Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that includes the art and science of gardening; it specializes in fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental shrubs and trees, and it includes the production, distribution, and processing of fruits and vegetables for food. The term "horticulture" derives from the Latin word hortus meaning garden and cultura meaning culture.

Horticulture in America is dependent upon plants from the wilds of this country, as well as those from foreign countries. In the early colonial days there was little time for growing ornamental plants beyond the dooryard garden. People, most of whom lived on farms, spent just about every waking hour raising crops for food, but as towns grew in size and wealth so did the opportunities to devote more time to aesthetic interests.

Horticulture is unique in its origin here in America for it was developed under seven different national groups. The Indians, the original inhabitants, made a fairly good start in growing flowers in the New World; the Spaniards introduced most of the cultivated plants of Europe; French, Dutch, and Swedes brought over their favorite esculents and ornamentals, each group growing them in its own way; a little later the Germans brought their plants and arts to modify horticulture in several widely separated regions such as New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Texas. Superimposed on the materials and arts of these six nations was British horticulture. The country is much indebted to the English, Scottish and Irish settlers for introducing old-world plants and the methods of growing them. Among the early Americans to become serously interested in ornamental plants was a Pennsylvania farmer, nurseryman and plant explorer named John Bartram. Although his first plant collection was in a sense the first bontanical garden in America, it was--perhaps more importantly--the first serious nursery enterprise. It was John Bartram who made the historic discovery of the Franklin tree in 1765 on a remote river in southern Georgia. It was relocated by his son and later by two plant explorers; after 1803 it was never observed as a wild tree.

American independence brought the dawn of a better day. Men talked of invention, organization and co-operation. Speculation ran riot in every field of life. Perhaps one immediate concrete thing that happened for the betterment of agriculture in America was the establishment of horticultural societies. The formation of horticultural societies was motivated in part by the desire to share information on various subjects for the general distribution of knowledge and experience. These societies were formed in many places, especially in the more populated eastern states.

The first scientific group in this country to have discussed matters of prime interest to gardeners was not a horticultural society but the American Philosophical Society, organized in Philadelpia in l769 to promote useful knowledge. Benjamin Franklin was its chief sponsor and first president and John Bartram was one of the original five members. Of the long list of famous men who succeeded Franklin in office, Thomas Jefferson (l797-l815) took the most interest in botany and gardening. However, it was during Franklin's presidency that a botanical garden was established.

The first horticultural society to be organized in America was that of New York city, founded September 30, 18l8, at the home of Thomas H. Kennedy, with Thomas Storm as its president. The Society existed until about 1837.

In the state of Ohio many counties had organized horticultural societies, but the first permanent state horticultural society was the Ohio Pomological Society, organized in Columbus in 1846. The purpose of this Society was to represent fruit and flower growers of Ohio and to provide educational information. Later, in 1867, the name of the Society was changed to the Ohio State Horticultural Society, under which name the organization existed for 85 years. In 1952 the name was changed to the Ohio Fruit Growers Society.

In Montgomery County the first horticultural society was formed on July 31, 1846, and it was called the Dayton Horticultural Society. The main feature of the Society was to make a great display of fruits and it met only in the summer, weekly. However, this Society lasted only two years; its last exhibition was in the spring of 1848. A second attempt was made on March 28, 1857, under the same name and same objectives, but after only two meetings the Society died. Finally the Montgomery County Horticultural Society was organized on December 14, 1867, in the City Council Chamber and the founder of this organization was Nicholas Ohmer. Elected officers were: Nicholas Ohmer, President; William Gunckel, Vice-President; Richard Gundry, Secretary; and Robert W. Steele, Treasurer. The mission of this Society was to promote practical horticulture by encouraging the cultivation of higher types of fruits and vegetables and to better adorn and beautify the city of Dayton as well as the homes of its members. It also became a means of a highly enjoyable social life.

At first the meetings were held at Wilt's Commercial College in Clegg's Hall on Third Street every other week and were attended only by men. When attendance started to decline the Society had to come up with a solution to save itself. During a meeting in October 1868, a committee was appointed to formulate a new plan and this plan was unanimously adopted. The social feature became part of the method of conduct of the Society, and it was to remain so to the end. Ladies were allowed to become members and meetings were held at the homes of the members. Later the meetings were held at the County Memorial Building, or at the WMCA (Women's Christian Association). Elaborate noon luncheons were held during the meetings (except for the summer months). The Society met every first Wednesday of the month; the annual membership dues were only one dollar.

During the meetings, monthly reports were given by the members of the standing committees, and participants took an active part in discussing the essays and the reports of fruit and vegetable prospects.

Major subjects were:

• Ornithology
• Research
• Floriculture
• Agriculture--Vegetables and Fruits
• Entomology--Bees
• Domestic Economy
• Meteorology
• Ornamental Planting
• Membership--Good Cheer

The Society's reports were published in magazines and horticultural papers in many parts of the United States as well as in local newspapers such as the Dayton Daily News, Dayton Journal and Journal Herald. Many leading members of state societies and professors of horticulture and agriculture departments of universities visited the Society to study their plans. The Society was advertised as the best model of its type by virtue of its maintaining a large membership with interesting meetings and activities that were useful, if not rare, among such organizations.

One of the interesting features of the meetings was the table displays of choice fruits, vegetables and flowers grown and brought by its members. The Society also participated in the exhibits at county fairs as well as in the World's Fair in Vienna. The Centennial Exposition of l876 also asked the Society to provide exhibits of some kind, while the Census Bureau in Washington, D.C., sent for statistics and dates of its exhibits.

