Back in January, 1971, Betty Bryan received a letter of thanks acknowledging her membership in Friends of the Wild Flower Garden - and ever since then she has been actively involved in the Friends, currently as a substitute shelter volunteer.

A former Friends’ Board member, Betty has served as its secretary, vice-president, historian and membership chairperson. She has been a shelter volunteer continuously.

“Just being in the Garden is a joy,” she said. “I certainly enjoy the peace and quiet.”

Betty is a former Director of the Lower School of the then Northrop Collegiate School. She retired in 1985. Early in her career she had been a fourth grade classroom teacher. Currently Betty is exceptionally busy with many activities in her church and other organizations.

Commenting on the 50th Anniversary of the Friends and her hopes for the next 50 years, Betty said, “I hope that the Friends continues and that it gets both more members and more community support. The Garden is unique, and it deserves the full support of the Park Board and the City.”

Photo at top left: Betty with Joy Davis in the background. Photo at left: Betty with Lisa Locken.

Photo below: Betty with members of the Friends at the 2002 50th anniversary of the Friends celebration at the Garden. Front l to r: Betty, Ann Godfrey, Lisa Locken. Back row l to r: Gloria Miller, Otis Godfrey, Steve Pundt, Pam Weiner, Constance Pepin.

This interview was originally published in The Fringed Gentian™, Fall 2002 Vol. 50 #4. She was interviewed by Lisa Locken.