On July 25, 1978 at 7pm a group of individuals interested in forming a local garden club met at the Three Rivers Savings and Loan in Constantine.  Present were ~ Louise Lawson, Grace Carter, Mable Critchfield, Carol Sternbugh, Pat Weiss, Norma Moord, Dorothy Hassinger, Rachel Varner, Eugene F. Culver and Mary Ellen Klepper.

Mary Ellen who has an extensive garden club background from the state of Illinois was instrumental in getting the above mentioned group together.  She introduced the group to many possible areas of garden club work as well as local projects, which might be undertaken.  Rachel Varner moved, seconded by Mable Critchfield that Mary Ellen Klepper be temporary chairman until March election of officers.  Mary Ellen asked Pat Weiss to be temporary secretary.  The meeting time was set for the 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30 am.  The Three Rivers Savings and Loan is available for meetings.  Jamie Hutson, Village Mayour, offered used of the firehouse for workshops.  Mr. Hutson and Calvin Teague, Village manager jointly offered a meeting room in the new VillageBuilding upon its completion.  Permanent officers are to be elected in March, including president, first vice-president, second vice-president, secretary and treasurer.  Five dollars suggested dues would commence in Sept. with Aug. being a membership drive for charter members.  Grace Carter moved that our garden club be affiliated with the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, seconded by Carol Sternbugh.  Unanimously carried.  Affiliation with the Kalamazoo Garden Council postponed until next meeting, $1.50 of dues would go to Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan and fifty cents to Kalamazoo Garden Council.  Norma Moord moved to adjuourn, seconded by Mable Critchfield.