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J. J. Carr
OHA Annual Report, 1954 By: Mrs. E. C. Hope Back to the web versionTHE man who led the campaign to transform hundreds of vacant lots and back yards throughout the city of Ottawa into victory gardens, Mr. John J. Carr, died early in June, 1954, age 71 years, just a week after he had sent some new varieties of tulips for exhibition in the Ottawa Horticultural Society's tulip show.
A native of Kilkenny, Ireland, Mr. Carr came to Ottawa in 1910 and for 35 years was employed by the Civil Service Geographical Survey.
Mr. Carr took up horticulture as a hobby early in life and became an authority on the subject. His connection with the Ottawa Horticultural Society began in 1919, and he occupied every office in the Society, serving two two-year terms as its president. At his death he was an hon.. life director of the Society.
He took an active interest in all horticultural affairs. He was an ardent exhibitor and gave freely of his time as a judge and instructor. He is probably best remembered for his fine contribution to Ottawa's welfare, first when he was appointed chairman of the Relief Gardens Committee at the time of economic depression when many of the city's destitute were given the means and knowhow to produce edibles for their families. Again in 1941 he was appointed to a similar post as chairman of the Victory Gardens Committee. Few people are aware of the time and effort he put into these two projects.
After his retirement he travelled extensively in Europe, both for pleasure and to extend his favourite hobby, horticulture.
John Carr was most generous with his talents, and many a novice gardener was started on the right road by contributions from his garden.
Mr. Carr was a director for the Ontario Horticultural Association District No.2 from 1949 to 1952 inclusive.
He is survived by four daughters, two brothers and four sisters. I would ask you to rise and observe two minutes' silence.
I would ask you to rise and observe two minutes of silence.
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