For the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series in October, guests are welcome to the luncheon at Echo Lake Country Club on Wednesday October 4, 2023 beginning with check-in at 11:45am. Garden historian, Lesley Parness will speak on "We Grew It Here: 100 Years of New Jersey Horticultural History"

Think New Jersey only grows tomatoes?  Think again.  New Jersey was once the pinnacle for peaches, the ultimate for orchids, the tops for turf.  19th century New Jersey plant nurseries led the nation with their innovative breeding, greenhouse, field, and marketing techniques.  Meet the horticultural superstars who made New Jersey their home. Impresarios, hermits, academics, politicos and a cast of unlikely characters will make you a believer - New Jersey is the "Garden State." 

Garden historian and writer, Lesley Parness, has worked in public gardens in America and abroad for the past four decades.  She is a popular speaker throughout the mid-Atlantic region, offering illustrated lectures and hands-on workshops to garden clubs, historic societies, Master Gardeners, public garden professionals, libraries, and institutions with rare books collections of horticultural merit.

     This program is made possible in part by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before Thursday, September 28th. Please advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $35 (WHS members) or $40 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ  07091; by Venmo to @Westfield-HistoricalSociety; or, here at the Registration tab at the top of this page. Registration and payments should be received by Thursday prior to the luncheon. Attendees should check the club’s dress code at: echolakecc.org/guest-info