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A History of the Society |
| The Los Angeles Cactus & Succulent Society, an affiliate of the Cactus & Succulent Society of America, was founded in 1935 to further the enjoyment & disseminate information about cacti & succulents. Below is a year-by year account of the Society's activities since 1935. |
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| 1935:
"The cost to mail a letter was three-cents, a pound-loaf of bread was
eight-cents, a quart of milk was twelve cents, a gallon of gas was nineteen
cents, the average price of a home was six-thousand dollars, and Franklin
D. Roosevelt was the President of the United States" as noted in It was
a Very Good Year! Birthday Cards by Kalan. The original
name of the club was "Southwest Cactus Growers." The founding members
consisted of Don and Murray Skinner, Joe Grijalva and Hubert Monmonier.
Meetings were held every Tuesday at the Manchester Park Recreation Center.
The club had their first cactus show at the Manchester Park Recreation
Center Jun 29 and 30, 1935, where over ten-thousand people attended.
[Top] |
| 1936:
The club had weekly meetings at the Manchester Park Recreation Center.
Twenty-two club members enjoyed a desert field trip in which some of the
daring members participated in the capture of a rattlesnake, fried it,
then ate it as the main course. Members Don and Murray Skinner adventured
into Baja, California, with a group of thirty other cactophiles, resulting
in a story that was featured in the September issue of Desert Plant Life
Magazine. The club was experiencing tremendous growth in membership.
The second annual cactus show, held June 27 and 28, 1936, also brought
an additional ten-thousand-person attendance of the general public.
The youngest member of the club was 4-year old Billy Olin, who could recite
the nomenclature of the plants he owned. A cactus show was held
in June, where a sweepstakes and contest for the rarest cactus was held.
This generated increased interest from the general public. Club
president was Don Skinner. [Top] |
| 1937:
A major January freeze, said to be the worst in twenty-four years, had
some taken by surprise; growers still cleaning up into March.
Member Murray Skinner received a write-up in Desert Plant Life Magazine
on the "First Succulent Show"; article written by Mrs. Rooksby.
Cacti were so amazingly popular that President Roosevelt reserved 330,690
acres in Arizona for the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (now a national
park). [Top] |
| 1938:
The club received mention in two different articles in the Desert Plant
Life Magazine. There was an increased awareness that more interest
from the general public was taking place because of the increased attendance
of the cactus shows. Club members participated in working in the
succulent garden at the Manchester Park Recreation Center's Garden.
Members enjoyed a field trip to Lower (Baja) California. Club President
Don skinner was quoted as saying that "the 1938 group was the most serious
and eager to learn." [Top] |
| 1939:
The club decided to celebrate Christmas with the use of a Christmas Tree
at the party. Forty-nine members and friends attended the
Christmas Potluck Supper. Duplicate plant trading among members
was encouraged by the club. The club initiated a scrap book for
publicity; its whereabouts are no longer known. The club celebrated
Halloween by accepting an invitation to help out at the local haunted
house Haloween-Eve-affair. The club also had a trading table for
members who wished to trade plants and participated in a picture contest
at the meetings. The club studied the use of succulents for food,
as well as flowering periods of plants. The club enjoyed a field
trip to members John and Dorothy Akers, Mr. and Mrs. George Olin, Mr.
and Mrs. Henry C. Beam, and Ted Taylor's cactus gardens at their homes.
Members also enjoyed participation in the cactus garden at the Manchester
Park Recreation Center. The club president was Roy Miller.
[Top] |
| 1940:
Club meetings were held every Wednesdays, where members enjoyed a monthly
potluck dinner and sometimes a regular home-cooked dinner. The club
went on field trips to the Cal Hoffman Ranch, Split Rock, 29 Palms, Joshua
Tree National Monument and Maechtlen Gardens in Covina, The Huntington
Gardens, and member Homer Rush's garden. The club had its 6th Annual
Cactus Show where between twelve and fifteen-thousand persons attended.
The Christmas Party cost only 35-cents per member who attended.
The normal club activities for the year consisted of study, lectures,
slides, trading nights and auctions. The club president was Roy
Miller. [Top] |
| 1941:
The club meetings were held at the Manchester Park Recreation Center.
The club focused on beginners with the theme "To be a Cactus." The
club participated in the Inglewood Plant Show and took field trips to
the Borrego Desert, Tegelberg Gardens, and Hummel's Nursery. Member
Waldie Abercrombie gave talks on plant forms. December meetings
were cancelled due to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Meetings at that
time were held at the Manchester Park Recreation Center every Wednesday.