The people of Dayton in the early days had been eager to plant orchards and trees,and the Society did much for the improvement of the city. It urged not only the planting of trees but also the care of birds and conservation of wild flowers of the Miami Valley. A member, Mr. Emerick, reported that his father planted six acres of peaches along the Miami river, south of the city, in l840, ten acres in l847, sixty acres in l855, twenty acres in l862 and fifty acres in l866. Not only Mr. Emerick but many other men were of great help to Dayton. These included J.H. Patterson, who saved so many of the beautiful trees south of the city; Mr. Steele, for whom Steele High School is named; Mr. Ohmer, for whom Ohmer Park is named; Captain Stivers, for whom Stivers High School is named; and Mr. Van Cleve, who contributed a deal to horticulture.

The Society also was involved in philanthropic activities: Mr. Steele and others urged the improvement of the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library Park and the creation of many other parks. Also, Ms. Jane B. Marlay, who was an honorary member, took the initiative in raising more than $1,000 to restore the Dayton Public Library books ruined by the flood of l913. This sum was used as a nucleus for restoring children's library books. Thomas Staley, a former member of the Society, left a bequest ofone hundred dollars. This was used to establish a library for the Society. In l937, after years of use, the entire collection was presented to Dayton Public Library when Mr. William Hamilton was director of the Library.

From 1846 to 1944 the Society had eleven presidents and seven secretaries.

Presidents:

• Job Haines (1846 - 1848)
• Jeremia H. Peirce (March 28-July 11, 1857)
• Nicholas Ohmer (served 1867 - 1904)
• J.J. Fromm
• J.H. Kauffman
• J.G. Denlinger
• J.M. Craven
• J.W. Rockey
• W.J.H. Schutz
• A.W. Barnes
• Ira Siebenthaler
• J.D. Smith
• E.T. Fisher Secretaries:
• John Van Cleve 1846 - 1867
• Richard Gundry 1867 - 1870
• (Because Mr. Gundry was sick from June 20, 1868 - February 3, 1869 various members acted as secretary)
• W.F. Herkes 1870 - 1872
• I.H. Kierstel January - June 1873
• William Ramsey 1873 - 1895
• F.W. Ritter 1896 - 1901
• Dr. Daniel Berger 1901 - 1916
• Alice Kyle Niebel 1916 - 1944

The only people who are mentioned extensively in the collection are Mr. Nicholas Ohmer, Dr. Daniel Berger and Alice Kyle Niebel.

Mr. Nicholas Ohmer, the founder of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, was born in Alsace, France, in April l823. He came early to Dayton with his father and family and became interested some years later in the cultivation of orchards and fruit. The orchards of Ohmer Park were planted and cultivated by him. He died in Dayton in February l903 at the age of 80.

Dr. Daniel Berger, son of Daniel and Esther Berger, a respected churchman and veteran editor, was born February 14, 1832, near Reading, Pennsylvania, and died September 15, 1920, in Dayton, Ohio. He came to Springfield, Ohio, in 1838 with his parents and family. At the age of 18 he entered the Ohio Methodist Conference high school. After graduating he taught in the Linden Hill Academy at New Carlisle. In 1854 he was licensed to preach by the United Brethren church and in 1858 he was ordained. He succeeded John Lawrence and preceded Bishop Milton Wright. He married May Frances Merry of Cincinnati on July 28, 1853.

Alice Kyle Niebel, the daughter of William and Carrie Kyle, was born in Centerburg, Ohio, in about 1866 [?]. She came to Dayton as a child and lived there for almost all her life; her father owned a book store on Fifth Street. On October 16, 1898 she married William A. Niebel. Alice was a former school teacher and taught for many years in the Dayton public school system. Her last teaching post was at Webster Elementary School. She left teaching in 1913 and joined the Dayton Public Library as a clerk; from 1914 to 1918 she was an assistant at the circulation desk. In January 1918 the Library established the Shelf Department and Mrs. Niebel was assigned to be the supervisor. This department marked the beginning of systematic training of pages, who were comprised of paid high school pupils whose job was to place borrowed books in their proper places and to replace books which had been misplaced during a day's operation. The department continued under her guidance until 1941 when she retired; during her 28 years of service she trained 350 pages, many of whom participated in WWII. During WWII she maintained correspondence with 85 of the page boys she had trained and were now in military services, and the letters she received from them were collected in the Dayton War Collection of the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library.

From 1916-1944 she served as Secretary of the Mongomery County Horticultural Society and from 1911-1944 she wrote regular newspaper columns on horticulture for the Dayton Daily News, the Dayton Journal and the Dayton Herald newspapers. Also during this time her Sunday garden column published during the summer was a familiar feature. She was also Secretary for two years of the Dayton Women's Suffrage Association (1918-1920). Finally, her home was the site of the first organization of the Unitarian Church in Dayton.

Mrs. Niebel died on February 5, 1949 and had no immediate surviving relatives.

The Montgomery County Horticultural Society contributed significantly to the farming industry, which was this nation's largest employer before urban industrialization arrived. The study of nature--living among, loving and understanding the things of creation--was paramount to the Society. It acted as a source of information and guidance, which encouraged the study of problems affecting agriculture and rural life. Knowledge concerning the plants themselves was enlarged and it is obvious from the many papers presented to the Society, available in this collection, that it had a leading role supplying the needs of agriculture of that time.

