In August, 1977 a new constitution and by-laws were adopted and in 1979 the dues were increased to $7.00 for individuals and$10.00 for a couple. On October 30, 1981
the society was incorporated in the state of Tennessee as "The Memphis Orchid Society" a not-for-profit organization with the stated purpose "to increase and disseminate the knowledge, appreciation, improvement,
and conservation of orchids." In 1987 dues were increased to $20.00 "per household" and current dues are $25.00 per household, of which 62 are listed in the 2004 membership roster (23 of these include 2 or more members).
For several years the society has conducted for the public a 4 or 5 session introductory course on growing orchids, formerly in conjunction with the University of Memphis, and more recently in conjunction with the Memphis Botanic Garden, the course entitled "Orchids on the Windowsill" offered on Sunday afternoons in June. In addition several of our members have presented programs on orchids for local garden clubs and other interested groups.
Most of our members are hobbyists who enjoy growing a few plants in their homes or in small greenhouses, but several have become quite experienced growers and breeders with rather large collections of plants which regularly receive AOS awards in most of the shows where they are entered.
Through the years many different people have contributed to the society by serving as officers, chairmen or committee members for local shows, setting up society exhibits in local and out-of-town shows, providing refreshments for meetings, and hosting social events or out-of-town speakers. One of our former presidents, Dr.
Charles Deere (1979-80), died in 1982, and his sizable collection was given to the Memphis Botanic Garden, with the agreement that the society would help the garden staff with
maintenance of these and other plants in a greenhouse dedicated to growing orchids.
The society continues its monthly Sunday afternoon meetings with informative programs, with members sharing reports of successes and failures, bringing plants for "show and tell," or for advice for problems, for swapping or for auction (proceeds going to the society), and generally enjoying fellowship with other orchid lovers. The visitors are always welcome.
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