and announced we now have 3,400 members and two new chapters: Southern California and William Bartram. He felt that the most significant development with the ARS was the formation of the Research Foundation. "By 1994 this could be one of our most central activities." He also announced that henceforth plant awards would be made with regional designations: N.E. for northeast United States; M.A. for Middle Atlantic; S. for Southern; G.L. for Great Lakes region; N.W. for Pacific Northwest; N.CA. for Northern California; and S.CA. for Southern California. Esther Berry succeeded Mrs. Bernice Lamb as executive secretary. He presented Gold Medals to Alfred S. Martin and to Theodore Van Veen; and a Silver to Ernest H. Yelton, M.D.

Richard Murcott described the Hardgrove rhododendrons. (1976, pp. 206-209) H.H. Davidian described two new species, R. bergii and R. piercei , named after two Washington ARS leaders. (1976, pp. 210-213) Pioneer George Fraser was chronicled by Lillian Hodgson. (1976, pp. 226-229) George Sather wrote the "Whitney Gardens Story." (1976, pp. 237-241)

Death came in 1976 to Dr. Thomas F. Wheeldon, Mrs. A.C.U. Berry, and Ralph W. Pennington.

1977

Warren Berg found dwarf R. mucronulatum on Mt. Halla, Korea. (1977,pp.2-3) Gwen Bell memorialized Halfdan Lem (1977, pp. 7-11), and Don McClure discussed his Lem favorites (1977, p. 11) as did James Elliott (1977, p. 13). H.R. and Stephen Schroeder describe their experience with the genus in Indiana. (1977, pp. 36-38)

Inspired by one of Hermann Sleumer's papers, Frank Doleshy explored Mt. Kinabalu, Malasia. (1977, pp. 70-82) 'Trude Webster' made the spring cover (S.P.A. awarded in 1971). The Gable legacy was presented in an affectionate memoir by George W. Ring III and the Gable Study Group.

Warren Berg reported 97 percent success with Orthene on root weevils. (1977,p. 100) Arthur P. Dome spotlighted R. camtschaticum , the only rhododendron to bloom on the current season's growth. (1977, p. 104, colorphoto)

Among our new members in 1977: Douglas Fairweather, Frank Henny, Jerry Van de Sande, Dr. S.D. Curry, Robert D. Sather, Dr. and Mrs. H.F. Cantrell, B.J. Falanga, Heman Howard, Francis Raughley, Karen Gunderson and John L. Creech.

Arthur Childers shared his theories in "Breeding for Yellow and Indumented Rhododendrons." (1977, pp. 138-146) Collingwood Ingram proposed two variants of R. keiskei as new species: R. kuromiensis and R. laticostum . (1977, 147-151)

President August Kehr's address to the 33rd annual meeting recognized the work of the 16 standing committees that conduct a major portion of the work of the ARS; he praised our editor, Molly Grothaus (3,800 copies of each issue are published). He also lauded Esther Berry, executive secretary and Seed Exchange director. He took a look into the future of the ARS: a society embracing everyone interested in the genus, regardless of circumstances, free to distribute/share any plant or plant part or plant information, without favoritism or snobbishness; a society squarely in the hands of amateurs, closely cooperating with other rhododendron groups; a society encouraging local chapters and their activities of all kinds, assuring a regular turnover of officers, directors and committees, without barriers to achievement and opportunities. "If we will truly follow these goals and safeguards, I assure you that our centennial meeting in 2044 will be a real bang-up affair." He then turned over his office to Dr. Ned Brockenbrough.

Medals awarded in 1977: The Gold to Frank D. Mossman, M.D., and Dr. August E. Kehr; the Bronze by the presidents of three California chapters to Francis W. Mosher Jr.; by Tappan Zee to Emil V. Bohnel and John Boeggeman; Connecticut to Tony Angellini and Royden Berger; by Vancouver to Lillian Hodgson; by Portland to Edwin Parker and Molly Grothaus; by Monterey Bay to Wm. Irvin, Mel and Junia Allen; by New York to Jane McKay.

Bill Guttormsen described his work with the Greenwood azaleas. (1977,pp. 172-173) Gwen Bell told the story of E.H. "Chinese" Wilson. (1977, pp. 206-212)

Esther Berry announced that Mrs. Kathleen Ogle was the new Seed Exchange chairperson. (1977, p. 212) Arthur Dome focused attention to indumentum in "The Interesting Underside" with centerfold macro-photos of indumentum in color to prove it. (1977, pp. 217-219) August Kehr tabulated azaleodendron breeding results. (1977, pp. 226-232)

Death came in 1977 to E.H.M. Cox and Eugene A. Hollowell.