"Cactus Bill" (Bright) was quite active in club participation.
Members enjoyed tea, cookies, ice cream and cake during breaks and sometimes
an occasional pot-luck dinner. The club presidents were Roy Miller,
followed by John Akers. [Top] |
| 1942:
Club meetings were held in Newhall at Cactus Bill Bright's house.
Club by-laws were changed so all committee chairmen were members of the
board with full power to act. Members enjoyed the plant naming contest,
where each member was asked to bring in twelve plants each un-named.
Emphasis placed on the use of common names as they are identified with
botanical names. A plant exhibit was held at Homer Rush's house
on June 13th and 14th. Military members were allowed extensions
on their membership dues. The club set up a committee for further
study. The club presidents were Walter Runyon, followed by Homer
Rush. [Top] |
| 1943:
The club president was Homer Rush. [Top] |
| 1944:
Club meetings were held monthly. Youngest club member was six-month
old Terrence Abercombie. The club president was Homer Rush.
[Top] |
| 1945:
Club meetings were held at member Waldie Abercombie's and club president
Homer Rush's house. The study hour was a regular activity at the
club meetings. W. Taylor Marshall's book Succulent Plants gives
Mr. and Mrs. Rush an acknowledgement credit. The club celebrated
with a pot-luck dinner. [Top] |
| 1946:
Club meetings were held in Highland Park. The club donated South
African plants from various members to the Papago Park Botanical Garden.
Scott E. Haselton's book Epiphyllum Handbook gives acknowledgement credit
to member Theresa Monmnier, also Cactus Pete. The club enjoyed field
trips to Long Beach and the Huntington Gardens. The club president
was Homer Rush. [Top] |
| 1947:
Club meetings were held at the Manchester Park Recreation Center in Los
Angeles. Members became more active in participating in desert field
trips. The club's name officially changed to "The Los Angeles Cactus
and Succulent Society." Former members returned to the club in a
new resurgence. The club started a new activity of having monthly
tours of member's gardens, cactus nurseries, public gardens, etc.
Members started inviting collectors as guests to the meetings. Concentration
and extra effort was placed on improving the club in every way.
The club focused special attention on original botanical names and descriptions.
The club presidents were Homer Rush, followed by Ted Taylor.
[Top] |
| 1948:
The club's library was showing signs of development. The club proposed
to collect extra plants when collected by permit for the Hancock Foundation's
Herbarium. The club president was Ted Taylor. [Top] |
| 1949:
The club presents its library to the Cactus and Succulent Society of America,
and in a reciprocal gesture, the club, as a group, was made lifetime members
of the National Society (CSSA). Instead of a time-out break for
refreshments, the club enjoyed a basket lunch at the monthly meetings
and sometimes dinner (home-cooked meals) when meetings were held at members'
homes. Some of the members attended a cactus convention held in
Arizona. The club president was Ted Taylor. [Top] |
| 1950:
The editor of the Cactus Chronicle asked the readers if they were interested
in the continuation of the article "As I Recall," featuring club
news from the past. Due to overwhelming response, the readers voted
to continue the piece. October 7th and 8th the club enjoyed
a field trip to San Diego and Baja California . [Top] |
| 1951:
Some of the members attended a cactus convention held in Denver, Colorado.
The June meeting was held at the home of members George and Mary Glade,
where the club enjoyed a wonderful ravioli for dinner. Meetings
were held in various locations from Los Angeles to La Canada. Santa
Ted Taylor gave out gifts at the Club Christmas Party where members enjoyed
an excellent ham dinner. The club president was Homer Rush.
[Top] |
| 1952:
Club meeting were held in Hollywood, Pasadena, Garden Grove and Huntington
Park. The club enjoyed a field trip to the Borrego Desert, Baja,
and Ensenada. Members participated in drawings to win cactus cuttings.
The Cactus Chronicle featured "Botany Lessons" and contributions
from members. Nomination for the next year's proposed board members
took place in June. An amendment was made to the by-laws covering
how many times board members could hold their position. Members
Mr. and Mrs. Rush invented a cut-out used for new membership cards.
Emphasis was being placed on the members to participate at the meetings.
At the end of the year, members were able to have their copies of the
entire year Chronicle bound in a paper cover and labeled for only 15-cents.