Publications Written by or Related to the Horticultural Society

• A. )  Rare Books
  • MacMahon, Bernard.  The American Gardener's Calendar; Adapted to the Climates and Seasons of the United States. Philadelphia: For the author, B. Graves, 1806.
  • Burbank, Luther.  Luther Burbank, His Methods and Discoveries and Their Practical Application, with the assistance of the Luther Burbank Society and its entire membership under the editorial direction of John Whitson, Robert John and Henry Smith Williams, M.D., L.L.D. New York and London: Luther Burbank Press, 1914-1915. 12 v.: ill.

• B. ) Proceedings, Written by the Montgomery County Horticultural Society
  • Montgomery County Horticultural Society, Proceedings of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, Dayton, OH.:
    • 1870-1878
    • 1870-1879     (includes previous Proceedings, 1870-1878)
    • 1880-1885
    • 1886-1890     (1887-1904 (includes previous Proceedings 1887-1890)

Box 1, Minutes - 1846-1895

• Constitutions and By-laws of the Society are included with the minutes of the first book (1846-1895).

Box 2, Minutes - 1913-1918

• Folder #1: May 7, 1913 - May 3, 1916
• Folder #2: June 7, 1916 - December 1, 1916
• Folder #3: January 3, 1917 - December 5, 1917
• Folder #4: January 2, 1918 - December 4, 1918

Box 3, Minutes - January 1, 1919-1928

• Folder #1: January 1, 1919 - December 3, 1919
• Folder #2: January 7, 1920 - December 1, 1920
• Folder #3: January 5, 1921 - December 7, 1921
• Folder #4: January 4, 1922 - December 6, 1922
• Folder #5: January 3, 1923 - December 5, 1923
• Folder #6: January 2, 1924 - December 3, 1924
• Folder #7: January 7, 1925 - December 2, 1925
• Folder #8: January 6, 1926 - December 1, 1926
• Folder #9: January 5, 1927 - December 7, 1927
• Folder #10: January 4, 1928 - December 5, 1928

Box 4, Minutes - January 1929-1938

• Folder #1: January 2, 1929 - December 4, 1929
• Folder #2: January 1, 1930 - December 3, 1930
• Folder #3: January 7, 1931 - December 2, 1931
• Folder #4: January 6, 1932 - December 7, 1932
• Folder #5: January 4, 1933 - December 6, 1933
• Folder #6: January 3, 1934 - December 5, 1934
• Folder #7: January 2, 1935 - December 4, 1935
• Folder #8: January 8, 1936 - December 2, 1936
• Folder #9: January 3, 1937 - December 1, 1937
• Folder #10: January 5, 1938 - December 7, 1938

Box 5, Minutes - 1939-1944, Programs - 1886-1970, Legal Documents - 1922, 1944

• Folder #1: January 4, 1939 - December 6, 1939
• Folder #2: January 3, 1940 - December 4, 1940
• Folder #3: January 1, 1941 - December 3, 1941
• Folder #4: January 7, 1942 - December 2, 1942
• Folder #5: January 6, 1943 - December 1, 1943
• Folder #6: January 5, 1944 - December 6, 1944
• Folder #7: Programs - 1886, 1904-1919
• Folder #8: Programs - 1920-1939 (1922, 1926, 1927 are missing)
• Folder #9: Programs - 1940-1959
• Folder #10: Programs - 1960-1970
• Folder #11: Legal Documents - Constitution, January 4, 1922
• Folder #12: Legal Documents - Constitution, January 5, 1944

Box 6, Folder 1, Literary Productions 1909-1939, Biographical Information for Alice Kyle Niebel and Photos, Miscellaneous Material

• Literary Productions - Speeches and Papers Presented at the Society.
• Asparagus Culture: typescript, undated/by Joseph W. Rockey.
• Berries: typescript, undated/by William Lightcap.
• Bulbs and Tubers: typescript, undated/by Clarence Siebenthaler.
• The By-Products of Corn: typescript, undated/by Mrs. Charles Schellman.
• Concentrate on Saving, but Still Enjoying: typescript, undated/by Bertha Longstreth.
• Flowering Shrubs: typescript, undated/by Clarence Siebenthaler.
• Foods: typescript, April 1923/by Dr. Charles Shawen.
• Forty Years Recollections of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society: typescript, undated/by A.D. Wilt.
• Fruit Culture: typescript, undated/by Joseph W. Rockey.
• History of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society: typescript, 1909/by A.D. Wilt.
• Horticultural Influences: typescript, September 1918/by J.F. Dillinger.
• Horticultural Musings: typescript, undated/by Ira G. Denlinger.
• Horticultural Society: typescript, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• The Iris: typescript, undated/by W.J. Engle.
• Jack and the Beanstalk: typescript, July 6, 1938/by Clara Fink.

Box 6, Folder 2, Literary Productions - Speeches and Papers Presented at the Society.

• Keep the Ground Busy: typescript, July 1925/by John Collins.
• The Largest Tree in the World: typescript, undated/by Bertha Longstreth.
• Montgomery County Horticultural Society: typescript, July 1924/by Miss Longstreth.
• The Montgomery County Horticultural Society of Fifty and Sixty Years Ago: typescript, April 5, 1939/by Theodore Longnecker.
• The Producer and the Middleman: typescript, August 1920/by John Collins.
• Prove All Things and Hold Fast to That Which Is Good: typescript, undated/by Bertha Longstreth.
• Recollections of the Early Days of the Society: typescript, November 3, 1937/by Charles T. Ohmer.
• A Society That Has Lasted: typescript, undated/by Bertha Longstreth. (2 copies)
• Song of Nature: typescript, undated/by unknown.
• Spores - Their Mission: typescript, July 1921/by Hiram Mumma.
• Spraying and Pruning: typescript, February 1920/by Levi Stover.
• Strawberries: typescript, undated/by John Collins.
• Take Care of the Trees: typescript, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Wayfarers: autograph manuscript signed, July 3, 1940/by Clara Fink.
• Wayfarers: typescript, July 3, 1940/by Clara Fink. (3 copies)
• The Wild Rose: typescript, 1921/by Albert Kern.