August Kehr and George W. Ring said they could not find a bud-hardy R. smirnowii .

1978

David Leach tells a fascinating story in "The Discovery of the Malaysian Rhododendrons." (1978, pp. 2-11) Paul Kores' dramatic account of hunting New Guinea rhododendrons. (1978, pp. 12-17, color photos)

An international conference, a search for consensus on classification, was announced for New York, just before the ARS convention in May 1978.

Medals given in 1978: the Silver to Sidney Burns, the Bronze by Grays Harbor to Mrs. Victor Manenica, by Southeastern to Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Johnston, by New York to Howard Phipps.

Maria Toivio and Cecil Stushnoff reported that leaf bud cuttings of deciduous azaleas had very poor rootability. (1978, pp. 27-29) Brian Clancy said yes to watering Malaysian seedlings in summer. (1978, pp. 31-32) Carl A. Deul found a heat tolerant R. occidentale (1978, p. 33) and discussed heat tolerance again. (1978, pp. 163-164) D. N. Whalley and K. Loach reported that 21°C (70°F) is optimal bottom heat for cuttings, although survival was better at 15°C. (1978, p. 37)

Among our new members in 1978: Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Ross, Thomas Onstad, Elwyn Nylander, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Vermeulen, Johannes Hachmann, Edward L Tolson Jr., Dr. D.D. Gillies, Andrew Rasmussen, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Jackson, David Glenn, F.A. Marsland, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hodgson, David McFalls and Isao Watanabe.

Dr. Richard Pearson gave an overview of rhododendrons in Japan, with lists from two Japanese texts he translated. (1978, pp. 70-79) Hideo Suzuki showed four Japanese rhododendrons (1978, p. 80, color photos) including a fully double R. mucronulatum .

G. David Lewis gave an update on azalea petal blight control. (1978, pp. 89-90) John L. Creech described R. komiyamae (1978, p. 92) and R. tamurae (1978, p. 100).

Molly Grothaus turned over the editorship of the Quarterly Bulletin to Ed Egan of Tigard, Ore. A plant award list included two S.P.A.'s and 28 A.E.'s (none with regional designations).(1978, p.99)

Col. and Mrs. R.H. Goodrich researched the Rock collections in China 1922-24, correlating his numbers with USDA Plant Introduction numbers. They found his original notes in the Smithsonian Botany Department. (1978, pp. 104-118) On the spring cover, an azalea 'Palestrina' photo by Joann Knapp. And on the summer, another Rhododendron roseum by photo contest winner William Rhein.

Rhododendron lapponicum was studied in Wisconsin by Robert Read and Conrad Wrzesinski with map and charts.(1978,pp. 138-149) R.L. Ticknor and J.L. Long's study of mineral content of rhododendron leaves, which showed greatest stability between September and February. (1978,pp. 150-158) A reprint of Herbert G. Ihrig's timeless article on appraising rhododendrons, written in 1954. (1978, 159-163)

In President Ned Brockenbrough's address to the annual meeting in New York, he observed that we had grown from a regional society to an organization international in scope. The Board meets alternately on each coast (in effect two boards, one for each half of the country), with chapter president directors outnumbering the elected directors four to one. The resulting inconsistencies prompt a re-examination of our governing body's structure and possible revisions. An ad hoc committee chaired by Alfred Martin is exploring possible solutions.

A translation of a modern Chinese treatise on Chinese species obtained by Dr. Kehr is in progress. Plants not eligible for awards (under present rules they must be "new") are eligible for the designation "Garden Gem." The Willamette Chapter was welcomed.

Death in 1978 came to Wales Wood, Charles Herbert, and Harold R. Fletcher.

Dr. James L. Luteyn gave this synopsis of the international conference in New York: "The system of Sleumer, as modified by Cullen, Chamberlain and the Philipsons, provides a useful framework for the taxonomic organization of rhododendrons." (1978, p. 245) Kay Ogle said that the Seed Exchange received 680 orders for 12,000 packets of seed from 36 states and 13 countries. Contributors numbered over 100. (1978, pp. 234-236)

Robert Gartrell's "Notes to the New Hybridizer" gives good advice. (1978,pp.213-221) Polly Hill presented her Choptank River hybrids of R. atlanticum . (1978, pp. 210-211) Malesian rhododendron hybrids were reported by Arthur Headlam (1978, pp. 180-182) and Peter Valder on findings in Malaya. (1978, pp. 206-210)

Carl Phetteplace, M.D., used side grafts of seedling scions on new growth in June to get bloom years ahead of the seedlings. (1978, pp. 246-248) The auditors reported our assets at $108,045, with receipts $9,000 ahead of disbursements; the research fund reached $25,000.

