The Garden Club of Alabama and the National Garden Clubs Inc. recently recognized the Jacksonville Garden Club as a charter member functioning for more than 80 consecutive years. Formed in 1931, the Jacksonville Garden Club joined the Garden Club of Alabama when it organized in 1932.

Established in April 1931 by Miss Mary Forney and Mrs. Jessie A. Renick, the Jacksonville Garden Club has the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously active garden clubs in Alabama. While none of the club’s charter members are still living, Ria Jane Chiepalich who joined about 50 years ago, remembers many of its charter members like Mrs. Mary Shelton, the club’s first president. The club meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Jacksonville Community Center.