A Brief History of the New York District
The NEW YORK DISTRICT is part of the American Rose Society, which is the oldest, single plant horticulture society in the United States. The ARS was founded in 1892 and is 130 years old.
ARS Mission Statement:
The American Rose Society exists to promote the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose, and to improve its standard of excellence for all people, through education and Research.
ARS Vision Statement:
The rose is America's National Floral Emblem. We aspire to be the nation's best source for information, research and education about the rose for our members and for the general public. We will share this information through a website, a national network of Consulting Rosarians, and rose shows and non-competitive rose exhibitions open to the public.
With 67 years to its credit, the New York District has much to be proud of. The district is rich with many talented members who willingly give of their time and resources to continue in the tradition begun by those founding members. It is a heritage we proudly continue.
If you already grow roses, we welcome you as an old friend. If you are thinking about growing roses, we encourage you to join us and discover the joy of growing roses and the peace and solace of the rose garden. You can find further information on becoming a member of the American Rose Society and one of its local societies at www.rose.org
New York District Directors
1954-1961 Mrs. Edward O. Winegar
1962-1967 O.L. Van Valkenburgh
1968-1973 Floyd Taylor
1974-1979 Peter Haring
1980-1985 Louise Coleman
1986-1991 Carl E. Wagner
1991-1997 Lois Fowkes
1997-2000 Robert Ardini
2001-2003 Lillian Walsh
2003-2006 Dr. Eugene Noto
2006-2012 Patricia Shanley
2012-2018 Ann Gibson
2018-2021 Joe Gibson
2021-2023 Louis Arce
www.arsnewyorkdistrict.org
ARS Mission Statement:
The American Rose Society exists to promote the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose, and to improve its standard of excellence for all people, through education and Research.
ARS Vision Statement:
The rose is America's National Floral Emblem. We aspire to be the nation's best source for information, research and education about the rose for our members and for the general public. We will share this information through a website, a national network of Consulting Rosarians, and rose shows and non-competitive rose exhibitions open to the public.
- The New York District is made up of 8 local rose societies.
- The New York District was formed in 1954 by Mrs. Edward O. Winegar, O/L. VanValkenburgh, Floyd Taylor, Betty Mellon and Clarence Davis.
- The first District Director was Mrs. Edward O. Winegar.
- The Silver Honor Medal, Outstanding Consulting Rosarian Award and Outstanding Judge Award are the highest honors given by the District and they are presented at the District Convention.
- The first Silver Honor medal was awarded to Mrs. Harold A. Cowles in 1957.
- The first Outstanding Consulting Rosarian was awarded to Mrs. Harold A. Cowles in 1960
- The first Outstanding Judge was awarded to Mrs. Harold A. Cowles in 1978.
- The New York District holds its annual meeting at the District Convention, which is hosted by one of the local societies each year.
With 67 years to its credit, the New York District has much to be proud of. The district is rich with many talented members who willingly give of their time and resources to continue in the tradition begun by those founding members. It is a heritage we proudly continue.
If you already grow roses, we welcome you as an old friend. If you are thinking about growing roses, we encourage you to join us and discover the joy of growing roses and the peace and solace of the rose garden. You can find further information on becoming a member of the American Rose Society and one of its local societies at www.rose.org
New York District Directors
1954-1961 Mrs. Edward O. Winegar
1962-1967 O.L. Van Valkenburgh
1968-1973 Floyd Taylor
1974-1979 Peter Haring
1980-1985 Louise Coleman
1986-1991 Carl E. Wagner
1991-1997 Lois Fowkes
1997-2000 Robert Ardini
2001-2003 Lillian Walsh
2003-2006 Dr. Eugene Noto
2006-2012 Patricia Shanley
2012-2018 Ann Gibson
2018-2021 Joe Gibson
2021-2023 Louis Arce
www.arsnewyorkdistrict.org
