From a handwritten document by the first secretary of the club, Maud Roark August 26, 1953, at 7:30 P.M. all local persons known to have the mutual interest of growing and propagating the new hybrid daylily, or Hemerocallis, were invited by Mr. Lupton Rainwater to meet in his home for the purpose of organizing a local Hemerocallis Society. The following persons accepted the invitation: "(list of 20 persons, including Mr. Rainwater). "Of this number twenty (20) persons joined the local Society and one (1) member of every family present joined the National Hemerocallis Society. Others not present paid dues to the local and National Societies bringing the membership to twenty six (26). Mr. Rainwater discussed the advantages of a local Hemerocallis Society and offered day lilies from his own garden as prizes, or inducement, to those who would join both Societies that evening. Dr. Curtis Hutton talked about Florida hybridizers and their introductions and the suitability of day lilies for Pensacola gardens. Colored slides were shown of Mrs Bright Taylor's and Mrs. Sam Register's introductions. A local Society was organized with these temporary officers elected: President, Mr. Lupton Rainwater; Secretary, Mrs. George Roark; Treasurer, Dr. Curtis Hutton. President Rainwater called for an executive meeting of the officers Saturday, August 29. After adjournment the members enjoyed a tour of Hempatch, the Rainwater garden. There was a meeting of the Pensacola Hemerocallis Society at the U.S.O., September 16, 1953, at 7:30 P.M., President Lupton Rainwater presiding. The guest speaker was former Regional Director of the Hemerocallis Society, Mr. Milton Blanton of Atlanta. Dr. Curtis Hutton gave a talk on composting and fertilizing. The following Committees were appointed: Telephone, Mrs. Alice Meriweather, and Mrs. Maggie Eubanks; Scrapbook, Mrs. Earl Doll; Fertilizer experiment, Mr. B.V. Holland; outside projects, Mrs. B. V. Holland; book listings, Mrs. Curtis Hutton and Mrs. Lupton Rainwater. The President proposed a plant auction for the October meeting. The idea as adopted and Mr. Charles Wiggins was appointed auctioneer. Mrs. George Roark was asked to list the plants offered for auction. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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