After over 80 years, the Portage and District Horticultural Society's closing down. Thirty years-plus president Patsy Beck explains why.

"We just can't get enough people interested in taking positions and doing things. The fair board's having the same problem right now."

Beck recounts some of the highlights of the society.

Beck with her scrapbook and photos of the Society"Well, years ago, I think that the flower show was the big thing in August. It's only a one day thing, but there's a lot to getting ready for it. And in May they have a plant sale, and that was always popular. I hate to see that stop. And I felt that the older people were the ones that really enjoyed it. And they are now at the Manor or Campbell Lodge. But we still try to keep them going by letting them know. And they would bring them over with the Handi-Van. And there was always a tea involved -- especially the flower show. They enjoy looking at all the plants."

She notes some of the more important activities in which the Society was engaged for the City of Portage.

"I have pictures in there where we cleaned up by the cenotaph when it was by the post office and we planted some flowers there. We planted flowers and things out at the museum. We have a garden out there. Last year I let them know that we didn't have the workers to go out there and work on it."

Beck explains her role in the group.

"I no sooner joined than I was on board. I was in the kitchen to start with, and I ended up as president. And I've been there I'd say for over thirty years. It's hard to get another replacement."

She shares her feelings upon hearing the news of the Society's decision.

"I think it's a sad day. But they voted on it, and they voted to fold. And I said, 'Well, I like to show my flowers and make a bit of money, because I spend a lot of money on my yard.' They said, 'Oh, well you got the fair.' Well now, I got a letter this week. I don't know if I have got the fair. There's a section in there that we did flowers just like we did for our own show. And if they fold it, then you don't have it. A lot of other things are going down at the fair, too, there."

Memories of the Society via photos

Beck remembers their heyday.

"We had a lot of people at the time. We must have had over 40 members. Then we were down to around 30, or less than that now."

Looking back, she adds the society did wonderfully.

"Oh very well. I felt that it did. I always felt that we had a great turn out for the fall show. And as I said, people were asking for the plant sale. And we did okay with that, too. And we made enough money... usually at the plant sale we would make enough money to cover the fall show."