"Through the Garden Gate” by Alice Bell
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Jessie Kaune told me how the Mukilteo Way Garden Club began. Coming from Missouri early in the century, she and her husband Quentus bought properties in Everett and eventually built their home on Mukilteo Boulevard.
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They were fascinated by the way things grew in Washington, contrasted with their former homes. She planted flowers and vegetables and he took charge of the trees, some of which still flourish. Being a friendly person, Jessie was soon acquainted with their neighbors, who came to admire the Kaune plantings. Eventually, the women met regularly as a depression era group called the Darlington Home and Garden Club. Their first (organizational) meeting was September 9, 1933. That group helped organize Everett Garden Club, the Evergreen District and Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. Helen Jensen and Freda Craft were leaders there.
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As the club grew to include many residents away from Darlington area, the ladies felt they needed a name indicating a larger region. As Mukilteo Boulevard being newly improved, they chose Mukilteo Way Garden Club, descriptive of their extended interests.
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They cooperated with Rose Point Garden Club and Everett Garden Club in the Flower Show and in Evergreen District. The Rose Point and Mukilteo Way clubs, together, for many years, cared for the Fowler Pear Tree at the site of Mukilteo's beginning. Finally, Mukilteo Way club had the entire responsibility for the site and made contact with Barbara Brennan Dobro, one of the Fowler heirs and owner of the property, receiving her thanks and permission to “Do whatever you like at the place.”
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They cleaned up the grounds and made a little park around the tree, planting a barberry hedge for protection and many azaleas as memorials to deceased club members. The seat around the tree was made and installed by member Eleanor’s Hempler’s husband George. Helen Astlund’s husband, Torchy, made a handsome sign for "Fowler Park" to honor Mukilteo’s founder.
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The club celebrates its anniversary at ten year intervals. On September 17, 1983 and 1993, teas were held at Mukilteo Presbyterian Church's social hall, with invitations going to other clubs of the Evergreen District and Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. In 1993, the club was honored by the attendance of the State Federation President, JoAnne Goldman and Evergreen District president, Gerry McKimson.
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In 2003 the 10th anniversary was celebrated in much the same way as the previous two decade observances. We’re now in our 79th year and still enjoying our Garden Club and the many friendships we’ve made through the years and continue to make even now.