1. These are the originals plus copies of papers given at the Horticultural Society's meetings. Typed copies were included in the Horticultural Scrapbook of the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library in the Dayton Collection, in December 1941.
2. Three letters (but these letters were not attached to the note) were sent by Dr. Daniel Berger, who served as Secretary from 1902-1916, to Alice Kyle Niebel, elected in 1916 and serving until 1944.

Box 6, Folder 3, Biographical Information for Alice Kyle Niebel and Photos.

• "Rites Planned Tomorrow for Alice Niebel," Journal Herald, February 7, 1949.
• "Mrs. Niebel, 28 Years at Library, Dies," Dayton Journal-Herald, February 7, 1949.
• Photo #1
  • Dayton Public Library; Main Library - Shelf Department and Inspection Room. Adult staff from left to right; Bertha Walter, Alice K. Niebel (Head), and Louise M. Gleim: photo, 1922.
• Photo #2
  • "Just Driven Thru Wawana Big Tree," Western trip, (Alice K. Niebel in foreground): photo, 1924.

Box 6, Folder 4, Miscellaneous Material.

• 1909 - Forty Years Recollections of the Montgomery County Horticulture Society: typescript, l909/ Abram Darst Wilt.
• November 1942 - An envelope with notes on it: In this envelope were enclosed all the newspaper clippings that were edited by Alice Kyle Niebel. On the envelope she wrote that news issues were cut drastically from October 1943. Also that her resignation from the Society took effect January 1, 1945.
• No date - All these notes were together and the first note says that: These notes could not be identified with any of the papers in the scrapbook; probably they were notes gathered from minutes or elsewhere on the history of the Society.
• No date - "Tribute to the Memory of Nicholas Ohmer", source unknown, undated.

Box 7, Scrapbook (Oversize)

The contents of this scrapbook were originally collected by Ms. Alice Kyle Niebel who served as Secretary of the Society from 1916-1944. Mr. William Hamilton, a librarian of the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, requested Ms. Niebel to compile the material into a scrapbook. The title is: Montgomery County Horticultural Society, Papers, Addresses, etc., on Subjects Relating to Horticulture and Floriculture by Members of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, ed. Alice Kyle Niebel.

• Page 1 - The Montgomery County Horticultural Society Scrapbook: Preface.
• Page 3 - Horticultural Society Books Given to the Dayton Public Library, 1937: List.
• Page 5 - Montgomery County Horticultural Society: List of Members, 1922
• Page 7 - Horticultural Musings: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Ira G. Denlinger.
• Page 11 - Horticultural Influences: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, September 2, 1918/by J.F. Dillinger.
• Page 15 - Forty Years Recollections of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, 1909/by Abram Darst Wilt, ex-Secretary of the Society. (Note: Mr. Wilt is not listed as a Secretary in any of the Minutes or Proceedings.Also, original copy of this is in: Box 6, Folder #4, under "Miscellanneous Material.")
• Page 23 - Recollections of the Early Days of the Society: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, November 3, 1937/by Charles T. Ohmer, son of the late Nicholas Ohmer, first President of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, as part of the Seventieth Anniversary Celebration.
• Page 25 - Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Giesler: photo/active members from 1915-1928.
• Page 26 - The Montgomery County Horticultural Society of Fifty and Sixty Years Ago: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, April 5, 1939/by Mr. Theodore Longnecker.
• Page 29 - Edwin S. Staples: photo/President and Vice-President for many years on the standing committee for floriculture.
  • A Group at Sam Gingrich's Nursery on Covington Pike: Photo, undated.
• Page 30 - Berger, Daniel, N.H. Albaugh, "First Meeting After the Death of Nicholas Ohmer, Late President of Horticultural Society," Dayton Journal, 1903.
• Page 31 - Members and Friends of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society: photos/given by Mrs. Arthur Giesler.
• Page 32 - The Giant Sugar Pear Tree: photo/at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Barnes, Tippicanoe City, Ohio.
  • Attached: August 30, 1923 - From Mr. G.W. Barnes, Tippecanoe City, to Mrs. Alice Kyle Niebel.
    Apparently Mrs. Niebel wrote to Mr. Barnes asking him to discuss the past achievements and the aims for the future of the Society and what the Society is doing presently so she can prepare an article for the Dayton Daily News, but Mr. Barnes does not feel competent to do so for he was not a member for a long time and after he joined he didn't attend the meetings regularly. He also admired the work of Mr. Ohmer, a previous President.
• Page 33 - Siebenthaler, Ira A., "Montgomery Co. Horticulture," Dayton Journal, January 1935.
  • Siebenthaler, Ira A., "Cheer Up the Shut-ins: 'Share Your Lilacs' Drive Opens Today in Dayton," Dayton Daily News, April 30, 1941.
• Page 34 - Siebenthaler, Ira A., "Practical City Gardening Suggestions by an Expert," undated.
• Page 36 - Why a Horticultural Society?: President's address for January 1, 1941/by Ira A. Siebenthaler.
  • Attached:
    1. A Tribute to Ira A. Siebenthaler: read by the minister as part of the service at Ira's funeral, October 2, 1943/by John H. Kauffman.
    2. Another tribute to Ira A. Siebenthaler: read at the meeting of the Horticultural Society, October 6, 1943/by John H. Kauffman.
    3. An Appreciation: read and adopted at the meeting of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, October 6, 1943/by Alice Kyle Niebel.

