OHA Report on the Ottawa Horticultural Society in 1991

Ottawa Horticultural Society

The Ottawa Horticultural Society was formed in 1892 and was incorporated under the "Arts and Agricultural Act of Ontario". The founding members of the Society numbered some 25 gentlemen, mostly involved as merchants in the city or employed as public servants. The Society President of 1900-02 was a cofounder of the Ontario Horticultural Association in 1906 and became president of the, OHA in 1911.

Over the years Presidents of the Ottawa Horticultural Society have gone on to become Presidents of the Ontario Horticultural Association. The most recent President of the OHA from Ottawa was Maurice D. Marshall in '85-'86. To honour the occasion of this presidency the Society received permission to plant an oak tree on the Grounds of the Governor General. The tradition of the Society's close relationship with Government House and its Vice Regal residents has continued from the inception of the Society to this the 99th year of the O.H.S. Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Ramon Hnatyshyn and Mrs. Gerda Hnatyshyn graciously accepted the Society's invitation to become Patrons during their term of office. Through the years many Vice Regal names have been perpetuated by the kind donation of Trophies for Society flower shows, most of which have been won outright, though the Duke of Devonshire and the Viscountess Willington trophies and the Madame Vanier Bowl are still in annual competition.

The Mayor of the City of Ottawa has served as Honourary President since the Society's earliest days.

The Ottawa Horticultural Society looks forward to 1992 and its Centennial Year and the Committee has been formed to establish suitable endeavours for the commemoration of that year.

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