A La Conner tradition rooted in more than a century of community care
In La Conner, the scent of fresh fir and cedar marks more than the holiday season — it signals the return of a community tradition that has flourished for generations.
The La Conner Civic Garden Club has been offering wreaths and swags for over 30 years, with proceeds supporting the Pioneer Picnic, a scholarship to a deserving La Conner High School student and the maintenance of the Butterfly Garden, according to Club President Kim Good Rubenstein.
A deep-rooted legacy
The La Conner Civic Garden Club’s story stretches back to 1909, when the original Civic Improvement Club began beautifying town parks and organizing flower shows. It merged with the Garden Club in 1954, hosting elaborate tulip festivals in the old high school gym — precursors to today’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Longtime La Conner teacher and historian Philena Dunlap once wrote that those early shows transformed the gym into “a natural wonderland,” complete with waterfalls, murals and thousands of tulips from local growers.
Caring for a community landmark
The club’s home on Second Street, built in 1875, has served as a school, courthouse, church and gathering place. The historic building needs up to $150,000 in repairs, including replacement of its milled siding.
Despite the challenges, Garden Club members continue to cultivate goodwill in La Conner — one project, and one wreath, at a time.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