The club president was Homer Rush. [Top] |
| 1953:
Club meetings were held in La Crescenta, Burbank, Lomita, Garden Grove,
Alhambra and Southgate. The club established guidelines to ensure
that members received the Chronicle 10-days prior to club meetings.
Non-members wer able to subscribe to the Chronicle for $1.00 per year.
The Chronicle featured articles "Botany Lessons," a "Cactus Calendar"
and contributions from members. Board member elections were held
in the month of July. Members were able to enjoy an occasional picnic
lunch provided by the club at no cost to those who attended the meetings.
The club president was Nick Bokarica. [Top] |
| 1954:
Club meetings were held in Los Angeles, La rescenta, Lomita, Alhambra,
Huntington Park and Garden Grove. Subscriptions to the Cactus Chronicle
were sold to non-club members for $1.00 per year. A feature in the
Chronicle called "From the Mailbag" encouraged readers to participate
with input and/or any questions they may have had. Other features
in the Chronicle were the "Cactus Care Calendar,""Desert Vegetation,"
and contributions by various club members. Instead of a snack break
at the monthly meetings, the club enjoyed boxed luncheons, sometimes there
was a charge for dinner; 50-cents for adults and 25-cents for children,
there were occasional pot-luck dinners. Members enjoyed a field
trip to the famous gardens of Madame Ganna Walska north of Santa
Barbara in Montecito and a camping trip May 1st and 2nd at the Joshua
Tree National Monument. The club celebated Christmas with one of
the members dressed up as Santa Claus giving out gifts. The club
president was Nick Bokarica. [Top] |
| 1955:
The club celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Club meetings were
held in Hollywood, Eagle Rock, Alhambra, Los Angeles, Burbank, and South
Gate. Sometimes the club would charge 50-cents to 75-cents to pay
for the cost of the dinner served at the meetings; at orther times,
members were asked to bring their own sandwiches and snacks to the meetings.
The general public could subscribe to the Cactus Chronicle for $1.00
per year. The club enjoyed a field trip to the Santa Ana Botanical
Garden in Claremont. The editor of the Chronicle defined the term
"failure" as 1) "Those who thought and never did," and 2) " those who
did and never thought." Ed and Betty Gay received an acknowledgement
in Edgar Lamb's book The Illustrated Reference on Cacti and Other Succulents,
Volume One. The club president was George Glade. [Top] |
| 1956:
Club meetings held in varios locations, such as South Gate, Alhambra,
Tujunga, Burbank, Los Angeles, etc. Membership ranged from Hollywood
to Pacoima. The club organized and established various committees,
such as receptions, editorials, botanical programs, special events, refreshments,
by-laws, shows and exhibits, to name a few. Members were allowed
to enter only one plant of a genus or classification selected for the
month in the club's plant contest. Members would bring their own
sandwiches, cookies, cups, plates, and tableware to enjoy the lunch at
the meetings. The gifts for the Christmas party gift exchange were
not to exceed $1.00 in cost. The general public was allowed to subscribe
to the Cactus Chronicle for only $1.00. The club enjoyed a field
trip to Joshua Tree National Monument, May 5th and 6th. The club
president was George Glade. [Top] |
| 1957:
Club meetings were held at Frank Detkey's house. The february meeting
consisted of a field trip exhibit to Freemont Agriculture Center.
Members also took field trips to the Huntington Botanical Gardens and
Joshua Tree National Monument. Yearly subcriptions to the Chronicle were
only $1.00 to non-members. Club membership consisted of twenty-four
persons. The club had a nomenclature committee and a refreshments
committee. The club watched slides of the members' cactus gardens.
The term "Time-Waister" was the nickname for any cactus recipe that
took more time and trouble than it was worth. Members continued
to participate in the "guessing contests," "plant-of-the-month" contests
and decided to create the "swap table" at the monthly meetings.
The Cactus Chronicle Editor was Murray Skinner. The club presidents
were George Glade followed by Ted Taylor. [Top] |
| 1958:
Members Ed and Betty Gay had featured articles in the Cactus Chronicle.
Chronicle readers showed increased appreciation, when renewing subscriptions,
praised the Chronicle. At the same time, the club was encouraging
non-members to subscribe to the Chronicle. The club's official library
was started due to a contribution of books donated by former member Gertrude
Gilbert. The club president was Ted Taylor. [Top] |
| 1959:
Club meetings were held at Fremonth High School Agriculture Center.
