From the Archives
Woodbridge Horticultural Society
The City of Vaughan’s archives house more than 600 collections dating from the early 1700s to the present day. Within these files are the stories of how Vaughan evolved from the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island to the bustling city it is today.
Let’s look back at our history and share the stories of the people, places and moments that helped shape the city we know today. This month’s feature is on the Woodbridge Horticultural Society.
Founded in April 1923 by a group of enthusiastic gardeners, the Woodbridge Horticultural Society began with 107 members and quickly grew to 475 by 1930. One of its earliest traditions was gifting free perennials to new members, helping foster a growing interest in gardening across the community.
They hosted flower shows that quickly became popular events, featuring floral displays, musical performances and opportunities for residents to connect, learn and celebrate local talent.
Over the decades, the group has contributed to beautifying many public spaces across Vaughan, including the Woodbridge Memorial Tower, the Historic Wallace House, Fred Armstrong Park and the Woodbridge Post Office.
Today, the Woodbridge Horticultural Society continues to enhance and beautify public spaces across the city by decorating bridges and community parks, hosting annual garden tours and supporting local events such as the Woodbridge Fall Fair and Christmas in the Village. They remain committed to their founding mission of promoting a love of gardening, and continue to bring the community together through meetings and events, carrying on a tradition that spans more than 100 years.
The City’s archives has preserved nearly a century of the Woodbridge Horticultural Society’s legacy, offering access to yearbooks, show books, membership records, event programs, horticultural essays and recently donated trophies that reflect the Society’s contributions to community beautification and education.
VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
Looking for more information about the history of Vaughan? The City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The following galleries are available in the City's online gallery on Flickr:
From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
Historical Families of Vaughan
Historical Photography
Past Mayors of Vaughan
Prohibition in Vaughan
Recollections of Rural Vaughan
The Great Depression in Vaughan
The Mary Wood Collection
The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes
Vaughan Lodge Fonds
Vaughan Working Environments
Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine, Music and Sports and Recreation
and more!
A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, please visit the Archival Database or contact the City by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.
By managing and preserving both City and community records, the City’s Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.
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