• Page 38 - Untitled: photos, meeting of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, June 1920, and a picture taken at a greenhouse May 1940/Mr. Siebenthaler, President and Edwin S. Staples, ex-President.
• Page 39 - Niebel, Alice Kyle, "Horticultural Fair Exhibit was Artistic," Dayton Daily News, September 8, 1919.
• Page 40 - The Katherine Kauffman Farm Home on the Lebanon Pike: Photo, undated.
  • Untitled: photo, meeting at the Kauffman home, June 1924.
• Page 41 - "Sheep Shearing on the Kauffman Farm," Dayton Journal-Herald, April 6, 1941.
• Page 43 - "Kauffman's Fine Ewes Had 3 1/2-in. Fleece," Dayton Journal-Herald, April 6, 1941.
• Page 44 -Woman in Horticulture and Floriculture. Montgomery County, Ohio: read at the Ohio Centennial Exposition held at the State Fair grounds in Columbus, Ohio, September 4-October 16, 1888/by Mary Ramsey.
• Page 53 - Botany of the County Dwellers: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, August 1918/by Bertha Longstreth.
• Page 58 - Bertha P. Longstreth, "Clouds," "Christmas Bells," "A Concentration," December 4, 1940
• Page 60 - Concentrate on Saving, but Still Enjoying: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Page 62 - Bertha P. Longstreth, "Horticultural Society," undated.
• Page 64 - The Largest Tree in the World: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Page 67 - Wonderful Life of a Big Tree: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Page 68 -October 5, 1920 - From Bertha P. Longstreth to the Montgomery County Horticultural Society.
  • Mrs. Longstreth is sending a thank-you note for the flowers that the Society sent to her mother's funeral.
• Page 69 -"Horticultural Society, One of County's Oldest, Has Met Every Month for 65 Years," Dayton Journal, March 20, 1932.
• Page 70 - The Montgomery County Horticultural Society, a Society That Has Lasted: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, October 6, 1937/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Page 76 - Bertha P. Longstreth, "A Song of Nature," undated.
  • Take Care of the Trees: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Bertha P. Longstreth.
• Page 81 - Bertha P. Longstreth, "There's a Woman on the Farm," undated.
• Page 82 - April 15, 1936 - From Jane B. Marlay to Alice Kyle Niebel.
  • Apparently the Society had granted an honorary membership to her and she is writing to the Society to express her appreciation.
  • There is a note on the back of the page saying that Mrs. Marlay had taken the initiative in raising $1,000 after the 1913 flood to restore books at the Dayton Public Library.
• Page 83 - Following, there are three letters written by Dr. Daniel Berger, Secretary of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society from 1901-1916, to Mrs. Alice K. Niebel, who succeeded him and served from 1916-1944.
  • January 1, 1920 - Apparently Mrs. Niebel has sent a begonia plant to him to remind him of the next meeting and he is writing a thank-you note.
  • January 2, 1920 - Apparently he mixed-up the dates (of the meeting?); in this letter it is clear that the begonia flowers he received came from the Society, sent by Mrs. Niebel as Secretary.
  • January 28, 1920 - Apparently the Society had a program and on the program Dr. Berger's name appeared and he is thanking Mrs. Niebel, for he has not served the Society for quite a long time and also he didn't attend the meeting.
• Page 87 - "Former Editor of Telescope Called," The Religious Telescope, September 25, 1920.
• Page 88 - "Funeral of Doctor Daniel Berger," The Religious Telescope, October 2, 1920.
• Page 89 - "Doctor Daniel Berger," The Religious Telescope, October 2, 1920.
• Page 92 - "Daniel Berger, D.D.," The Religious Telescope, October 2, 1920.
• Page 93 - "Founder of United Brethren Sunday School Literature," The Religious Telescope, October 2, 1920.
• Page 95 - "The Inspiration of a Life," The Religious Telescope, October 2, 1920.
• Page 96 - "They are Beautiful," The Watchword, October 10, 1920.
• Page 97 - "Rev. Daniel Berger," Dayton News, September 14, 1920.
• Page 98 - Alice Kyle Niebel, "Pretty Tributes Paid Poneers [sic] by Horticulturists," Dayton News, Oct. 10, 1920.
  • Alice Kyle Niebel, "Hannah C. Longstreth. In Memoriam," Dayton News [?], 1920.
• Page 99 - William Longstreth (1809-1897): Photo, Father of Bertha Longstreth, 1878.
  • Mrs. Hannah C. Longstreth: Photo, Mother of Bertha Longstreth, August 6, 1919.
  • Edith E.L. Boyer, "Prohibition in Kansas," Dayton Daily News, November 15, 1941.
• Page 100 - Mrs. Boyer reported the weather daily for the Ohio Meteorological Bureau from 1882-1896: Report, July 1896/by Edith E.L. Boyer.
• Page 105 - John Collins, "Friendship," undated.
• Page 106 - Grapes: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, March 1924/by John Collins.
• Page 114 - Keep the Ground Busy: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, July 1925/by John Collins.
• Page 116 - The Producer and the Middleman: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, August 1920/by John Collins.
• Page 121 - John Collins, "Robert Burns," undated.
• Page 122 - John Collins, "The Rotary Spirit," undated.
• Page 123 - Strawberries: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by John Collins.
• Page 126 - "John Collins," Dayton Daily News, February 3, 1929.
• Page 127 - "John Collins in Street Attire," Dayton Daily News, February 3, 1929.
• Page 128 - Burba, Howard, "A Moment With the Dean of Court Reporters," Dayton Daily News, February 3, 1929.
• Page 130 - "Funeral for John Collins to Be Friday," Dayton Daily News, March 27, 1929.
