National Organization

History

Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, Inc., was organized in 1914 as a support group for the School of Horticulture for Women at Ambler, Pennsylvania. The school's founder, Miss Jane Haines, established Ambler in 1911 to provide agricultural and horticultural training for young women. The purpose of the Association was to further these interests throughout the country.

In 1914 Louisa, Mrs. Francis King, renowned author of gardening books and of many magazine articles as well as garden editor of McCall's Magazine, together with some of her friends, developed the idea for a farm and garden association whose aim would be to stimulate interest in the conservation of our natural resources and an appreciation for country life as well as to support the school. The Woman's National Farm and Garden Association was formed at a conference of women engaged in agriculture, horticulture and landscape architecture. Louisa King was named its first president and served in that capacity until 1920. We currently celebrate January 12, as Founder’s Day, to honor Mrs. King.

During Mrs. King’s presidency the broad purposes of the organization found expression in education and scholarship; the setting of high marketing standards and in conservation. It saw the establishment of Woman's Land Army Units (The Farmerettes) of World War I fame. It was during Clara (Mrs. Henry) Ford’s tenure as president, 1927-1934, that the farming theme was strengthened – Clara ensured a market for the farming community and women who required an avenue to sell their produce – women in town and urban communities. Scholarship and Education remain its current focus.

Our official name, originally Woman's Agricultural and Horticultural Association, was 'modernized' in 1916 to Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, Inc. an important part of our 75-year heritage. Either 'Farm and Garden' or 'the Association' is used informally.

To learn more about us you can read a book written by Martha A. Nolan titled A Chronicle - The History of Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, Inc. 1914-1984. Lesher Printers, Inc. Fremont, Ohio. A copy can be found at the Schlesinger Library Radcliffe College, Cambridge, MA; or the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan in the Ann Arbor Branch’s archives. Other copies are available after a lot of "digging" around.

Further information regarding Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association Inc. can be accessed via www.wnfga.org.