The club participated in a contest, held at the monthly meetings called
"What's my Name?" Members earned points by correctly identifying
plants on display. This was a fun and creative learning experience
for plant identification and learning plant botanical names. The
contest was run similar to today's "plant-of-the-month" contest.
Only the top winning contestants were listed in the Chronicle, showing
their score of points. The club also had what they called a "Plant
Cultural Contest." Winners' names were also listed in the Chronicle.
The Chronicle also gave mention to readers (subscribers) who participated
by sharing interesting topics by sending them in to the editor.
The Chronicle also featured biography stories on individual members.
The refreshment committee sold refreshments at the monthly meetings; memebers
were asked to bring their own cups and spoons. Club membership increased
to fourty-one persons. The club celebrated Christmas, Mexican style,
with a cactus barrel "pinata" and "charro." Ed and Betty Gay received
an acknowledgement in Edgar Lamb's book The Illustrated Reference on Cacti
and Other Succulents, Volume Two. The club President, Ted
Taylor, once again played Santa at the Christmas dinner. [Top] |
| 1960:
The club celebrated it's 25th Anniversary. The Chronicle experienced
more non-member subscribers' active participation consisting of everything
from seeking certain types of cacti to interesting input. Due to
popular demand, subscriptions to non-members were encouraged so that readers
in more distant away areas and out-of-state could receive the Chronicle.
Members Ed and Betty Gay were very active in the club, the Chronicle would
keep tabs on them as well as their contributions. The club president
as Howard Snyder. [Top] |
| 1961:
Club meetings were held at the Agricultural Center of the Freemont High
School every second Sunday. The trading table was was observed to
be more active than normal. Club participation in the "Cultural
Contest" was a membership favorite. Members ventured on field trips
to the Huntington Botanical Gardens, Gana Walska's Cactus Garden in Santa
Barbara, Ensenada, and R.H. Diehl's Cactus Patch in Vista. The Chronicle
was still available to the outside public for a subscription rate of $100
per year. The club celebrated the "Annual Chronicle Benefit
Day" in April, where members donated plants as an aid to deter Chronicle
expenses and avoid raising membership dues. The club presidents
were Howard Snyder and Ed Gay. [Top] |
| 1962:
Club meetings were held at Fremont High School Agriculture Center in Los
Angeles. The "Trading Table" was one of the activities at
the meeting and it played a major role for some who were extremely serious
about this activity. The Chronicle was informative in relation to
snakes, tortise tracks, bugs and other wildlife one may encounter in the
desert wilderness,in addition to the regular features. Subscriptions
of the Chronicle to non-members were still only $1.00 per year.
Club members went o field trips to San Diego and Palm Springs. The
club supplied doughnuts and coffee, while the members were asked to bring
their own lunches to the meetings. To increase membership, the club
encouraged members to invite guests. member Lucy Hartley brought
eighteen guests to one meeting, of which several became new members.
The club also enjoyed the "Plant Guessing Contest" at the meetings.
The club resident was Ed Gay. [Top] |
| 1963:
Club meetings were held at Fremont High School Agriculture Center in Los
Angeles. The club participated in the Pomona County Fair.
Ed and Betty Gay contributed twenty-six cacti to be used among other members'
contributions. The club won first prize (blue ribbon) including
$150.00, second prize (red ribbon), including $100.00 with a trophy.
Temperatures at the fair grounds reached 115-degrees causing damage to
some of the succulents in the club's landscape display; however, the club
managed to win second place, receiving a silver platter. Ed and
Betty Gay were regarded as experts and gave speeches at various clubs,
such as the Mojave Desert Cactus Club. Ed and Betty Gay received
an acknowledgement in Edgar and Brian Lamb's book The Illustrated Reference
on Cacti and Other Succulents, Volume Three. Ted Taylor received
an acknowledgement in E. Yale Dawson's book The Cacti. The club
president was ED Gay, vice president was Virginia Martin. [Top] |
| 1964:
Club meetings were held in Los Angeles. Active membership dues were
$1.50 per year, which included subscription to the Chronicle. Non-members
could still subscribe to the Chronicle for $1.00 per year.
The club presidents were Ed Gay followed by John Akers. [Top] |
| 1965:
The club celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Club monthly meetings
were held at Fremont High in Los Angeles. Activities included cultural,
trading and bragging tables. The Chronicle featured "Questions asked and
Answered" from the previous meetings, to provide knowledge to the
readers in addition to the regular articles. The club instituted
a special award to Don Skinner, member since 1935, for many years of faithful
service. The club president were John Akers followed by Bob Foster.