• Page 131 - "John Collins, Veteran Court Reporter, Dies: Known Widely in City," Dayton Journal, March 27, 1929.
• Page 132 - 1929 - From Theo. F. Longnecker, probably to the Society.
  • Mr. Longnecker is writing to the Society members to offer a tribute to the memory of John Collins. He remarks about his personality, especially about his honesty. A poem is included in the letter.
• Page 135 - The Conquests of Civilization: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Albert Kern.
• Page 142 - The Gardens of the Heart: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Albert Kern.
• Page 146 - The Horticultural Society and Some of its Characteristics: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, September 5, 1917/by Albert Kern.
• Page 153 - Mosses from the Cumberland: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, September 1, 1920/by Albert Kern
• Page 161 - "The Old Homesteads," Dayton Daily News, 1916.
• Page 163 - The Patience and Helplessness of Vegetables: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, December 3, 1919/by Albert Kern.
• Page 171 - The Wild Rose: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, October 5, 1921/by Albert Kern.
• Page 175 - A Wilderness Planter: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, November 6, 1918/by Albert Kern.
  • Attached: The Wood Fire: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, December 3, 1924/by Albert Kern.
• Page 180 - Alfred Shirer, "How Nature Adds and Subtracts," Dayton Daily News, undated.
• Page 182 - "February Meet: County Horticultural Society, At Longstreth's, on Huffman Hill," Dayton Daily Journal, February 4, 1897.
• Page 184 - "Teacher Retires After 37 Years," Dayton Daily News, January 24, 1941.
• Page 185 - Spraying and Pruning: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, February 1920/by Levi Stover.
• Page 187 - Spores - Their Mission: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, July 1921/by Hiram Mumma.
• Page 194 - The Immunity of Plants: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, November 1, 1922/by Dr. Charles Zurmuhlen.
• Page 197 - Jack and the Beanstalk: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, July 6, 1938/by Clara Fink.
• Page 205 - Clara Fink, "Nature Uses Various Means to Protect Plant Seeds From Weather and Animals," Dayton Daily News, August 7, 1936.
• Page 208 - Wayfarers: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, July 3, 1940/by Clara Fink.
• Page 216 - E.A. Baber, "Look After Little Corners When You Beautify the Lawn," Dayton Daily News, April 9, 1922.
  • Attached: Plans for Family Garden Hot Bed: undated/by Earl Baber.
• Page 218 - "Rare African Plant in Hospital Garden Here Blooms for First Time in 35 Years," Dayton Daily News, June 16, 1935.
• Page 219 - Foods: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Dr. Charles Shawen.
• Page 225 - Berries: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by William Lightcap.
• Page 229 - The By-Products of Corn: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Mrs. Charles Shellman.
• Page 232 - Asparagus Culture: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by J.W. Rockey.
• Page 235 - Fruit Culture: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by J.W. Rockey.
• Page 238 - "Head of Horticultural Society Is Buried at Miamisburg," Dayton Daily News, Feb. 15, 1930.
• Page 239 - Bulbs and Tubers: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Clarence Siebenthaler.
• Page 246 - Flowering Shrubs: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, 1897/by Clarence Siebenthaler.
• Page 253 - E.G. Denlinger, "Practical Rose Culture," Dayton Daily News, 1918-1920 [?].
• Page 254 - W.J. Engle: photo, undated. A Part of the Englenook Peony Farm: photo, undated.
• Page 255 - Looking Down the Rows of Iris at Englenook Farm: photos, 1905.
• Page 256 - The Iris: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by W.J. Engle.
• Page 260 - The Dahlia: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by Mrs. Arthur Weaver.
• Page 263 - Lewis F. Carr, "May We Present...Eugene Lee Ferguson," Journal Herald, December 22, 1940.
• Page 264 - "Paper on Flood Control and Conservation Read to Society," Dayton Daily News, February 14, 1937.
• Page 265 - E. Lee Ferguson, "Keep It As Is," Dayton Daily News [?], spring of 1941.
• Page 266 - E. Lee Ferguson, "Many Varieties of Vines Are Available to Beautiful Grounds," Dayton Daily News, March 4, 1938.
• Page 268 - Business of Keeping Bees Big One in Miami Valley: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society and in the Miami Valley/by Minor Pierson.
  • Attached: January 3, 1922
  • From Mr. W.W. Helwig, to the Montgomery County Horticultural Society.
    Mr. Helwig, a superintendent of the county schools, had attended the Montgomery County Horticultural Society meeting in September of 1921 [?]. He was shocked by the criticism by many members on "Agriculture in the Schools." Members of the Society said that the schools were places of "misinformation and stupidity." He tried to go back to the next meeting but was snapped at by the Secretary; for this reason he is writing to the Society explaining what students are learning in schools and on the farms, how students were 20 years ago and how they are today and how good it is to use one's imagination.
  • At the end he has an article:"The Uses of Imagination," New York American, undated.
  • Attached: In Memoriam: Mrs. Alice Mary Keith: address before the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, undated/by unknown.

