Sherwood Forest Garden Club 04/26/2002

• The meeting was convened at 10:30 AM at Karen Varsha's house.

• Susan Dallen reminded everyone about the special meeting of the Fulton Federation of Garden Clubs on May 13, 2002 at Villa Christina. The topic of the meetings is orchids. The cost of the luncheon is $25. Susan Dallen, Polly Anderson and Cynthia Jeness are going.

• Susan introduced the hostesses for the meeting: Barbara Disque, Jane Girardeau, Irene Jacobsen, Gail Kurlansky and Charlene Prow.

• Jimmy Bentley then spoke on Georgia, Atlanta and Sherwood Forest history. Jimmy is currently on the faculty at Emory University and lectures on Georgia government and history to seniors as part of a continuing education program.
  • Georgia is a young state, the last of the 13 original colonies. It was found in 1723. It took approximately 85 year to push the Indians back and 100 years for the last land cession.
  • Oglethorpe landed and cut a deal with Indian Chief. The stated purpose of his settlement was help for impoverished people in England; however, the actual purpose was both commercial and military. In terms of military, the goal was to hold back the Spanish and the French.
  • Atlanta was also an important mule trading center. Apparently, mule breeding was introduced into the colonies when George Washington received a "jack" from the King of Spain.
  • The land which was to include Sherwood Forest was purchased by Meredith Collier in 1823. He started his settlement with 2 slaves. He grew corn and vegetables and hunted. He had two sons, George Washington (Wash) Collier and Andrew Jackson Collier.
  • Sherwood Forest land was the scene of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. The remains of the old breastworks can still be scene.
  • When Wash Collier died in 1903, he left the land to his children but the will had a provision that the land could not be sold. This clause was eventually broken and land was sold in blocks starting with the tract from Pershing Point to 14th Street.
  • The Bentley home was built by Meredith Collier, lived in by Wash Collier and then by his daughter Lulu Collier who vacated it during World War II. It was then owned by a civil engineer. The Bentley's bought the house in 1958 and had it remodeled by the architect, Kelly. There is a famous grove of walnut trees in the back yard.

• Grace Quinn then read the minutes of the last meeting.

• Peggy Becker provided the Treasurer's report.

• Helen Wright provided the neighborhood update:
  • Joann Griffith has moved to a new home.
  • Pete Swindell, 89 years old, was involved in a serious automobile accident on a trip to Peachtree Golf Course. He has a broken neck and leg and is in intensive care at Georgia Baptist. His dog, Suzie, is being cared for by neighbors.
  • Lilly Downing is still in the assisted care facility, but is doing great and is expected to return home by May 15.
  • Stacy Martin had her gall bladder removed; however, the procedure went so well she was actually in attendance at the meeting.
  • Gertrude and Jack Crane sent notes of appreciation.
  • Anza Robinson hurt her knee gardening and so had to miss the meeting.
  • Anita Moore's mother is very ill.

• Grace Quinn reminded everyone about the Decorator's Show Case Houses which runs from April 20 to May 12 A group from the Garden Club will be manning one of the houses on May 1.

• Polly reminded everyone about the Sherwood Forest Home and Garden Tour for the benefit of the island fund to be held on September 29. During the September Garden Club meeting, goodies will be collected for sale at the tour.

• Irene provided the horticultural int which related to using water savers in both potted plants and outside as a way to reduce watering frequency.

• Door prizes were awarded. As usual, Inge Mahan had done a fine job of purchasing them.

• Sharon Pauli reminded everyone about the Sherwood Forest Summer Picnic on June 1. She needs volunteers for bar tenders, etc.

• The meeting was then adjourned for lunched which consisted of grapes, cantaloupe, chips, tuna melts and desert of a delicious white cake with pineapple flavored icing provided by Irene.