1950-1970’s

Red Clay Valley Association

The first important conservation work following the war was an investigation of water pollution and soil conservation.  With the help of Clayton Hoff, the Red Clay Valley Association was formed in 1952.

Garden at John Dickinson Mansion

In 1954 the GCW was approached by the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion near Dover and asked to provide a plan for an 18th century garden.  The plans were created by Alden Hopkins, the landscape architect who supervised the layout of the grounds for Colonial Williamsburg.  Funds were raised by the “Hostess at Home” project, when seven members opened their homes to the public with displays of table settings for various types of entertainment.  The hostesses included Mrs. Alfred E. Bissell, Mrs. Lewis du Pont, Mrs. Nicholas R. du Pont, Mrs. Pierre S. du Pont III, Mrs. Samuel Homsey, Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, and Mrs. David Stockwell.  5,000 guests came from some distance and the tour raised $3,000, enough to cover Mr. Hopkins’ fees and to make a generous contribution to the restoration of the garden. 

Kennett Pike Association

By the time of post-World War II development, the Kennett Pike still appeared much as it had at the turn of the century.  However, when Mrs. Horace K. Dugdale, Jr. saw changes which threatened the character of the Pike, she assembled a group of her fellow GCW members, including Mrs. David Foster and Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. to beautify the Pike and advocate for responsible development.  Out of their efforts, the Kennett Pike Association was formed in 1957 and continues today.

Landscaping Island in Front of YMCA

In the fall of 1966 the GCW decided it was time to make a significant contribution to the city in the form of a small park.  Once again the source of funds was an Open House tour. The hostesses were Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, Mrs. George Bissell, Jr., Mrs. Lewis du Pont, Mrs. Glasgow Reynolds, Mrs. Nicholas R. du Pont, Mrs. David Stockwell, plus Mr. Henry F. du Pont and Mr. H. Rodney Sharp.  The tour was sold out and produced almost $26,000 in funding.

Quadrangle Plaza

In 1975, the Greater Wilmington Development Council approached GCW to spearhead interest and funding for a plaza park in front of the Brandywine Building on Delaware Avenue.  The Community Projects Committee, with Mrs. Eleuthere I. du Pont (Minda) as chairman, approached downtown businesses and private foundations and was successful in raising most of the funds necessary.  Later the plaza was renamed H.B. du Pont Park Plaza

The Wilmington Garden Center and The Delaware Center for Horticulture (the DCH)

In 1977 the Community Projects Committee, under the leadership of Mrs. Henry Belin du Pont (Emily), decided it was time to create a garden center in the city, a headquarters for the exchange of horticultural information and ideas.  It would sponsor lectures and workshops and organize plant sales and exhibits. The GCW raised $18,000; this was matched by the city, enabling the purchase and renovation of a small row house at 503 Market Street. The Wilmington Garden Center was dedicated in 1977.  With an emphasis on neighborhood outreach and horticultural education, the center flourished, offering classes to the community on gardening, urban beautification, and tree tending.

Fifteen years later, a $2.2 million fund drive allowed the center to move to 1810 N. DuPont Street.  The mission of the Wilmington Garden Center continued, with over 400 volunteers and 600 members, and acquired a new name, the Delaware Center for Horticulture.  Since inception, members of GCW have passionately supported the organization and served as dedicated volunteers and Board Members. All GCW presidents serve on the DCH Board of Directors.  Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018, the DCH remains committed to promoting a knowledge and appreciation of gardening and conservation, by working to create community gardens, supporting urban farms, beautifying public spaces and roadways, and educating the communities of Delaware.