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H/9/1988-4-

The reading of articles by two members for the horticultural
edification of the society began in 1880.

The time of day for the meetings has changed through
the decades but the now familiar routine of a sumptuous
banquet followed by the reading of the minutes, committee
reports, and questions has been going on since the early
years. During WWII, at Helen Farquhar's suggestion, the
burden upon the hosting family was lessened with the advent
of pot-luck style dinners. Dues are collected every spring
from each family; although when the coffers are over
flowing, the Society has been known to waive them - - as was
once done when the treasury held the large sum of $4.75.

Through the many generations one of the most enduring
aspects has been the questions and, of course, the wonderful
answers. As the traditions of the Sandy Spring
Horticultural Society stay the same year after year, so have
many questions re-emerged - - in a way our own patch of
perennials nurtured by the collective knowledge of members
both present and past.