introductions
(914) 651-4106 FAX (914) 651-3227
VICE PRESIDENT William Head Department of Horticulture SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, NY 13408
(315) 684-6088 FAX (315) 684-6116
TREASURER Tom Rodler Goldberg & Rodler 216 East Main Street Huntington, NY 11743
(516) 692-8549 FAX (516) 424-0102
SECRETARY Edward Dore Dore Landscape Associates 5911 Fisk Road Pendleton, NY 14094
(716) 625-8005 FAX (716) 625-6348
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE David W. Mcintyre Unilock, Inc. 510 Smith Street Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 822-6074 FAX (716) 822-6076
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Heather E. Nemier P0 Box 657 Baldwinsville, NY 13027
(800) 647-0384 FAX (315) 635-4874
With regard to the purposes set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, but not in limitation there of the Association shall endeavor to promote the general welfare of its members in the following manner:
(a) To create a non-profit organization to advance in the broadest sense the interests of the nurserymen and landscapers of the State of New York by fostering and improving said nursery business through attention to matters concerning its welfare, such as trade promotion, the maintenance of high standards of business practice, the cultivation of customer/client relations and the encouragement of research and development.
(b) To bring into closer relationship all facets of the “industries” for the advancement and betterment of the overall;
(c) To better methods of management;
(d) To review the laws of the State of New York and neighboring states with a view toward encouraging legislation favorable to the nursery/landscape industry;
(e) To provide central headquarters for its members and to do all and anything that will add to the prestige and standing of the industry and the association.
The following history of NYSN/LA was reprinted from the 1988 Directory. Any corrections or additions would be welcomed by the office.
We are indebted to an account of recollections on the part of the late Valleau Curtis and the late. Dr. A. M. Pridham for some of the early history given here. The New York State Nurserymen’s Association was founded well before the turn of the century. For more than 40 years it represented principally the fruit growers and mail order nurserymen of western New York. Nursery centers in the Rochester, Geneva and Dansville areas were very active in these early days.
As the demand for ornamental nursery stock increased, small nurseries and landscapers sprang up throughout the state, especially in southeastern New York and Long Island. It soon became evident that the value of getting together in groups to discuss mutual problems was essential. This gave birth to several small association groups such as the Allied Nurserymen’s Association, on the Hudson and the Long Island Nurserymen’s Association. In the late 1930’s these groups became vital.
At first, names such as Howard Taylor and Peter Van Melle along the Hudson and John Visser of Long Island were prominent. Then in the early 1940’s a new surge of interest for a statewide association took place. To mention some names of prominence in helping to set up the first real New York State Nurserymen’s Association: From western New York-Harry Glen, John Kelly, Richard Holmes, Dan Brown and Howard Moloney: from eastern New York-Howard Taylor, Val Curtis, Peter Van Melle and Louis Weinstock from long Island-John Visser, Jac Bulk, Charles Mouquin, Hewlett Lewis and Lester Mac Robbie. We must also add Ed Costich, who was an active member of the original New York State Nurserymen’s Association. This movement grew out of the short-lived New York State Nurserymen’s Council, founded in 1935. The New York State Nurserymen’s Association was created in December of 1943, comprising the Western New York Nurserymen’s Association, the Long Island Nurserymen’s Association and the Allied Retail Nurserymen’s Association.
The first meeting took place on January 27, 1944 and Howard C. Taylor of Rosedale Nurseries was elected the first president. The first annual Convention was held in Rochester on January 12 and 13, 1945. Howard C. Taylor was the driving force and when his son, Powers, took over 16 years later he was able to give fresh leadership to a much revitalized association.
The old Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City was an early meeting place for association conventions and by 1959 this was superceded by the Roosevelt Hotel as a center for annual conclaves. From 1944 onwards, “Nursery Notes” was published first by Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Sr. and then by Dr. A.M.S. Pridham until his retirement. Thus there was a major line of comunications between Cornell University and the nursery industry. Regular meetings at Ithaca and at Farmingdale provided the forums necessary for nurserymen to keep abreast of their industry. And close liaison with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, and his entire staff throughout the Division of Plant Industry was maintained, as it is today.
By 1959 it became apparent that the dues structure of the organization was insufficient to provide the base for all the forward-looking programs envisioned by the association leadership. (This sounds familiar.) Under the presidency of Louis Weinstock, 1959 and 1960, Al Synesael, 1960 and 1961, and climaxing in the presidency of Frank Bon Giorno, 1961 and 1962, the Association made its last remaining leap forward, putting it on the threshold of the modern era. By March 1961 it had incorporated, and by January 1962, after an initial year of going it alone with a convention at the Concord, it forged a link with the Eastern Regional Nurserymen’s Association as a joint venture.
