The Garden Society of Marin

History of The Garden Society and Marin Art and Garden Center

In 1934 Mrs. Thomas T. Kent and Mrs. Helen Van Pelt organized the ‘Marin County Garden Center Group’ at a meeting held in the Kent home in Ross, California.  The purpose of the ‘Center’ was to improve gardening methods and promote gardening as a hobby.  Mrs. Kent was elected president and Mrs. Van Pelt was elected Vice-President.  The Garden Center Group was the first countywide organization of its kind in the United States.   Mrs. Caroline Livermore was an early member.   The Garden Center was alive and active until the outbreak of World War II when the energy drains of the war caused it to become inactive. 

   The land on which the Marin Art and Garden Center stands was part of a Mexican land grant owned by James Ross, for whom the town of Ross was named.   In 1861 his daughter Annie married George Worn and they built their home on the property.   In 1882, the property was sold to Jonathan Kittle.   During World War II the Kittle family decided to sell the property.   Mrs. Livermore, President of the Conservation League, brought together eight groups to form a non profit corporation to purchase the property and form the Marin Art and Garden Center.

   In 1946 Mrs. Livermore and Mrs. Van Pelt decided to reactivate the Marin County Garden Center Group.   To avoid confusion with the Marin Art and

The banquet 2011.

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More banquet pictures.