1979

Alfalfa stimulates rhododendron growth, D.L. Hinerman said. (1979, pp. 70-73) William D. Tietjen announced $2,000 contributions each to the Rhododendron Species Foundation and the ARS Research Foundation from the profits of the 1978 New York Annual Meeting. He also took over the Seed Exchange from Kay Ogle. Matthew Nosal gave the full story of the Vuyk azaleas. (1979, pp. 14-20)

Bob Badger rated winter foliage of 80 species of rhododendrons. (1979, pp. 22-28) Alfred Fordham tabulated his success in propagating kalmias. (1979, pp. 30-33)

Bronze Medals were awarded in 1979 by Olympia to John Eichelser; by Valley Forge to Ethel Herbert; by Portland to Cy Ward and Stanley Jewett; by Tappan Zee to Walter Blyskal; Connecticut to Dr. Nickolas Nickou; by New York to Frank and Gay Arsen, Howard Mason and Richard Murcott; by Eugene to Carl Phetteplace, MD., and to James Blackford posthumously; by Shelton to Vernon "Bud" Wyatt; by Grays Harbor to Clarence Burlingame; by Massachusetts to Dr. Max Resnick.

Peter Cox compared our Northwest climate with Scotland's. (1979, pp. 43-45) Among our new members in 1979: J.R. Poulsen, Alfred Fordham, William Kerrigan, Arda Berryhill, Robert E. Bowman, Dr. W.J. McClure, Steven R. Vander Veen, Mr. and Mrs. Joey W. Acaiturri, Dr. Abraham Kvikorian, K.H. Ainswerth, Richard W. Chaikin, Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Gustafson, J.A. and L.N. Helms, C.N. Smit, Shinichi Ishida, Ivan M.A. Menzies, Lucy Iverson, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Ruhl and Howard Roberts.

G.F. Ryan found that potassium chloride in fertilizer caused leaf burn. (1979,pp.76-77) R.L. Ticknor and J.W. Fox tell how to force rhododendrons indoors and the number of days required for 50 cultivars to flower. (1979, pp. 83-89) Frank Doleshy described his vireya greenhouse. (1979, pp. 95-99) H. Furman Cantrell extolled the native azaleas of Gregory Bald. (1979, p.100) The RSF and ARS Research Foundation support the translation and publication of the Chinese book on 278 native rhododendrons. (1979, pp. 104-105)

President Ned Brockenbrough's address to the 35th (1979) annual meeting at Vancouver touched on our growth to over 41 chapters and over 4,000 members; he pointed out some of the problems of governance caused by that growth, with a board of 53 directors and four officers. Under a new districting proposal the board would have nine district directors (each district encompassing a group of chapters). A full-time position of executive secretary was proposed. The bulletin will be called a journal (enabling it to be a journal of record for scientific papers). He thanked all who gave time and effort to the society and who made his job easier. He turned over his office to the incoming president, Fred Galle. John P. Evans, M.D., was Western vice-president; George W. Ring, Eastern vice-president; Ted Van Veen, secretary-treasurer; and Esther Berry, executive secretary.

John Swisher noted that vireyas collected at sea level might have value in producing heat tolerant hybrids for South Florida. (1979, pp. 180-185) The Goodriches announced that Gable's R. vernicosum aff. 18139: the registered name of Clone 1 is 'Mount Siga' and Clone 2: 'Kulu' with less yellow overtones. (1979, p. 187)

In 1979 death came to Francis J. Sholomskas, Roy Magruder and William McCrillis.

Joseph Ewan gave a scholarly history of rhododendron explorations in the Southeast. (1979, pp. 206-213) Must reading for breeders: Gustav Mehlquist's "New Rhododendrons through Hybridization and Selection." (1979, 214-221) Arthur Headlam told of R. konorii , a variable vireya. (1979, pp. 222-224) Dick Brooks announced the 1980 convention on Cape Cod. (1979, p. 227) Eveleth and Susan Cowles' personal observations of the Dexters. (1979, pp.240-242)

The Southeastern District Conference in Greenville, S.C., hosted by four chapters, was reported by H.F. Cantrell.(1979,p.243) Henry Burdette solved the problem of growing rhodies in the hard clay region of South Carolina: in 18 inches of growing media on top of 4 inches of crushed rock. (1979, pp.251-252)

1980

Mycorrhizae were featured by Larry Englander. (1980, pp. 8-12) Max E. Byrkit, M.D., proposed use of computer technology to get a handle on worldwide rhododendron facts. (1980,pp. 16-19) Walter G. Beasley gave a short guide to native azaleas. (1980, pp. 28-30) Esther Berry reported the offer by Dick Murcott to help the ARS set up computer data management. She said two new books were in preparation: Rhododendrons of China and American Hybrids by Meldon Kraxberger. She also said a reorganization proposal was being evaluated.

