QBARS - v8n3 Results of the 1954 Show of the American Rhododendron Society of Portland, Oregon

The 1954 Show of the Portland Chapter, A.R.S.
By Cecil Smith, Show Chairman

The Portland Chapter's Annual Show was again held at Crystal Springs Island site of the Portland Test Garden and home of a large collection of named hybrids and species, May 8 through May 15.

A new entrance was made to the island by the city parks department, the main feature of which is the foot bridge several hundred feet long connecting the island to the mainland. Wild ducks with their young feeding in the lake added to the effectiveness of the entrance.

There were many plants large and small in fine bloom, and this continued for a month, new plants coming into bloom as the earlier ones faded.

The number of cut trusses displayed was fewer than in 1953 because of a heavy frost a week before the show. The nurserymen, however, put on, I believe, the best displays that have been shown for a number of years, and they are to be congratulated for their interest and very fine spirit.

The committee selecting judges was headed by Howard Slonecker, co-chairman of the show. There were two sets of judges for cut trusses and one set for commercial displays.

A competitive flower arrangement display was well handled by a committee headed by Mrs. Bob Bovee. Garden clubs in the area were eligible to enter, and a number were represented with many fine arrangements.

The show publicity was worked out by Bob Bovee and quite a number of hard-to-place stories were printed. A difficult assignment was well taken care of.

The cut truss department was headed by Ted Hansen, and the flowers coming in were classified rapidly and in good order. Ted also obtained the ribbons and other awards and classification cards.

Mrs. Hansen was in charge of the information desk, and with the assistance of many others, answered hundreds of inquiries during the show.

Some of those who generously helped build up the cut truss show for the second week-end were: George Grace, Hillside Nursery, Esch Nursery, and Bill Whitney.

Principal winners in competition were as follows:

• Esch Nursery-bronze plaque for best commercial display.
• Joe Klupenger-second place-commercial displays.
• Hillside Nursery-third place-commercial displays.
• Rhododendron Nursery-best plant in the show, R. 'Mrs. G. W. Leak'.
• Rudolph Henny-Dr. George Goodman cup for best American seedling, R. 'Little Sheba'.
• Cecil Smith-sweepstakes award for best truss, R. 'Van Ness Sensation'.
• Cedar Hills Garden Club-first place among dining room arrangements featuring azaleas.
• Gwendale Garden Club-first place among hall arrangements featuring azaleas and rhododendrons.
• The Little Garden Club-first place among hall arrangements featuring rhododendrons.
• Mahonia Club-first place among hall arrangements featuring azaleas.

Results of the 1954 Show of the American Rhododendron Society of Portland, Oregon