Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/166

160 aid, a three-dollar membership fee, the generosity of the public and members furnished the necessary money.

On petition to the legislature setting forth the situation, urging an appropiation [sic] for more efficient work, to secure a permanent organization, the matter was taken up by the legislature, discussed pro and con, and finally an appropriation of $3,000 per annum was passed, since which time the society has had state aid. At the fourth fair, at Salem, George Collier Robbins of Portland, was elected president, Albert Walling, secretary.

This society has been an important factor in promoting the agricultural interest of the State, now a permanent state institution holding a creditable state fair at Salem annually.

The Oregon State Horticultural Society was organized in Portland January 13, 1889, with a long list of active members from all over the State. J. R. Cardwell, president, E. W. Allen, secretary.

For many years quarterly horticultural meetings were held by invitation from the different towns of the State, with marked interest and beneficial results to the horticulture of the State, financially, fraternally, and socially.

The local interest and generosity of resident horticulturists in the display of fruits, flowers, decorated halls, music, excursions through the country, well-ordered ovations, the defraying of all expenses of visiting members and the society, was a notable feature of these gatherings. Able papers were read and discussed, the best social feeling prevailed, and everybody went away feeling better and wiser.

The Oregon State Horticultural Society is now a permanent prosperous state institution, active in the work of horticulture. Biennial meetings are held, the annual meeting January 13 in Portland, and one summer meeting out, as designated by the executive committee on