Carl Adam Lehmann marked Dietrich Hobbie's birthday. (1980, pp. 70-71) Matthew Nosal presented a full color display of Robin Hill azaleas. (1980, pp.72-82) Heman Howard authors "Decade at Heritage Plantation." (1980, pp. 96-100) R.M. Steele introduced Lanny Pride's azaleas (1980, pp. 104-107), and Lanny Pride himself gave a 50-year report of his work. (1980, pp. 136-149)

Alfred Martin reported that research funds had grown modestly to $32,800 and the interest earned will support three projects. Medals awarded in 1980: the Gold to Edmund V. Mezitt and Britt Smith; the Silver to Robert D. Gartrell; and the Bronze by Princeton to Hank Schannen; by Connecticut to Howard Pfeifer; by William Bartram to Robert L. Perry; by Portland to Ted Van Veen, Cecil Smith and Dr. Robert Ticknor; by Azalea to Shirley Harry; by Southeastern to Mr. and Mrs. Ted Richardson; by Valley Forge to Dr. Carol High; by Eugene to Ray E. James and Amy Hitchcock; by Princeton to Alfreda Wiaczek and Robert and Jay Murray.

Newer members in 1980: J.R. Pennington, Robert Pugliese, M.D., Jon and Helga Valigorsky, Mrs. Leon Cerstner, Donald and Julie Graham, James and Nancy Curley, Peter B. Pederson, Mr. and Mrs. Don Sweetman, Dr. E.G. Butchart, Dr. Siegfried Kehl, Robert Bondira, Arnold W. Hunnewell, Arthur L. Stubbs, Wm. F. Steele, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Cole, Dr. Robert Tyson, Ron Bergeron and Mary Fleming.

President Fred Galle's address at the Cape Cod 1980 convention focused on expanding our membership in order to increase our services and privileges. He told us that Esther Berry asked to be replaced as executive secretary and Mrs. Fran Egan was chosen as her successor. The reorganization bylaws were submitted to membership vote, and Dr. H.F. Cantrell wrote in support of their adoption. (1980, pp. 164-165)

Dr. Alexander Fitzburgh described the dismemberment of Guy Nearing's nursery in New Jersey. (1980, 169-173) Fred Cummings, Ron Killian and John P. Evans, M.D., extended invitations to the 1981 convention in San Francisco: the theme was to be "Rhododendrons of the Pacific Basin."

Jim and Betty Caperci introduce Warren Berg's 'Golfer' ( R. yakushimanum x R. pseudochrysanthum ), "a spectacularly beautiful plant." (1980, p. 206) Dr. H.F. Cantrell authored "Native Azaleas of Wayah Bald." (1980, 198-200) Jim Wells stated his belief that 'Janet Blair' and 'John Wister' are not identical plants. (1980, pp. 207-210) H.H. Davidian presented two new species, R. grothausi (after our former editor) and R. groreri , both Maddeniis. (1980,pp.211-215) D.M. Benson and F.D. Cochran studied phytophthora root rot in 73 azalea hybrids, found none immune, but 20 were resistant. (1980, pp. 228-232)

1981

Carl Deul on vireyas in Southern California, in color. (1981, pp. 2-10) H.L. Gholz found fully exposed R. macrophyllum had smaller leaves and smaller total plant leaf areas than shaded plants. (1981, pp. 15-20)

The new bylaws were approved by a vote of 472 yes and 47 no (about 10 percent of the membership) thereby authorizing the formation of districts and the election of district directors. Janet Binford edited "The Rhododendron and Azalea Newsletter" sent quarterly between issues of the bulletin.