Box 8, Folder 1, Official Records - Newspaper Clippings, October 1905-1914 (Oversize)

• "Monthly Meeting of the Horticultural Society: Held at Home of Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Nauerth," Dayton Journal [?], June 10, 1905.
• "An Original Poem by Mrs. Withoft," Dayton Journal [?], October 1905.
• "Prospects for a Peach Crop Blighted," Dayton Journal [?], April 4, 1906.
• "The Economic Value of Birds," Dayton Journal [?], May 3, 1907.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "The Deterioration of the Muskmelon," Dayton Daily News, April 1, 1908.
• "Strawberries Have Been Damaged by the Rain," Dayton Daily News [?], May 7, 1908.
• Daniel Berger, "Fruit Reports Are Encouraging Throughout," Dayton Journal [?], May 7, 1908.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Service of Birds Is Exalted and Sustained," Dayton Herald, May 11, 1908.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Strawberries for the Next Year Will Be Affected: By Grubworms, According to Report Received by Horticulturists Wednesday--Four Crop of Vegetables," Dayton Journal [?], August 5, 1908.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Apple and Peach Crop Prospect Encouraging," Dayton Journal [?], June 3, 1909.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Apples Will Be Scarce," Dayton Journal [?], July 8, 1909.
• Daniel Berger, "Urges Legislation For Bird's Benefit," Dayton Journal [?], August 4, 1909.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Attorney Albert Kern Discusses Birds' Value," Dayton Herald [?], August 1909.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Systematic Effort Brings Forth Fruit," Dayton Journal [?], September 2, 1909.
• "Horticultural Society Talks on Topics of Timely Moments," Dayton Journal, October 1909.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "The Window Garden in Winter," Dayton Journal [?], November 3, 1909.
• Daniel Berger, "Horticulturists Discuss Reports of Much Interest," Dayton Journal [?], November 1909.
• "Horticulturists Lay Plans for Extension of the Work," Dayton Journal [?], December 1909.
• "Fruit Trees Not Harmed," Dayton Journal [?], January 5, 1910.
• Daniel Berger, "Fruit Buds Pass the Winter Rigor Safely," Dayton Herald [?], January 6, 1910.
• "House Plants Are Cheerful Companions," Dayton Daily News, January 21, 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Fruit Buds Escape Ravages of Winter," Dayton Journal [?], March 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "May Save Part of Fruit Crop," Dayton Daily News, June 1910.
• "New Bug Uncovered by Horticulturists," Dayton Journal [?], July 1910.
• "Had to Use Stepladder to Pick Giant Tomatoes," Dayton Herald, August 4, 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Best Way to Grow Roses," Dayton Daily News [?], August 1910.
• "Society Urges Better Protection for Trees," Dayton Journal [?], September 1910.
• "Society Urges Fall Planting," Dayton Daily News, October 5, 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Makes Plea for Skill in the Sowing of Seed," Dayton Herald, November 2, 1910.
• "Increased Wheat Yield Possible, Says Society," Dayton Journal [?], November 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Enthusiastic Reports Are Heard by Fruit Growers," Dayton Journal [?], December 1910.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Birds, Flowers, Fruits, Bees and Bugs Discussed," Dayton Journal, May 4, 1911.
• Daniel Berger, "Flattering Outlook for Orchard Crops," Dayton Journal [?], June 8, 1911.
• S.O. Royal, "The Garden As a Playground," Dayton Daily News, June 1911.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticultural Society Meets," Dayton Daily News, September 4, 1913.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticultural Society Meets," Dayton Daily News [?], September 1913.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Monthly Meeting of Horticultural Society Is Held," Dayton Journal, November 6, 1913.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Relation of Forests to Rainfall Shown," Dayton Journal [?], November 6, 1913.
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Vegetable Gardening," Dayton Journal [?], March 5, 1914.

