What was the date of PHS's first Flower Show in 1829?

I understand that the PHS Flower Show was the first public flower show held in the U. S. I am doing research for a book, and am seeking some details on this topic.

Answer

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was founded in 1827 by a group of gentleman farmers, civic leaders, botanists and nurserymen. Monthly meetings included exhibitions among members. PHS held the first public flower show in America in June 1829 in the Masonic Hall on Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street. It was a one-day exhibition of fruits, flowers, and plants, and included the introduction of the Poinsettia, recently imported from Mexico, to the American public.

 I attach an article that appeared in the March 2000 issue of The Green Scene, “Yesterday’s Flower Show” by Wilbur Zimmerman (pp. 24-27). It is a description of our first show, held June 6, 1829.

See also the description of this first show on  p. 43 of James Boyd's A history of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 1827-1927,   Philadelphia, Printed for the Society, 1929.

See historic images of past shows here.

 

                                                               ---  answered by Janet Evans, PHS McLean Library Associate Director

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  • Last Updated May 16, 2024
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  • Answered By Janet Evans

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