In 1981 death came to Robert L. Furniss, Merle F. Saunders, Henry S. Craig, David Bledsoe, Koichiro Wada and W.J. Billerbeck. Medals in 1981: Silver to Everett Farwell and to Velma and Charles R. Haag; Gold to Lawrence J. Pierce and Ed Parker; Bronze Medals by William Bartram to Carl McCain and George and Mary Beasley; by Vancouver to Clive Justice; by Birmingham to Mrs. Clara B. Curry; by Middle Atlantic to Gladys J. Wheeldon and Warren T. Cloud; by Seattle to Wm. T. Avery, Orris E. Thompson and Esther Avery; by Valley Forge to Clarence and Evelyn Rahn; by Southeastern to Clifton Mashburn; by Potomac Valley to Margaret White and John C. White posthumously; by Tualatin Valley to Elizabeth and Ralph Shumm; by Great Lakes to Mary Girard, Wells Knierim and Judson Brooks.

Among new members in 1981: Gordon Wylie, Mr. and Mrs. George Muller, Jonathan Leonard, David and Maria Rathbun, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bean, Raymond Rhoads, Dan Bones, Lila Pedigo, Mr. and Mrs. G.B.B. Buffam, W.A. Dale, Joe and Adele Jones, Allen Cantrell, Peter Moerdyke, F.H. Bledsoe, Tomoo Wada and Raymond Carter.

President Fred Galle said at the San Francisco convention that our membership would go over 5,000 by year's end. He introduced our new officers: George W. Ring, president; Bill Tietjen, Eastern vice-president; Janet Binford, Western vice-president; Ted Van Veen, secretary-treasurer; Fran Egan, executive director.

Dr. L.K. Wade botanized Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo. (1981, 62-73) Koishiro Wada's last article was about R. yakushimanum . (1981, pp. 74-76) Arthur Headlam told of free flowering vireyas in Melbourne and L.A. Craven recommended use of the term vireya instead of Malesian. (1981, pp. 78-83) George Ring discussed heat tolerance in rhododendrons with nine tables of hybrids and species found to be tolerant (1981, pp. 92-99). He also described Gable's azalea hybrids (1981, pp. 130-141)

The 1981 assets of the ARS total $171,000; income of $83,000, expenses $70,000 of which the journal required $32,000. Sandra McDonald tackled the riddle of fall bloom. (1981, pp. 145-148) Martha Prince's fine study of native azaleas, with color photos. (1981, pp. 190-200) Arthur Headlam described the Maddenii series at Olinda. (1981, pp. 202-208) Herbert Spady gave a clear discussion of taxonomy. (1981, pp. 212-217) William Fetterhoff discussed his breeding ideas, with useful quotes from the masters. (1981, pp. 220-224)

President George Ring announced a new award, the Pioneer Achievement Award, to recognize original accomplishments in advancing rhododendrons in America. (1981, pp. 155-156) Death came in 1980 to Dr. Arnold Piper and Dr. Robert L. Baker.

1982

The Quarterly Bulletin went to a larger standard magazine-size format with many splashes of color photos and was now called the Journal American Rhododendron Society . David Leach in "The Quest" tells of his breeding goals and methods. (1982, pp. 2-7 with color)

A second international rhododendron conference was held in Edinburgh May 11-13. The 1982 convention was held in Washington, D.C. There President George Ring praised the growing regional activities evidenced by regional and joint chapter meetings. The election of district directors began in four districts in 1982, with the remaining districts electing in 1983 and 1984, thus completing the reorganization of the ARS. The first Pioneer Award was given posthumously to Joseph B. Gable. The president also announced a dues increase from $12 to $15. Our fund balances at end of 1981 were $193,179; with both income and expenses budgeted at $98,000 for 1982.

Ann Wright Meerkerk gave her 53-acre rhododendron garden on Whidbey Island, with an endowment, to the Seattle Chapter. It is open in April and May. (1982, p. 13) Arthur Headlam described Rothschild's R. elliotii hybrids. (1982, p. 14) Sandra Spencer provided more notes on growing in a hot climate (1982, pp. 18-19) supplementing her January 1973 article. H.A.J. Hoitink and C.C. Powell revealed that Subdue 5% W.P. gave complete control of phytophthora on greenhouse azaleas for over six weeks; plants grown in fir bark in containers set on gravel to reduce chance of infection from zoospores in standing water. (1982, pp. 22-24)

Among new members in 1982: Don and Marcia Spoon, Michael Emmons, C. Roger Meeker, Lloyd L. Piper, Lisa Gable, Linda Hanson, Robert C. Wilson, V. Rogers, Edde Van Gelder, Robert Witt, Sophia F.M. Maitland, Robert D. Haas, M.D., Ruth Brenne, Frank Buffam, Adolf Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Betts, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Peavey, Laurie Glaspey, John Bohannon, Gary Pace and Mark Widrlechner. In 1982 death came to Francis W. Mosher, Mrs. Lawrence Pierce, Tony Sharnmarello, Carl H. Phetteplace, M.D., John W. Oliver and John Caspar Wister.

