About the DGC

The Dorchester Yard & Garden Club was founded on February 7, 1930 by Mrs. Fred Hurst with the purpose of making Cambridge “the prettiest city in the East.” Together with fifteen friends and one gardener, they drafted a constitution and selected the crepe myrtle as their club flower. The objective of the club was to advance gardening, develop home gardens, furthering the city's beautification, stimulate interest in co-op gardening, and aid in the protection of forests, wild flowers, and birds. They met the second Friday of each month at 4pm. Dues for active members was set at $2 and $1 for associate members. The roll call was answered with a garden verse. The first flower show was held on October 1, 1930. All county adults and children were eligible to participate. Judging of gardens was also included in the show. 

The first DGC president, Dr. Guy Steele was born in 1861 in Dorchester County. He was a founding member of the Cambridge Maryland Hospital which was completed in 1904. During WWI, Dr Steele served as a doctor in the US Navy. He returned to Cambridge and served for 15 years as Chief of Staff at the hospital as well as the Cambridge Health Officer and the jail physician. He was a beloved physician who met the medical needs of the area and performed major surgeries up until he was 83 years old. Up until his death at 95, he was known for generously sharing the bulbs and plants he grew. He is buried next to his wife in Christ Church Cemetery.