Some of the club members held high positions of office in the Cactus and
Succulent Society of America; President was Don Skinner, Vice President
ED Gay, Secretary Virgina Martin, and Treasurer Dr. Robert Craig.
[Top] |
| 1966:
Club meetings were held at Fremont High School. The Chronicle contained
a gossip column. Members learned about photography and various methods
of special effects when potographing cactus. Club member Joan
Johnson was named the first "Lifetime Member" of the Desert Protective
League. The club's library had to impose a 25-cent-per-month overdue
charge. Ed and Betty Gay received an acknowledgement in Edgar
and Brian Lamb's book The Illustrated Reference on Cacti and Other Succulents,
Volume Four. Don Skinner took the photos for E. Yale Dawson's book
The Cacti of California. The club received mention in that book.
The club presidents were Joh Akers followed by Bob Foster.
[Top] |
| 1967:
Club monthly meetings continued at Fremont High in Los Angeles and then
moved to the Balboa Naval Center. The club had a normal year, some
interesting and special features in the Chronicle. Walt and Maxine
Wegner joined the club (still members in 2000). The club presidents
were Bob Foster followed by Bill Lockwood and the Cactus Chronicle editor
was Murray Skinner. [Top] |
| 1968:
Club meetings were held at Fremont High, The Ruskin Art Center in Hollywood,
then moved to Cal State College in Los Angeles. Another year for
the club featured the cultural, drawing, trading and bragging tables,
guest speakers and slides. The club practiced keeping a good sense
of humor while at the same time was quite informative. Members tooka
a field trip to Santa Barbara and some members enjoyed a special trip
to Baja California with Ed and Betty Gay. The club president was
Bill Lockwood. [Top] |
| 1969:
Club meetings were held at Calfironia State College Science Building in
Los Angeles. Non-members who were long-time subscribers to the Chronicle
were becoming club members. The plant identification contest
was still a club favorite at the monthly meetings. The club president
was Bill Lockwood. [Top] |
| 1970:
Monthly club meetings were held at California State College Science Building
in Los Angeles. Subscriptions to the Chronicle were $2.00 to non-members,
$1.50 to associate members and included in the membership of $3.00 to
active members. Cactus Pete Jr., son of long time club member Cactus
Pete joined the club. Mrs. Cactus Pete was a guest speaker
at the April meeting. The club president was Manny Singer.
[Top] |
| 1971:
Club meetings were held at cal State College Science Department in Los
Angeles. The Chronicle featured a section called "Murray's Scrapbook,"
a collection of articles from Murray Skinner. The first edition
of the Cactus Cook Book, compiled by member Joyce Tate was published.
The Cactus Cook Book was dedicated to members Ted Taylor and Don Skinner.
Members Betty Gay and Virginia Martin were Co-Chairpersons in charge of
the Cactus Cook Book and were contributing recipe writers for Nopalitos.
Member Murray Skinner's definition of Cactus Jelly or Jam was "A Boasters
Feat." Prickley Pear syrup was used as a topping for ice cream in
many gourmet resturants in theUnited States and Mexico. Edgar and
Brian Lamb's book The Illistrated Reference on Cacti and other Succulents,
Volume Three was reprinted; Ed and Betty Gay receiving an acknowledgement
credit. Murray Skinner was the Chronicle Editor (Member for 36 years,
since 1935). [Top] |
| 1972:
Club meetings were held at Cal State College Science Building Lecture
Hall. The Cactus Chronicle subscriptions were still available to
non-members for $2.00 per year. Michelle Low wrote some featured
articles for the Chronicle. The Chronicle continued the Legacy of
"Murray's Scrapbook," and featured articles on desert wildlife describing
what one may encounter in the desert such as coyotes, etc. Don and
Murray Skinner received an acknowledgement in Eric Walter's book Echeveria.
The Second Edition of the Cactus Cook Book compiled by member Joyce Tate
was published. The Cactus Cook Book was dedicated to members Ted
Taylor and Don Skinner. Members Betty Gay and Virginia Martin were
Co-Chairpersons in charge of the Cactus Cook Book and contributing recipe
writers for Nopalitos. The club presidents were Many Singer
followed by Victor Turecek. [Top] |
| 1973:
The club enjoyed door prizes and plant auctions at the montly meetings.