At this juncture, C. Powers Taylor, Rosedale Nurseries, emerged as president for the years of 1962-63 with a singular grasp of the essentials that guide the destinies of an association. His year of organizational work, during which Frank Bon Giorno served as convention chairman, paved the way for ringing successes to follow. The “Every Member Get A Member” membership drive was launched. Revisions of the Beautification Act were made. A major effort was made to improve the annual convention and trade show. Powers Taylor was named to the Hall of Fame and given credit for launching NYSNA on its current, purposeful and rewarding course, precipitating the association into its modern era. His year was known as the Year of Transition.
The year 1963-64 became the Year of Expansion under the Presidency of Bernard Stangler, Land O’Trees Nursery. A membership drive to 700 prospects was mounted. A Beautification Act was signed into law, years before a national beautification drive was conceived. However no commission to implement the law was ever appointed. A growth of 118 booths and 1021 in attendance marked the second year of unusual growth for the Concord show.
Appropriately enough, the 1964-65 period was known as the Year of Promotions under President Peter Costich. That was the year in which the NYSNA exhibit at the New York State Fair Grounds in Syracuse was launched with William Kuhl, Shepard Nurseries, then a director of the association from Region 4 providing the inspiration and effort for the project. In subsequent years until his death. Kuhl guided the destiny of this exhibit; the court where the exhibit stood was named in his honor.
This year 1965-66 became known as the Year Of Budget Consolidation under President Victor Musso, Pine Knoll Nurseries. A legislative representative was engaged to represent NYSNA for the first time. Impetus was given to the Fairgrounds Exhibit as 1000 sets of four new posters were distributed to members, along with 200,000 each of two leaflets on the same subject matter. A “Trees” exhibit out of Cornell was distributed for use throughout the state.
The year 1966-67 was called the Year Of Special Studies under the Presidency of Robert S. Taylor, Congdon’s Wholesale Nursery. A wages and hours study was completed and plagued by problems brought on by a severe water shortage, legal aid was enlisted to help cope with the water situation. Continuing work was carried on in the areas of membership, calendar promotion, on the Fairgrounds exhibit, and on the general area of beautification.
The year 1967-68 was the Year Of Educational Endeavor under the Presidency of George Hren, Anton Hren Nurseries. Research into the beautification program, and the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture & Markets brought into fruition the booklet “When You Beautify New York…” This was a 24-page, four- colorbooklet with 200,000 copies ready for distribution. The Pridham scholarship drive was introduced that year. Membership in the New York State Agricultural Businessmen’s Council was solidified, as was work on the New York State Fair Grounds. In the Legislature, an Arborists license bill was stopped, as was a ‘free” trees to municipalities effort.
The year 1968-69 was the Year Of Beautification under President Stanley Titus, Kelly Brothers Nurseries. The William Kuhl Court was dedicated at the New York State Fairgrounds and our exhibit was seen by 80,000 Fair Visitors. The A.M.S. Pridham Scholarship for a worthy student at Cornell University’s New York State College of Agriculture went into effect. A cooperative effort with Cornell brought forth highly- popular regional conferences, replacing an annual summer conference and serving more directly the needs of nurserymen at the local level. The beautification booklets were printed and a slide presentation was inaugurated.
The contributions of the Presidents to follow were so varied that we cannot identify specific years. For example, Dave Schade strengthened the strong lines of communication to the New York College of Agriculture at Cornell during his year as President 1969/70. He continued cooperation with the New York State Agriculture & Markets and the independent legislative representation in Albany through an association with the New York Farm Bureau. There were exhibits at the International Flower Show and the New York State Fair Grounds at Syracuse.
In addition, he launched two major efforts; I) refinement of a “who”, “what”, “where” on horticultural education in New York State and 2) an intensified drive on the labor front, to develop industry and educational programs to meet the challenge of labor scarcity.
In 1970, Don Pollitt was President and recalled how a large tree, a three-ton red oak was taken down Fifth Avenue on Earth Day, April 22. At 14th Street, a ceremony took place in Union Square for the planting. Earth Day was symbolic of a fresh start. Also under the Pollitt administration, the proposal was made that five State Schools teaching horticulture should be offered scholarships, which later went into effect
In 1971 the certification program was spearheaded by President Fred Mitchell. The program was initiated and finalized. He also placed heavy emphasis on more regional involvement and scholarships. A steady growth can be reported in the following three years under Ed Fava in 1972, William Bailey in 1973 and John Miller in 1974.
Then George Kallfelz assumed the chair in 1975 and Margaret Herbst was named Executive Secretary. “Nursery Lines” was inaugurated, also the insurance program. The Certified Nurserymen program was refined. Student Placement became a viable program. The Cornell Summer Seminar was expanded. The Landscape Awards winners were displayed at the Concord Show. A contribution was made to the Warren Johnson’s Insect Book. The scholarship program was standardized. Membership promotion packets were developed and distributed. The booklet “It Pays to Belong” was published.
In 1976 John Newhouse had a short period as President, but had to step down due to ill health. George Schichtel finished out the year. There was a new attendance record at the Concord Show. The first certification exams were scheduled at Cornell University. The Cornell Summer Seminar was very successful. Nurserymen visited Cobleskill.