Peter Cox's illustrated "Plant Hunting in China." (1982, pp. 46-53, 75-78) Herbert Spady presented R. ciliatum , from bud to bloom. (1982, pp. 54-55) John W. Neal's worthy competitor, the rhododendron borer, fell to Dursban, 4tsp./gal. (1982, pp.57-60) Harry Hoitink praised composted bark, a growing medium with fungicidal properties. (1982, pp. 62-65)

Bronze Medals in 1982 were given by Valley Forge to Al and Edna Curley; by North Kitsap to Marshall and Edna Majors; by Tappan Zee to Wm. C. Klippel; by Lewis County to Folmer and Florence Sogaard; and to Tony and Frieda Johnson. Gold Medals were given by the ARS to Hideo Suzuki and Gertrude S. Wister, the Silver Medal to Peter E. Girard, the Bronze to Austin Kennell by Middle Atlantic who also awarded it to Sandra and Ken McDonald; by Seattle to Bob Badger, Marge Badger and Ralph Nichols, Ellie Hensel, Ray Tyson, Elsie Watson and Milt Tanggard; by Vancouver to Ed and Francisca Darts; by Philadelphia to Edward W. Collins; by Tualatin Valley to Fran and Ed Egan.

Austin Kennell's country humor turns adversity into smiles in "Tis Better To Have Loved and Lost" (1982, pp. 69-70) and "My Place in the Sun." (1982, p. 34) W.A. Letcher had many varieties fall bloom repeatedly after moving from Mt. Shasta to California. (1982, p. 70) D.G. Routley and G.M. Dunn made hardy hybrids of R. prinophyllum in New Hampshire. (1982, pp. 91-93) The Mossmans explored Nome, Alaska, for R. camtschaticum and R. lapponicum . (1982, pp. 94-95)

Ted Van Veen reminisced about the early days of his nursery. (1982, pp. 96-97) Unreduced gametes (same number chromosomes as plant) may be the cause of polyploidy, Mark Widrlechner, Harold Pellett, and Peter Ascher explained. Two unreduced gametes produce tetraploids; one reduced and one unreduced form triploids (1982, pp. 98-100, photos of dyad pollen) John Scarbeck authored "Rhododendrons by Raustein." (1982, pp. 102-103)

August Kehr's 1982 B.Y. Morrison lecture pleaded a strong case for constancy in plant names. He felt the rules, rather than the names, needed changing. (1982, pp. 107-110) D.L. Hinerman and S.L. Kunkel used 1-triacontanol, the active ingredient in alfalfa, to double or triple plant growth, break dormancy, increase flowering and seed production, and enhance rooting of cuttings and seedling production. (1982, pp. 114-116) John G. Lofthouse modified the common moisture meter to give an excellent reading of chemical salts in the growing medium. (1982, pp. 117-119)

Milton Wildfong had phonetic phun with rhododendron names. (1982, pp. 120-123) Made the cover in 1982: R. 'Persia' (winter), R. 'Beige'* (spring), R. 'Anna Kehr'(summer), and R. 'Jervis Bay' (fall). Martha Prince authored "A Day at Exbury" with a history and great color photos. (1982, pp. 134-40) Frank Doleshy told where to find his favorite plants in Japan. (1982, pp. 141-144)

August Kehr proposed dropping plant awards to eliminate their confusion with ratings. (1982, pp. 148-149) David Leach affirms that acetylandromedol in rhododendrons is indeed poisonous: two drops of nectar from 'Lady Chamberlain' gave Herbert Hebb a near-fatal experience. (1982, pp. 151-152)

Do fungicides hurt mycorrhizae? S. Moore-Parkhurst and L Englander say no. (1982, p. 154) James Wells gave a complete historic review of propagation from stem cuttings. (1982, pp. 156-163)

1983

P.G. Valder told of non-vireya tropical rhododendrons. (1983, pp. 2-9) Goheen and Mossman tripped to Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo, with tantalizing color photos (1983, pp. 10-14, 44-47), and Frank Doleshy explored for species in South Korea. (1983, pp. 26-28) Forrest Bump proposes that the ARS purchase Cecil and Molly Smith's home and garden for our national headquarters.

