History
The Sogkonate Garden Club was founded in 1975 by a group of friends who loved gardening and had a vision and desire to beautify their town. The name chosen was the Native American name which means “Land of the Black Goose”. The Club adopted the violet, Rhode Island’s state flower, as its logo. The Sogkonate Garden Club became a member of the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs.
The Club offers educational programs for the local grade school children and regularly provides speakers for the community at large. The Club has undertaken several civic beautification projects, including the gardens at the Burchard Triangle and the Brownell House, has installed a Blue Star marker and organized the rebuilding of a memorial wall. (pictured)
In recent years, the Club’s focus has been on the use of native plants and ecologically sound gardening techniques. A demonstration meadow was created and is maintained by the Club at the new recreation field. The Club continues its dedication to its mission of educating children and adults, protecting natural resources, plants and wildlife, and preserving and contributing to the beauty of Little Compton.
To read Carolyn Montgomery’s detailed description of the history of the Sogkonate Garden Club since its foundation in 1975, click on 45 Years History
Archive of Memorials & Remembrances in Little Compton, RI, July 2017
The Sogkonate Garden Club has produced “An Archive of Memorials & Remembrances in Little Compton”. Over 148 individuals and 35 memorial sites are listed as well as the poem, “Our Town” written by Ian M. Walker, father of Coll Walker. The project started when someone suggested a tree be removed at Wilbur & McMahon School. Fortunately, another person remembered it was a memorial planting. Thus, the quest for information began. Researchers were Mary Marra, Carolyn Montgomery, Barbara Passmore, and Caroline Wordell, design assistant was Joyce Dunagan.
No project is completely accurate despite hours of research. There will be omissions and errors. For additions, corrections, or comments email the club at SGC@sogkonate.org
You can access the archive directly from these links:
Cover of Archive of Memorials & Remembrances
Archive of Memorials & Remembrances
Printed copies can also be obtained at the Brownell Library and Little Compton Town Hall at no charge.
Founding Members 1975-1976
Helene Brousseau
Charlene Brown
Rose Burns
Eva Graves
Janice Harvey
Betty Hathaway
Barbara Madden
Carolyn Montgomery
Mary Jane Peckham
Martha Thornton
Patricia Tracey
Charter Members 1976 (including the names above)
Jane Benson
Muriel Bodington
Lynne Borges
Jean Brady Cooney
Rena Rockwell
Miriam Burchard
Joan Burchard
M. Betty Chace
Margaret Chisholm
Matilda Crandon
Sheila Danneman
Catherine Francis
Anne Frechette
Margery Harrigan
Carolyn Halleck
Ruth Knutsen
Linda LaFlamme
Eunice Levene
Patricia McCarthy
Alison Reid
Clare Renasco
Joanne Ryan
Frieda Schaubhut
Ruth Strawbridge
Barbara Passmore
Hope Taylor
Nellie Watson
Virginia Withington
Caroline Wordell