Seaweeders History

In the 1950s and 1960s, Bay Head and Mantoloking were summer towns alive with residents and visitors who came to enjoy the beach and sail on Barnegat Bay. The summer population soared due to the fact that Bay Head and Mantoloking are in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. At that time, there were very few residents who lived here year round. The families who chose to make this area their primary home shared a similar situation.

Husbands commuted to New York City for work while wives tended to the homes and families. Strong friendships were formed as these women spent time together.

The story of the Seaweeders Garden Club began with six women who formed an organizing committee which quickly expanded to 24 charter members. These women loved gardening, arranging flowers and beautifying their town. In November 1963, they held their first meeting at Kate Cutler’s home on Lake Avenue in Bay Head. The newly minted garden club decided that Bay Head needed beautifying. They fabricated seasonal decorations for store fronts and the Firehouse at Christmastime. A tree was planted at the Firehouse and native plants were installed all around Twilight Lake.

As the club grew, members had the opportunities to learn about horticulture, gardening and floral design. They discovered new ideas, formed lasting friendships and attended outstanding garden-themed programs. Seaweeders initiated community projects and conservation efforts. Today, we are members of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and The Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc.

FOUNDING MEMBERS - Established in 1963

Mrs. William J. Allsopp (Flo)

Mrs. F. W. Applegate (Polly)

Mrs. Herbert J. Ashley (Shirley)

Mrs. Harrison T. Barrow (Libby)

Mrs. David C. Bogle (Kate Cutler), Club Founder

Mrs. Grant W. Bauer (Liz)

Mrs. Henry J. Chafey (Arlene)

Mrs. Philip S. Clarke (Bernice)

Mrs. Lester M. Collins (Rebekah)

Mrs. William O. Corbin (Barbara)

Mrs. J. Westford Cutler (Katherine)

Mrs. H. Irving Dunn (Margaret)

Mrs. Hubert Johnson (Florence Isabelle)

Mrs. Fred S. Keefer, Jr. (Olivia)

Mrs. Ernest F. Keer, III (Sue)

Mrs. James C. Kellogg (Betty)

Mrs. Philip B. Lawrence (Helen)

Mrs. Alfred B. Nunan (Beverly)

Mrs. Frederick Smith (Judy)

Mrs. Theodore F. Smith (Althea)

Mrs. I. Foster Tallman (Inez)

Mrs. Alan Van Winkle (Gail)

Mrs. Gordon Wright (Margo)

PAST PRESIDENTS

1963-1966 Mrs. David C. Bogle (Kate Leigh)

1966-1968 Mrs. Theodore Mauro (Natalie) †

1968-1970 Mrs. H. Irving Dunn (Margaret) †

1970-1972 Mrs. Grant W. Bauer (Liz) †

1972-1974 Mrs. Eugene P. Etzel (Betyann) †

1974-1976 Mrs. Herbert J. Ashley (Shirley) †

1976-1978 Mrs. Harland C. Essertier (Adelma) †

1978-1980 Mrs. J. Norman Hughes (Jean) †

1980-1982 Mrs. Richard H. LaBonté (Katie) †

1982-1984 Mrs. James R. Bird (Ruth) †

1984-1986 Mrs. Thomas M. Buck (Marianne) †

1986-1988 Mrs. Robert M. Applegate, Jr.(Wini) †

1988-1990 Mrs. John J. Lee, Jr. (Kelly) †

1990-1992 Mrs. Richard. McDonough (Nancy) †

1992-1994 Miss Ann B. Harris

1994-1996 Mrs. Frederick Chesterman (Rosemary)†

1996-1998 Mrs. Frank J. Finch, Jr. (Mary Anne)

1998-1998 Ms. Heather McDowell

1998-1999 Mrs. Robert M. Applegate, Jr. (Wini) †

1999-2001 Mrs. John McGeown (Mary) †

2001-2003 Mrs. J. Rodney Edwards (Anne)

2003-2005 Mrs. Paul Keating (Pat) †

2005-2007 Mrs. Mitchell Shivers (Nancy)

2007-2009 Mrs. T. Scott Hughes (Terry)

2009-2011 Mrs. James Urner (Sherry)

2011-2012 Ms. June Pendino †

2012-2014 Mrs. Stanley Witkowski (Sandra)

2014-2016 Mrs. Alan Laymon (Susan)

2016-2018 Mrs. Thomas McIntyre (Eileen)

2018-2019 Mrs. Shaun K. Morrissey (Peggy)

2019-2022 Mrs. Lawrence W. Nelson (Beth)

2022-2025 Mrs. Christopher Bredin (Jennifer)

†Deceased