50 years ago, January 31, 1974Delphi Club Sponsors Petunia Plant Project A community project designed to create civic pride and to beautify Tonkawa for the summer months is being launched by the Delphi Study Club under the direction of a committee composed of Mrs. Clarence Helton, Mrs. Wilson Dupy, Mrs. G. E. Burson and Mrs. R. S. Asbury. Mrs. Olin Walcher, Delphi president, said the project “Planting Pride With Petunias” is in conjunction with the Community Improvement program co-sponsored by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and Sears, Roebuck and Co., and though relatively simple and inexpensive can have far reaching results.“Our goal is that by early summer red and white petunias will be blooming so profusely in the downtown area and at all residences that Tonkawa will be known as “the flower city,” Mrs. Walcher stated.Petunias Adapt Well The petunia was chosen by the committee not only because it is colorful, but because it is well adapted to this climate, is hardy, requires little care and has a long blooming season. The red and white colors were chosen to emphasize Tonkawa’s “Wheatheart” motif and Northern Oklahoma College.The petunias will be planted in the newly constructed planters in the downtown area, Blinn park, at each entrance of town and at many focal points. Assisting in the planting will be the various Tonkawa social and civic clubs.Planting Day To Be Set A “Planting Day” will be designated in the spring and it is hoped that all area residents from school children to senior citizens will participate in the beautification program by planting red and white petunias in all available flower beds, flower boxes, pots, hanging baskets and planters. A “Petunia Show” with cash prizes for various categories is planned for mid-summer in connection with the project.Planting instructions will be announced later by Mrs. Paul Brooks, well-known Tonkawa horticulturist, and Cole Floral will cooperate by handling a large supply of red and white petunia seeds and plants and hanging baskets.“We believe the beautification project can be an actual benefit to local businessmen by making Tonkawa a more attractive place in which to shop,” Mrs. Helton, committee chairman stated, “as well as promoting civic pride and community togetherness.”28 Members Attend UMW Wednesday Meet The U.M.W. of the United Methodist Church met Wednesday, January 23, at 2 p.m. in the Church Parlor. The Executive committee was hostess. Twenty-nine were present.Miss Dorothy Long led “A ...
