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Sweepstakes Award: Reminiscing, from the 2007 Rose Show By Janice McLain When I spotted “1947” on the Sweepstakes Award, I knew that there must be a story behind it. Everyone I had asked said that Jean Cartwright was the person to talk to so I called her. The brass plaque on the award read: George M. Taylor TROPHY Presented by Colorado Springs Branch of American Rose Society SWEEPSTAKES AWARD 1947 First Winner: Mrs. Russell D. Law Jean remembered the bustling, early days with the Colorado Springs Rose Society, which held big, big shows at the City Auditorium downtown. Accredited judges were there, even “from as far away as Denver.” A group of friends, all interested in roses and gardening, got together to start the original society. Jean’s parents were among this group. The society was probably through the Garden Clubs of America “or something” and only met once a year for the shows. Jean's brother, Bill Campbell, also founded High Country Rosarium and was a rose horticulture judge. They did a lot but, toward the late 80’s and early 90’s, the members all got a bit older. Efforts to get younger members were not made and, eventually, it became no more than a social club, gathering at each other’s gardens now and then. The wonderful scrapbooks from those days are no longer to be found. Tom Reuschlien and the Macons were among the last the society took in as members. According to Jean, the driving forces behind the creation of the Pikes Peak Rose Society were the Macons; the Kirkleys, Dr. Warren and his wife Betty; Tom; and herself. An outgrowth of the Colorado Springs Rose Society, the PPRS was begun, in part, to have an affiliation with the American Rose Society. They put something in the paper to announce a formation meeting then got together in a coffee shop. The formation meeting was held in Dr. Kirkley’s vet office. He became the Vice President with Carol Macon as the Second Vice President - Programs. Dennis and Sharlene Hunter were there with Dennis becoming the first president and Sharlene the first Treasurer. Jim and Pat Wood were also at the first meeting. Pat became the first Secretary but they moved soon after and Shirley Stilley took the position. Dennis Hunter was also the first Bronze Medal Winner. Dennis printed out our first Pikes Peak Rose Society membership cards. Membership card number “1” was issued to Carol Macon, who says she still has that card and treasures it. We now have nametags, not cards. Kaye Rowan was an early member, as was Jean Foran, who served as treasurer for four years. The ARS lists our PPRS as being formed in 1996. Our first Rose Show was July 7th, 1996 and was chaired by Dr. Warren Kirkley. The theme of the show was “Pikes Peak Beginnings” and was held at the Senior Center on North Hancock Avenue. Several out-of-town people helped with that show but Jean Cartwright was in charge of the Clerks, Betty Kirkley did Tabulation, Sharlene did Placement, Sheila Ladd and Carol Macon did Trophies, Tom Reuschlein did Staging, Dennis Hunter did Publicity, and Betty Kirkley handled the Judges Lunch. Who would have thought all of this would come from a date on a trophy? The 2007 Rose Show was dedicated to the late Dr. Warren Kirkley. Jean Cartwright’s favorite rose is “The last one I saw” but she also loves old, antique roses, including Linda Campbell, hybridized by a good friend, Harm Seville, named after the lady her brother, Dr. Bill Campbell, married. The 14th Annual Pikes Peak Rose Society Rose Show was held on June 26th, 2010, at the PPCC North Campus, and is dedicated to our friend, the late Jean Cartwright.