George Schichtel was then elected for a full term as President for the year 1977.
The Student Placement Center was continued at the Concord with the Landscape Awards presented there at the Annual Meeting. The Certification exam was scheduled in March and new procedures took effect. The Collection Service was approved. A membership contest was held. A successful Summer Session took place at Cobleskill. The insurance program was improved. The first lottery was announced. Ninety-seven nurserymen are now certified. This year saw the beginning of the Scholarship & Research Fund.
In 1978, under the Presidency of Al Krautter, Sprainbrook Nursery, Anna Feile became active with the Student Placement Program. The Summer Seminar was organized on Long Island, moving it around the state. A concentrated effort on a membership drive realized the goal of Al Krautter for 100 new members. The workmen’s compensation program was highlighted this year. The wide spread of state nurseries was stopped. The Education and Research Fund grew. There was a meeting with the Governor at the C.A.O. Meeting in Albany. Certification tags were issued with other identifications.
In 1979, under President Henry Weller, Congdon & Weller, the first Niagara Falls Show was held with Summer Seminar. A joint meeting with ASLA, NYSNA and NYSAA took place at the Show in Niagara Falls. Student Placement is progressing well. A certification exam was also held at Niagara Falls, with a first meeting of certified nurserymen.
In 1980, Jack Lander became President. The certification manual was revised. Landscape Awards were presented at the Second Annual Trade Show in Niagara Falls. The Foundation became a reality. Arbor Day expanded with thanks to George Schichtel and John Schultz.
In 1981 under the Presidency of Arthur Steffen, the Trade Show moved to Syracuse with educational sessions. The Foundation took over Certification. Arbor Day was reactivated. The Drought Survival Kit was published due to the severe drought conditions. The Foundation Scholarship awards were presented to winners during a luncheon at the Concord. The Foundation also staged a Phone-a-thon which raised considerable revenue. The Hall of Fame Award was inaugurated at the State Fair.
In 1982, Frank Ferraro became President. The Fall Planting Program was inaugurated, with kits issued. Scholarships were awarded regionally. A successful Arbor Day took place at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany. The First Gold Medal was awarded to Dr. P.P. Pirone. A special issue on Fall Planting was put out under the banner of “Nursery Lines.” The Court of Honor was opened at the State Fair in Syracuse.
In 1983, with John Schultz as President, the Cornell Seminar and Short Course was a success. Arbor Day was expanded with the offering and planting of trees throughout the state. Brochures were printed and the ceremony well attended when a tree was planted in the Governor’s Grove. A second lottery was announced. A Friends of Industry dinner honored Ron Barrett. There was a meeting of the P.R. Committee at the Concord. The second Gold Medal was awarded to the late Edwin Costich. The Charlestown Factory Outlet Tulip project produced beauty and revenue. The Fall Planting Council is now active. There was a major renovation of the Horticulture Building at the Syracuse State Fair.
In 1984, with Ken Wilk, Valley View Nurseries, as President, the Spring Gardening Course was inaugurated. There were winter seminars for certified nurserymen, organized by Fritz Schaefer and Dr. Arthur Bing. A new category of educator membership was introduced. The third Gold Medal was awarded to Frank Karpick of Buffalo. Landscape Awards were presented at the Concord Show. Arbor Day expanded further with a significant ceremony in New York City to augment the one in Albany. Dr. George Good was honored as a Friend of the Industry.
In 1985, our president Ralph Snodsmith made his contributions. He had visited all regions to play up membership and membership benefits. The Association was represented with Ag & Markets at the International Flower Show. The Fall Planting Program was expanded. The Drought Survival Manual was reprinted due to the severe drought conditions in many parts of the state. The Careers brochure was published in cooperation with the New York State Arborists; for the past two years there has been a helpful liaison between the two groups. The Association joined the New York State Pesticide Users Council. This Directory became a reality.
In 1986, Heinrich Fischer became President and the Careers in the Green Industry brochure was reprinted after good distribution to guidance counselors. Our new booth was not only utilized at the State Fair but also at the Concord and other locations. Nelson Rockefeller was honored on Arbor Day at the Governor’s Mansion. Governor and Mrs. Cuomo were present. Regional Arbor Day coordinators cooperated making trees available in all areas. The certification program took an upturn under the chairmanship of John Braddell. Dr. Arthur Bing was the Gold Medal winner and Alfred Krautter the recipient of the Hall of Fame. There were 38 entries in the Landscape Awards Contest.
1987, the second Annual Directory was published and made a profit. David Linehan was elected President. Our new booth had even greater use in regional shows and at both the Flower Industry and Turfgrass Association Conventions. David’s administration will be remembered for the Arbor Day poster project. A new membership drive was organized by Gary Gasparini. The Green Council began to take hold with the active participation of David Linehan and Heinrich Fisher. The 200th anniversary of the Constitution was observed at the Arbor Day ceremony in Albany. Joseph Harris was the Gold Medal recipient and Fritz Schaefer was named to the Hall of Fame.