The saga of "Murray's Scrapbook" continued in the Cactus Chronicle.
The Chronicle was still hand-typed and was sold to the general public
(non-members) for $2.00 per year. Edgar Lamb's book TheIllustrated
Reference on Cacti and Other Succulents, Volume Two was re-printed with
Ed and Betty Gay receiving an acknowledgement credit. The club president
was Bill Lockwood. [Top] |
| 1974:
Club meetings were held at Cal State College lecture hall. The Chronicle
was available to non-members for an annual subscription fee of $2.50.
The club president was Victor Turecek. [Top] |
| 1975:
Club meetings were held at the Navy Reserve Center, Encino, CA.
The Chronicle was available to the general public (non-members) for a
yearly subscription of $2.50 per year. The hand-typed Chronicle
was quite informative and in demand by popularity. Betty Gay and
Virginia Martin were main contributers to the Chronicle. The
Chronicle's appearance started taking a more defined format and was easier
to read. Edgar and Brian Lamb's book The Illustrated reference on
Cacti and Other Succulents, Volume Four was reprinted and gave acknowledgement
to Ed and Betty Gay. The club was encouaging guests to attend
the meetings. Sometimes as many as 21 guests could be counted at
the meetings. Walt and Maxine Wegner re-joined the club and are
still members in 2000. [Top] |
| 1976:
Club meetings were held at Northridge Valley Savings. Attendance
at the meetings averaged approximately 57 members and 14 guests per month.
The Chronicle became easier to read and improved cosmetically in
its appearance. The Chronicle editors were Woody and Connie
Minnich who published the Chronicle from Lancaster, California.
The Chronicle, though, was no longer available to the general public;
only active associate members. The Third Edition of the Cactus Cook
Book, compiled by Joyce Tate was published. The Cactus Cook Book
was dedicated to Ted Taylor and Don Skinner. Members Betty Gay and
Virginia Martin were Co-Chairpersons in charge of the Cactus Cook Book
and were contributing recipe writers for Nopalitos. Woody Minnich,
Virginia Martin, Betty Gay, Victor Turecek were very active with the club.
The club president was Woody Minnich. [Top] |
| 1977:
Rogers Weld received acknowledgement in The World of Cactus and Succulents,
published by Ortho Books. Club president and Chronicle editor was
Woody Minnich. [Top] |
| 1978:
Club meetings were held at the Reseda Recreation Center and Cal State
College. Approximately 67 members were attending the meetings on
a regular basis. The fourth edition of the Cactus Cook Book compiled
by member Joyce Tate was published. The club president was
Irv Burns [Top] |
| 1979:
Club meetings were held at the Reseda Recreation Center. Approximately
56 members and 7 guests would attend the meetings on average. Dr.
Lee Gold was active with the club and gave speeches and showed educational
slides at the meetings. Club president was Irv Burns.
[Top] |
| 1980:
Club meetings were held at the Reseda Recreation Center in Reseda. The
club held a plant sale at the LA Zoo April 27th. Club presidents
were Irv Burns followed by Larry Hutchins. [Top] |
| 1981:
Club meetings were held at the Reseda Recreation Center in Reseda.
The club held another plant sale at the LA Zoo April 26th. Chris
Rogers, Artie Chavez, Duke and Kazuko Benadom became members.
The club's publicity was uplifted when Betty and Ed Gay were on TVChannel
11 during the week of September 14th, Ed Gay was also quoted and given
mention in the October-November issue of Flower and Garden and member
Robert Greenberg was in the October issue of Sunset Magazine. Woody
Minnich was club president. [Top] |
| 1982:
Club meetings were held at the Reseda Recreation Center in Reseda and
Town Hall in Granada Hills. The club enjoyed a field trip to Abbey
Gardens. M.B. Bayer's book The New Haworthia Handbook gave an acknowledge
credit to Guy Wrinkle. The club president was Woody Minnich
.[Top] |
| 1983:
Club meetings were held at the Town Hall in Granada Hills. Club
president was Woody Minnich. [Top] |
| 1984:
Meetings were held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Northridge.