Plant awards: 'Party Pink' S.P.A. (G.L) 1983; 'Lodestar' A.E. (G.L.) 1982; both by David Leach. The 39th Annual Convention took place "back where it all began" at Portland. President George Ring thanked our founders and said our membership was at 5,100; new districts are forming as planned; an A.E. (N.W.) was given to 'Hallelujah' in 1982; fundraising to purchase the Smith Garden has begun; the research fund has reached $111,000 interest from which funds six or eight small studies; we now have 50 chapters. The new officers to lead us in 1983-85: Janet Binford, president; Bill Tietjen, Eastern vice-president; Harold Greer, Western vice-president; Ted Van Veen, treasurer; Fran Egan, executive secretary; Ed Egan, editor. ($47,000 of the research and education fund was transferred to the Research Foundation.)

Medals awarded in 1983: a Gold to Fred Galle; Bronze Medals by Great Lakes to Frederick T. Close and P.D. Hileman; by Juan de Fuca to Earl Murray; by De Anza to Tom Wynn and Keith and Lurline Elliott; Valley Forge to Ross Davis Jr.; by Middle Atlantic to John C. Withers; by California to Jack and Fleurette Evans; by Azalea Chapter to Mary and Marshall Asker; by Olympia to Anita Lockhart by Tappan Zee to Mary E. Oleri and Hans E. Bussink; by Tacoma to Elwood Budil; by Great Lakes to John Ford; California to Fred Coe; Tualatin Valley to Gertrude and Genry Landauer; Monterey Bay to Mike McCullough; New York to Robert Emmerich; Portland to Howard J. Slonecker.

Symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies were described by Fred Davis. (1983, pp.40-41) Flowering of Grande and Falconeri series is accelerated by growing them in tubs, said Halver Braafladt. (1983, p. 42) On the cover in '83: R. moulmainense x R. simsii ; 'Yellow Cloud' by Don Hyatt; 'Kim' A.E.; and R. virgatum album .

Among new members in 1983: Henk Borsje, Rev. and Mrs. Matthew Boozer, R.P. Pohlman, Susumu Otake, Roger Woodhouse, Einar Larson, Barbara Hall, E. and M. Rademacher, Carl W. Suk, Ruth S. Hansen, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Beasley, W.R. Philipson, Wm. and Ann Mangels.

Martha Prince continued her English garden tours to Windsor. (1983, pp. 62-67) Elizabeth Cummins extolled the Leon Yavorsky lepidotes. (1983, pp. 68-70) Donald W. Paden reports rapid decline in vireya seed germination after harvest (55%) to 13%, 55 days later. (1983, pp.71-72) Austin Kennell is united with his "loved and lost": "R. exbeima" (1983, pp. 73-74) Clifford Desch gave close-ups of lepidote leaf scales in color. (1983, pp. 78-79)

Frank Doleshy voted for letting Japanese taxonomists have final say on Japanese rhododendrons. (1983, pp. 81-89) When do pollen grains form in flower buds? Between Aug. 6 and Sept. 21 in R. calendulaceum , say Widrlechner, Pellet and Ascher. (1983, pp. 91-94)

Sandra McDonald gave cultural instructions for azaleas in the Middle Atlantic states. (1983, pp. 97-100) Cecil Smith cites the best parents for producing semi dwarf rhododendrons. (1983, pp. 104-105) Arthur Headlam presented the Grandia subsection in color, growing at Olinda. (1983, pp. 122-125) Lynn Watts mourns the loss of the Caperci nursery and showed some of its lepidotes in color. (1983, pp. 126-129)

Cecil Smith's success with R. proteoides : sharp drainage. Its progeny are more dwarfed than those of R. yakushimanum . (1983, p. 130) Alleyne Cook showed R. forrestii in Vancouver. (1983, pp. 131-133) R. Roy Forster presented the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver. (1983, pp. 134-136) Martha Roane and Josephine Henry gave an identification key to native rhododendrons (1983, pp. 137-145). The last word? (1983, pp. 164-168) John Lofthouse described leaf bud grafting as an alternative to micro-propagation. (1983, pp. 150-151)

In 1983 death came to Carl Heller, M.D., Hjalmar L. Larson, Orlando S. Pride and Ruth Lyons.