Box 8, Folder 2, Official Records - Newspaper Clippings, October 1905-1914

• Articles Written by Alice Kyle Niebel (Oversize).
• "Horticultural Society Hears Talk on Peonies," Dayton Journal [?], June 6, 1940.
• "Largest Group of Season At Horticultural Meeting," Dayton Herald, November 6, 1941.
• "Chrysanthemum Culture Discussed by Grower," Dayton Daily News, November 6, 1941.
• "Horticultural Society Hears Sources Of Cultivated Plants," Dayton Herald, June 4, 1942.
• "Horticulturists Told Drouth Has Hit Wheat," Dayton Daily News [?], June 4, 1942.
• "Horticultural Society in Anniversary Observance," Dayton Daily News, November 5, 1942
• "Park Department Aid Speaks At Horticultural Meeting," Dayton Journal, November 5, 1942.
• "Officers of Horticultural Society Are Named For '43," Dayton Daily News, December 3, 1942.
• "Officers Are Re-elected By Horticultural Society," Dayton Journal, December 3, 1942.
• "Advantage of Dwarf Trees Told to Horticulturists," Dayton Daily News, January 7, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Hear Talk on Dwarf Orchards," Dayton Journal, January 7, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Hear Talk on Plant Spraying," Dayton Journal, February 4, 1943.
• "Care of Fruit-Bearing Trees Discussed At Local Meeting," Dayton Daily News, January 4, 1943.
• "Flowers, Fruits Discussed By Horticultural Society," Dayton Daily News, March 4, 1943.
• "New Flowers Discussed By Horticulturists," Dayton Journal, March 4, 1943.
• "Garden Plans Discussed By Horticulture Society," Dayton Journal, April 8, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Discuss Vegetable, Flower Gardens," Dayton Daily News, April 8, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Hear Discussion on Reptiles," Dayton Journal, May 4, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Meet Outdoors At Farm Home," Dayton Journal, June 3, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Told of Best Canning Methods," Dayton Daily News, June 3, 1943.
• "Basket Picnic Held By Horticultural Society," Dayton Daily News, July 8, 1943.
• "Horticultural Group Holds Basket Dinner," Dayton Journal, July 8, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Hear Talk on War Substitutes," Dayton Journal, August 5, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Told of Success of Substitutes," Dayton Daily News, August 5, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Hear Talks on Wartime Fertilizers," Dayton Journal, September 2, 1943.
• "Proper Use of Fertilizer Told to Horticulturists," Dayton Daily News, September 2, 1943.
• "Movies, Slides Entertain Horticultural Members," Dayton Daily News, October 6, 1943.
• "Horticulturists Elect Officers," Dayton Daily News, November 3, 1943.
• "Horticultural Society Meets," Dayton Journal, November 4, 1943.
• "Society Opens 1944 Season," Dayton Journal, January 6, 1944.
• "Horticultural Work Reviewed," Dayton Daily News, January 1944.
• "Best-Growing Fruits Listed," Dayton Daily News, February 3, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Given List of 'Best' Fruits," Dayton Journal, February 3, 1944.
• "Speaker Lists Best Fruits for Miami Valley," Dayton Herald, February 4, 1944.
• Untitled, Dayton Herald [?], February 4, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Discuss Garden Plans At Meeting," Dayton Journal, March 2, 1944.
• "Victory Gardens Under Discussion," Dayton Daily News, March 2, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Hear Mrs. Greer," Dayton Herald, April 6, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Hold April Meet," Dayton Daily News, April 6, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Discuss Greens," Dayton Daily News, May 4, 1944.
• "Kauffman Ends Term As Head of Plant Group," Dayton Herald, May 4, 1944.
• "Museum Director Speaker At Horticultural Meeting," Dayton Journal, May 4, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Hear Discussion of 'Color In Gardens'," Dayton Journal, June 6, 1944.
• "Farm Home Renovation Described," Dayton Journal, June 8, 1944.
• "Modernizing of House Described," Dayton Daily News, June 8, 1944.
• "Flower Garden Colors Discussed," Dayton Journal, July 6, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Hear Garden Talk," Dayton Daily News, July 6, 1944.
• John Thorton Wood, "Montgomery County Has 104 Tree Varieties, More Than Is Found in European Countries," Dayton Journal, Dayton Herald, July 23, 1944.
• "Gardeners Hear Talk on Lilies," Dayton Herald, August 3, 1944.
• "Lilies Discussed By Speaker At Horticultural Meeting," Dayton Journal, August 3, 1944.
• "Horticulturists Hear Talk on Garden Bulbs," Dayton Journal, September 7, 1944.
• "Film on Conservation Seen By Horticultural Society," Dayton Journal, October 5, 1944.
• "Horticulturists See U.S. Film," Dayton Daily News, October 5, 1944.
• "New Type Rose Exhibited for Horticulturists," Dayton Herald, October 5, 1944.
• "Alice Niebel Quits Horticultural Post," Dayton Daily News, November 2, 1944.
• "Garden Society Post Resigned By Mrs. Niebel," Dayton Herald, November 2, 1944.
• "Mrs. Niebel Resigns Post With Horticulturists," Dayton Journal, November 2, 1944.
• "Horticultural Society Grants Memberships," Dayton Daily News, Dec. 7, 1944.
• "Horticultural Society Meets With Christmas As Theme," Dayton Journal, December 7, 1944.
• "Horticultural Society Sends Widows Gifts," Dayton Herald, December 7, 1944.

Box 8, Folder 3, Official Records - Newspaper Clippings, October 1905-1914

The Following Articles Are Undated (Oversize).

• "Bees Buzz Big Sound Abroad: Three Hundred Billion of Them Make Noise Like Continental Train of Honey."
  • Attached: "Suggestions for Planting Trees."
• "Forty Thousand Species of Fungus Are Recognized, Declares Dr. Shawen."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Fruit Buds Escape Ravages of Winter."
• "Fruit Growers Endorse New Course in Schools."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticultural Group Instructed on Best Growing Conditions," Dayton Journal [?].
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticultural Society Meets: Educational Discussion of Subject 'Food Value of Vegetables,' by Dr. Charles Shawen Features Program."
• "Horticultural Society Plans Extension Work: Lecture Course Proposed to Spread the Influence of the Organization--Promising Outlook for Fruit Crop Reported."
• "Horticultural Society Sends Widows Gifts."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticulturists Discuss Ruin of the Fruit Crop."
• "Horticulturists Enjoy Session At Fairview."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Horticulturists Hear Talk on Dwarf Orchards."
• Bert Klopfer, "It Happened in Dayton."
• "Live Stock."
• "May Save Part of Fruit Crop," Dayton Daily News [?].
• "Orchards Damaged and Fall Fruit Crop Greatly Reduced By the Cold Winds of May," Dayton Daily News.
• Daniel Berger, "Orchard Fruit Crops Show Most Encouraging Outlook This Year."
• "Peach Buds in This County Are Still Uninjured in the Opinion of Members of the Horticultural Society."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Protection of Quail Urged."
• "Trees Unharmed By Ravages of Season."
• Alice Kyle Niebel, "Wild Roses Have Been Developed Into Hundreds of Varieties."