Congratulating the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on the Occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Flower Show.

WHEREAS, In 1829, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) held the nation's first flower show at the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street and the well-known Christmas flower, the poinsettia, was introduced to the public; and

WHEREAS, From 1927 until the mid 1960s, a professional group of nurserymen and growers operating as the Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc. managed the show and PHS produced the amateur competitive sections that are now a major component of the show; and

WHEREAS, In 1964, the show lost its venue when the City announced plans to tear down the old Commercial Museum, but under the guidance of then-executive director, Ernesta D. Ballard, the 1965 Flower Show was staged at the 23rd Street Armory; and

WHEREAS, Beginning in 1966, the Flower Show was presented at the Civic Center; and, since 1968, PHS has been the official producer of the Flower Show; and

WHEREAS, Since 1996, the Flower Show has been produced at the Pennsylvania Convention Center where it encompasses 33 indoor acres; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest indoor flower show in the world, attracting crowds of over 275,000 people each year; and

WHEREAS, Proceeds from the Philadelphia Flower Show help fund many of the outreach programs managed by PHS, including Philadelphia Green, which is the nation's largest and most comprehensive neighborhood greening program; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Philadelphia Flower Show has inspired millions of gardeners, old and young alike, and has showcased unprecedented floral displays becoming the premiere event of its kind in the world; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby extend our sincere congratulations to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flower Show.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as a symbol of this legislative body's sincere appreciation for the Society's distinguished accomplishments and commitment to the revitalization the City's neighborhoods, parks and community green spaces.

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