Hal Bruce reported on flowering performance at Winterthur following -16°F there (1983, pp. 155-158), and Myron Shear did the same for Blacksburg, VA. (1983, pp. 159-163) The Spadys (Herbert, Betty and Kimberly) visited 36 British gardens rich in species, with color photos. (1983, pp. 182-186) Peter Cox touts R. pachysanthum , "the finest species to reach cultivation since the 1930s." (1983, pp. 187-189) Tomoo Wada described his father's distinctive heat tolerant hybrids. (1983, pp. 191-196) 12-year-old Lisa Yarmoshuk, aided by her father, Nicholas, discovered full spectrum lighting best for rooting cuttings - compared to red spectrum (50%) and blue spectrum (no success). (1983, pp. 197-201) Gwen Bell gave a moving account of Joseph Rock's life. (1983, 202-206) Widrlecher and Pellett continued their search for unreduced (dyadic) gametes in azaleas and found them high in 'Gibraltar' and 'High Sierras'; to a lesser degree in 'Oxydol', 'Orangeade', 'Illam Red Letter'* and 'Royal Lodge'. These can be crossed with tetraploids. (1983,pp.210-212)

'Trilby' is "mayor" of A.D. McNees' yard in Alabama. (1983, p. 221) D.C. Purdy confirms that to prevent self pollination, both R. maximum and R. minus must be emasculated before opening. (1983, pp. 224-225)

1984

Frank Doleshy visited rhododendrons in the northern half of Japan. (1983, pp. 2-5, 29-31) Elizabeth Cummins said that hairy leafed deciduous azaleas regularly get mildew while smooth leafed ones do not; also she reported that willow cuttings soaked 48 hours in water aid rooting. (1983, pp. 15-16) Portland Chapter will raise funds for the Cecil Smith Garden purchase, instead of the ARS. George Ring and Col. Raymond Goodrich give an up-to-date method of growing seedlings. (1983, pp. 20-21)

Among the new members in early 1984: Roland and Gwen Mayne, Roger van Gelder, Harry and Molly Goheen, Marshall Grossman, Manuel Mendes and Paul Wendt. Warren Berg authored "China At Last."(1983, pp.46-48)

Bronze Medals in 1984: by Massachusetts to Jonathan Shaw; by Seattle to Bernie Swensen and Ernie Dzurick; by Vancouver to Harold Johnson; by Eugene to Harold Greer; by Grays Harbor to Esther Berry; Great Lakes to Robert C. Danik; Olympia to Bruce Briggs; Philadelphia to Walter and Elaine Kern; Tacoma to Fred Minch, the Rt. Hon. Earl of Dolhousie, Jim Gears and A.W. Blake.

Bill Alexander authored "The Azalea Hunters of Biltmore," describing CD. Beadle, William A. Knight and Frank M. Crayton (1931 -1945) and their collection at the Vanderbilt Estate. (1984, pp. 58-60) The cover in 1984 featured 'Party Pink' by Leach, given an S.P.A. in 1983. In 1983 A.E.'s were given to 'Cyprus' and 'Swansdown', also by Leach.

Early hard freezes to 5°F in late November or early December can injure the hardiest rhododendrons, Norman Pellett and Mary Holt report. (1984,. pp. 60-61) B.C. Strik and C.J. French find mixed results in rooting cuttings with terminal buds removed. (1984, pp. 63-65)

Interest, care and effort—essential ingredients for a successful chapter, said Austin Kennell. (1984, p. 66)

Death came in 1984 to Walter George Beasley and Clara Curry. Steve McCulloch of Briggs Nursery told how micropropagation works, even with hard-to-root plants. (1984, pp. 72-73) R.L. Ticknor praised polyethylene houses for protecting potted plants, avoiding wind damage and killing temps. (1984, pp. 74-75) Don Paden confirmed that triacontanol helps seedlings break dormancy. (1984, pp. 80-81)

The 1984 convention was held in Atlanta, Ga. President Janet Binford praised the Southern hospitality that welcomed the registrants. She asked Bill Robinson, one of our charter members, to stand for recognition. She said we now have 5,500 members and 52 chapters, with our newest being Eureka. All 11 of the new district directors attended the annual board meeting. The dues were increased to $20.

At our 40th anniversary our officers were Janet Binford, president; Harold Greer, Western vice-president; William Tietjen, Eastern vice-president; Ted Van Veen, treasurer; Fran Egan, executive secretary; Ed Egan, editor; Ed Parker, registrar. District directors: Harold A. Johnson (#1); Bob Badger (#2); E. White Smith (#3); David W. Goheen (#4); Everett E. Farwell Jr. (#5); A. Richard Brooks (#6); Robert A. Murray (#7); Edward W. Collins (#8); Austin C. Kennell (#9); Joseph H. Coleman, D.M.D. (#10); H. Roland Schroeder Jr., M.D. (#11); and Franklin H. West, M.D., director-at-large.

Dr. Franklin West, Eastern vice-president of the ARS and a member of the Pine Barrens Chapter, co-edited the book Hybrids and Hybridizers, Rhododendrons and Azaleas for Eastern North America.

* Name not registered.