Athens in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

America’s First Garden Club

Photographed By David Seibert, October 23, 2010

1. America’s First Garden Club Marker

Inscription.
In 1891 at this site, the Ladies Garden Club was founded by twelve Athens ladies in the home of Mrs. E. K. Lumpkin. Mrs. Lamar Cobb was the first president. Beginning as a small neighborhood group, the club extended membership to all Athens ladies interested in gardening in 1892.

In the spring of 1892 the group presented its first flower and vegetable exhibition. By 1894 a set of standards, similar to those of today, had been drawn up to make the shows as professional as possible.

In 1936 the National Council of State Garden Clubs recognized the Ladies Garden Club as America’s first garden club.

Erected 1963 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 029-9.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 33° 57.707′ N, 83° 23.588′ W. Marker is in Athens, Georgia, in Athens-Clarke County. Marker is at the intersection of Prince Avenue (U.S. 129) and North Chase Street, on the right when traveling east on Prince Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 973 Prince Avenue, Athens GA 30601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. William Lorenzo Moss Birthplace (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Taylor-Grady House (approx. ¼ mile away); May Erwin Talmadge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lucy Cobb Institute (1858-1931) (approx. 0.4 miles away); U.S. Navy Supply Corps School / Former Site of Georgia State Normal School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Camak House: (approx. 0.6 miles away); John Rice Hudson Clinic (approx. 0.6 miles away); Athens High and Industrial School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Photographed By David Seibert, October 23, 2010

2. America’s First Garden Club Marker

Prince Avenue is to the left

Photographed By David Seibert, October 23, 2010

3. America’s First Garden Club Marker

The marker, with the former E. K. Lumpkin home in the distance

Judge Edwin King Lumpkin House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Seibert, October 23, 2010

4. Judge Edwin King Lumpkin House

This house, built by General Robert Taylor c. 1859, is where the Ladies Garden Club of Athens was founded in January 1891.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,154 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.