Garden Club of Beverly Morgan Park celebrates 100 years

The club has grown from a handful of women in 1926 to over 100 diverse members today.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Garden Club of Beverly Morgan Park was formed in 1926 by a small group of women as the Morgan Park Garden Club. Now with over 100 members, the club is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with a yearlong series of events, including presentations on gardening in the 1920s, field trips, and participation in the local Memorial Day parade.

Why it matters

The club has played an important role in community beautification and gardening education over the past century, stepping in to maintain local parks and public spaces when the city could not. Its evolution from an exclusive, invitation-only group to a diverse, community-focused organization reflects broader changes in the neighborhood and city.

The details

The club was officially chartered as a member of The Garden Club of Illinois in 1927. To commemorate the 100th anniversary, club member Eileen Quirk Rowan created a yarn painting featuring over 100 colorful flowers, which is being displayed at local businesses. The club will also host presentations on heirloom plants, a field trip to Morton Arboretum, and a community event at the Beverly Arts Center, where they maintain gardens.

  • The Garden Club of Beverly Morgan Park was formed in 1926.
  • The club was officially chartered as a member of The Garden Club of Illinois in 1927.
  • The club is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong series of events.

The players

Eileen Quirk Rowan

A club member who spent two months crafting a still life picture of more than 100 colorful knit and crochet flowers to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

P.J. Pistek

A club member who recently gave a PowerPoint presentation on the club's history to a large group gathered after a monthly meeting.

David Perry

The first man to join the club in 2013, who has served several years as club treasurer.

Donald Atkinson

A club member who has sought and received advice from the club on landscaping and garden infrastructure for a garden he's helped establish for St. Margaret of Scotland parish grounds.

Dorothy Straughter

Said to be the club's 100th member, who joined in 2023 because she was already doing gardening activities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For a $25 membership, there's so much fun stuff to do.”

— David Perry, Club Treasurer (Chicago Tribune)

“My wife roped me into joining, and I thought it was just going to be a lot of people eating and gossiping, but the first time I went, I thought, these people know some things.”

— Donald Atkinson, Club Member (Chicago Tribune)

“I thought it (the club) was just going to be a bunch of ladies that got together and went out, but it turned out to be more.”

— Dorothy Straughter, Club's 100th Member (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The club will continue its yearlong 100th anniversary celebration with additional events, including a presentation on prairies by Chicago High School of Agricultural Sciences students and participation in the 100th annual Morgan Park/Beverly Memorial Day Parade.

The takeaway

The Garden Club of Beverly Morgan Park's evolution from an exclusive, invitation-only group to a diverse, community-focused organization reflects the changing dynamics of the neighborhood and city. The club's century of work in community beautification, gardening education, and civic engagement has left a lasting impact on the local area.