Central Ohio Hosta Society History

Affiliated with the Chadwick Arboretum at The Ohio State University

   The Central Ohio Hosta Society formed when Van Wade and Bert Hendley co-chaired a meeting to help organize a new hosta society which would be affiliated with The Ohio State University and Chadwick Arboretum. Van was the first paid member of the group. Officers were elected, by-laws were written and the society was off and running. Many of the members were also volunteers for the Chadwick Arboretum.
   The first official meeting occurred with Bob Olson presenting, he is now the AHS Hosta Journal Editor. He was on his way to visit his daughter who was a student at Dennison University, but generously agreed to stop and give a talk to the eager, future members of the COHS.
   Van Wade donated plants to establish a hosta collection in the Arboretum and it subsequently was named for him. Eric Hess, Master Gardener and COHS member has assumed stewardship of the garden with volunteer help from the society.
   Under the guidance of President Naomi Hatfield, the society is currently growing with a renewed energy. John Kimes, currently V. President is also the official COHS photographer, Virginia Williams is the treasurer and Jackie Harper is the society secretary.
   As years have passed, many successful events have occurred. Talks presented by the University staff, knowledgeable members and visiting guest lecturers have taken place. Successful auctions, care of the Van Wade Hosta Collection, leaf shows and parties have been organized.
   An annual scholarship is presented to a worthy OSU student. Former scholarship recipient, Laura Burchfield PhD. is now teaching in the Horticulture Department. Dr. Laura Deeter, long time member of the COHS, is also teaching for The Ohio State University and gave the fall talk in 2007.
   Through the years, there have been many dedicated members. Charles Tuttle was the first newsletter editor and has given many very informational and wonderful talks. Bill Olson was the first auctioneer, followed by Dan Headapohl and Dave Sayer.
   A bench in the honor of Shirley and Van Wade will be presented to the University and installed in the Van Wade Hosta Garden in 2008 by the COHS.
  
Naomi Hatfield – President
nzhatfield@columbus.rr.com

John Kimes, Vice President
kimesj@columbus.rr.com

Virginia Williams, Treasurer
viwilliam@columbus.rr.com

Jackie Harper

Gretchen Heinke – Newsletter Editor
gheinke@columbus.rr.com

 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2008

February 2, Sat.10 a.m. - Leaf Show Organization Meeting, Grandview Library, 1685 West First Avenue, lower level mtg. room   March 15 -  Hosta College, Piqua, Ohio Saturday, April 19, 9:00 AM. - Spring Clean Up, Van Wade Hosta Garden, Rain Date: May 3rd April 26 - Container and Floral Design Workshop,                   April 20. -  Art In Bloom at the Columbus Museum of Art., TBA. April 26th - Leaf Show Workshop, Franklin Park Conservatory. last week of May and/or first week of June - Van Wade Garden readiness for Bench presentation. June 6 & 7 - Leaf Show Franklin Park Conservatory

Central Ohio Hosta Society Embroidered shirts
Ginny Williams is making embroidered t-shirts for the Central Ohio Hosta Society. You can order a t-shirt from Ginny Williams, either on line or calling her @ (614)497-4215. Viwilliam@columbus.rr.com Please send her your name, color of shirt, and your size. The shirts cost $12.50 eacH. They are in colors of black, green or purple with gold lettering.

 

CENTRAL OHIO HOSTA SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

Dues are $10 for one year. Or join for 3 years for $25.
Send a check to:
Virginia Williams, Treasurer
2643 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43207
Include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.