Historic Garden Week

January 7, 2022

1997 Tour Chairman Helen Hamilton, Three Chopt Garden Club

1998 Tour Chairman Nancy Bowles, The Boxwood Garden Club

1997 Historic Garden Week Preview and Business Report

1998 Historic Garden Week Preview and Business Report

Helen Hamilton stressed the importance of keeping an eye on HGW expenses and indicated that discussions were underway to improve flow across the state, with Mondays and Fridays being especially light. She noted the Guidebook cover had to be changed from the Yeaton-Fairfax House to Woodlawn due to construction.

A review of HGW expenses revealed a range from 0% to 37% of local tour income with the largest expenses being shuttles, ticket and brochure printing costs; purchased flowers; police and other traffic personnel. Historic Garden Week scheduling discussions included competition on same day tours, uneven distribution throughout the week, a lack of weekend tours, and the idea of a more regional approach to eliminate “crisscrossing” the state. A “central traffic pattern across the state for all 46 clubs was to be investigated.”

From HGW Director Susanne Munson: “Tours have become such a part of American life…even Miss Manners devoted an entire column to what one should and, more importantly, what one should not say during an open house.”

Interesting remarks from tours as told by hostesses: “How did the man make his money?” “I heard he married her for her money.” From the lady of the house in the kitchen came the reply, “He did NOT.”