All About Us

It all began back in Alice Sutter’s North Beach living room on Nov. 10, 1958 with 13 dedicated women. Concerned about rapid development on LBI and the disappearance of native trees and shrubs, they called themselves “The Garden Club of Long Beach Island” and set their goals: preservation, conservation and beautification.

Adopting the motto “Watch Us Grow,” the club has done just that for more than half a century. Here’s a look back at some significant milestones.

1960 Became a Federated Garden Club of The National Council of State Garden Clubs Inc

1961 First Holiday Tour of Homes

1969 First Standard Flower Show

1970  Dedication of the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden in Barnegat Light

1987 Incorporated as a non-profit in the State of New Jersey

1987 First Garden Tour

1988 First Scholarship Program established.

1999 Obtained tax-exempt charity status from the IRS.

2001 First Official Newsletter mailed

2004 Beach Haven Library Garden established.

2016 Veteran’s Garden at LBIF established and maintained.

2017 Blue Star Memorial dedicated at the Beach Haven Library Garden.

2018 Environmental Committee created.

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