Sandy Chase became a member. Members enjoyed field trips to Cactus
Ranchito, Saddle Back Butte State Park, Antelope Valley Indian Museum,
Rainbow Gardens, The Devil's Punchbowl and Wood Minnich's Cactus Data
Plants. The Chronicle gave mention to Ted Taylor, who started
with Cactus in 1926 and took club field trips for twenty years (1955 -
1975) with Ed and Betty Gay and Virginia Martin. Long time
members Joyce and Harry Tate attended the Christmas Party. Guy Wrinkle
wrote an article on "Soils for Euphorbi Culture" in the Euphorbia
Journal, Volume Two. The club president was John Burton followed
by Walt Wegner. [Top] |
| 1985:
Club monthly meetings were held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
in Northridge. The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary at Braemar
Country Club where Ted Taylor provided education and slides on the club
and original-member history (now and then). Long-timemembers,
Joyce and Harry Tate also were in attendance. Dennis Juhnke gave
an educational talk and presentation at a meeting. Brigitte
Williams and Mac McCalister join the club. Club president was Walt
Wegner. [Top] |
| 1986:
Club meetings were held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Northridge.
Manny Singer wrote the introduction to Juan Chahinian's book The Sansevieria
Trifasciata Varieties (A presentation of all cultivated varieties).
Ed and Betty Gay received an acknowledgement in Arthur C. Gibson and Park
S. Nobel's book The Cactus Primer. The club presidents were
Walt Wener followed by Charles Spotts. [Top] |
| 1987:
Club meetings were held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in
Northridge. Members enjoyed field trips to the Huntington Gardens,
Grigsby Cactus Gardens and Tropic World. Sandy Chase was very active
with the club, giving an educational talk and presentationat a meeting.
Members enjoyed eating opuntia pads cooked with onions and bacon that
were delicious at the May meeting. Cactus Jack Klarin (1998 member
& friend of the club) received 3rd place in the LA Water and Power
Water Conservation Contest and was featured on the front page with Color
photo in the "LA Life" section of the Daily New. The club president
was Charles Spotts. [Top] |
| 1988:
Club meetings were held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Northridge
and Old Fellows Hall in Sepulveda. Steve Ball became a new member.
The club thanked Bert and Manny Singer for bringing eight guests to the
August meeting. The club made special tribute to long-time members
Betty and Ed Gay at the Christmas Party. The club president was
Charles Spotts. [Top] |
| 1989:
Club meetings were held at Odd Fellows Hall in Sepulveda. Club members
enjoyed a field trip to Rainbow Gardens. The club president was
Charles Spotts followed by Duke Benadom. [Top] |
| 1990:
The club was listed in The World of Cacti, written by Danny Shuster.
Guy Wrinkle gave educational presentations at the meetings. Members
enjoyed field trips to The Devil's Punchbowl, Abbey Gardens and The Botanical
Gardens in Santa Barbara. Steve Frieze was very active with the
club. Betty and Ed Gay were still major contributor to the Chronicle.
They also received The Superior Service Award at the CSSA's convention
in Denver, Colorado. The Chronicle used a cut-and-paste method for
reproduction to enable more input and creativity. The June issue
of the Chronicle featured photos of the members garden tours. The
club presidents were Duke Benadom followed by Sandy Chase.
[Top] |
| 1991:
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cacti by Clive Innes and Charles Glass
gave mention to the Chronicle and credit to Victor Turecek.
[Top] |
| 1992:
Club meetings were held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Sepulveda. The
club acknowledged long-time members Harry and Joyce Tate's 60th Wedding
Anniversary. Member Ed Beghoff's band "Reach for the Sky" performed
at the Inter-City Cactus and Succulent Show and their photo was featured
in the September issue of the Cactus Chronicle. The
November issue of the Chronicle featured an article with a photo of Brigitte
Williams entitled "Aunt Brigitte Wants You." The club presidents
were Sandy Chase followed by Brigitte Williams. [Top] |
| 1993:
Club meetings were held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Sepulveda. Bruce
Cameron, Bob Car, Frank Depew, Carl Gover, Jim Leong, Bill Hagbom and
Ed Beghoff were very active with the club. Bob Schick was a speaker
at the 10th Succulent Plants Symposium at the Huntington Botanical Gardens.
Rogers Weld received an aknowledgement in Paul H. Thomson's Dudleya and
Hasseanthus Handbook. The Chronicle transformed into the "computer
age" using word processing techniques. The Chronicle editor
was Walt Wegner. The club president was Brigitte Williams.
