The Poestenkill Historical Society Presents The Gladioli King

The Poestenkill Historical Society will meet at 7 pm, April 24, at the Poestenkill Town Hall on Rt. 351. At this month’s program Sharon Klein, Berlin Town Historian, will present a program on Cowee’s Gladioli business.
Visitors flocked to Berlin from all over to see the 50 varieties of gladiolus in full bloom in  the early years of the 20th century. These blooms covered about 100 acres at the Meadowvale Farms in Berlin, owned by Arthur Cowee. From Cowee’s bulb storehouse, near the Berlin railroad station, car loads of cut flowers and prize-winning bulbs were shipped all over  the United States. In the 1908 catalogue there is a list of awards given to Arthur Cowee for his gladioli up to that date. Between 1892 and 1928,  Arthur Cowee of Berlin was known as “The Gladiola King.”
The program is free and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be provided by Joan Zweig. For directions and information, call Pat at 518-283-5223.