Our History

by Susan Turk

The North Bay Rose Society was started in November 1980. Originally in Vallejo there was a Rose Society that started in the early 1940’s. It was a beloved organization where members appreciated their roses, besides from other flowers. Flowers such as camellias and irises were shown by the members in different rooms at the same time, along with the Spring Rose Show. "Old Timers" such as Lucia Morgan reminisced to me, how happy she was to come to Vallejo to judge, as she loved the unusual ‘other flower’ side-show. Eventually the Vallejo Rose Society became well known and was named the “Tea Party Rose Society”.

When I talked to the San Francisco great rosarians, Elaine Cochran and Bruce Phillips, they both advised me saying, “our area is in need of a good Rose Society!” That is when the North Bay Rose Society was born. Elaine mentioned that a man from back East arrived in Napa, who expressed an interest to get involved in rose society matters; Joe Mammino was his name. After I contacted him, we met in the home of former District Director Esther Hughes, in Napa. Present were also John Dallas, a Heritage Rose fancier and nurseryman, my daughter Susan Turk, and myself. To my great pleasure they whole-heartedly supported my presentation. They agreed with my desire to start a 100% Chapter Rose Society of the parent organization of the American Rose Society (ARS). In November of 1980 we gathered in a festive mood in the Vallejo Dan Foley Cultural Center. Present were ARS President Emeritus Joseph, Marion Klima, District Director Mary Marshall, and Vallejo Mayor Terry Curtola. They welcomed us, 48 Charter Members. One of our proudest moments was when our North Bay Rose Society became Incorporated at both the State and Federal level for the nonprofit status.

Our first meeting was held in the more centrally located Florence Douglas Senior Center, in Vallejo, where we still meet. Yearly we present a Spring Rose Show. At our monthly meetings, we offer great programs, and they are always open to the rose loving public. We have a different Consulting Rosarian (CR) on duty at each meeting, giving timely monthly rose culture lectures. The CR on duty gives a timely lecture both at our meetings and in the monthly newsletter, The North Bay Rosarian.

Other activities include public rose pruning demonstrations in several different places in Vallejo, Benicia, Napa, and when John Dallas was living, in his great heritage rose garden. Each Fall, we have a field trip, potluck, and garden visitations. At Christmas time, we close the year with our Christmas Luncheon and Installation of Officers. For over 20 years, the chairperson of this event is our own founding member and CR Coordinator of the North Bay Rose Society, Susan Turk.