[Top] |
| 1994:
Club meetings held at the Northridge Woman's Club. The Chronicle
was a compilation of cut-and-paste, and various word-processing to ensure
that many contributions would be included in the publication. The
Chronicle editor was Walt Wegner. Ronnie Schultz was Club Secretary.
Simon Zhamkochyan joins the club. The club presidents were
Brigitte Williams followed by Tony Feicco. [Top] |
| 1995:
Club meetings were held at the Northridge Woman's Club and Sepulveda Garden
Center. The club celebrated its 60th Anniversary. The club
congratulate and gave recognition to Norma Lewis and Simon Zhamkochyan
for superb plant displays. The club promoted the "Freebie Table"
at the meetings and in the Chronicle. The club acknowledge Walt
and Maxine Wegner's 50th Wedding Anniversary. Bob Schick was
recognized in the Chronicle as an "Echinopsis and Lobivia Expert."
The club president was Tony Feicco. [Top] |
| 1996:
Club meetings were held at the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino.
The club experienced tremendous growth. The Chronicle Editor was
Brigitte Williams. The club president was Arnie Mitchnick.
[Top] |
| 1997:
Club meetings were held at the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino.
The club received a listing in The Complete Book of Cacti and Succulents,
written by Terry Hewitt. The Chronicle was given a facelift with
a newer word-processing program. The Chronicle editors were Brigitte
Williams followed by Shelley Chase. The club became more focused
on beginners and new members. Duke and Kazuko Benadom received Superior
Service Awards at the CSSA's convention in San Diego, California.
The club president was Mary Weld. [Top] |
| 1998:
Club meetings were held at the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino.
Cacti Bob (Bobby Dean) a.k.a. "Cactus Bob" joins the club. Duke
Benadom received a front page write-up with his photo in a local Pasadena
newspaper. New member Bobby Dean received a front page write-up
with photo of his backyard in a local Antelope Valley newspaper.
Club membership doubled in size in a period of one year. The Chronicle
editor was Shelley Chase [Top]and the club president was Artie Chavez. |
| 1999:
Club meetings were held at the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cacti by Clive Innes and Charles Glass
was re-printed and gave mention to the Chronicle and credit to Victor
Turecek. Bobby Dean was nominated and elected as Director of Publicity.
The club reverted to its roots (the early days of 1935), celebrating tradition
by hosting its very own show and sale at the Sepulveda Garden Center,
16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino, Saturday June 19th and Sunday June 20th.
The club received a write-up in the Daily News "L.A. Life - Home and Leisure
Section" front-page with color photos, featuring Duke and Kazuko
Benadom, Gene and Laura Oster, and Artie Chavez. New member Deborah
Kaye was presented with an Oustanding Performance Award lead by Director
Bobby Dean, for assiting the Publicity Department's Action Plan Committee,
achieving excellent results. Lots of excitement abounds the year,
coupled with the rejuvenation from new members who joined and old members
who returned. The Chronicle Editor was Barry Barton and the club
president was Artie Chavez. [Top] |
| 2000:
Club meetings were held at the Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia
Blvd., Encino, California thru May. Due to overwhelming response,
the club has outgrown the Sepulveda Garden Center. Members and guest
attendance had exceeded room size capacity. On June 22nd the club
meetings will be relocated to The Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa
Blvd., Encino, a larger & more economical location. Meetings
will be held on the 4th Thursday of the Month, starting June 22nd.
Still going strong after all of these years, the club entered its 65th
enthusiastic and spectacular year of existance with a healthy attitude.
Y2K ready with it's up-dated web site with lots of action filled excitement
for the entire year. Once again the club reverted to its roots hosting
its own show Saturday & Sunday June 17th & 18th. The club
received two write-ups regarding the Show & Sale in the Daily News.
Bobby Dean was re-elected as director of publicity. Thru July,
the Publicity Department's Action Plan Committee's expences are down more
than 100% for the entire year. Director Bobby Dean anticipates
that it shall continue to improve throughout the next year! Chronicle
editor was Janine Hantsch followed by Gene Oster and club president was
Artie Chavez followed by Steve Frieze. [Top] |
| 2001:
Since 1935 the Los Angeles Cactus & Succulent Society's purpose has
been the education, conservation and study of cacti & succulents.
The club looks to the future hosting the Cactus & Succulents Society
of America present its 29th Biennial International Convention Sunday,
July 1 through Friday, July 6, 2001 at the Warner Center Marriott, 21850
Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, California 91367
[Top] |
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