11 replies to this topic

[TikiRick]

Gertrude Cole was an early pioneer for the South Florida Palm Society. She lived in Ft. Lauderdale near the beaches and was a widow for many years. I had the pleasure of touring her garden in 2003, when I helped her clean up some of the mounting (palm) debris.
Although her physical health was failing, her desire and excitement toward palms was not.

She gave me a tall Ptychosperma sp (clustering species) of which I have in my collection. I will always remember her generosity.

Do you have any more information about Gertrude? All I know is that she attempted to leave her estate to the Palm Society, but that never happened for whatever reason. I believe she was originally from Michigan and she moved here sometime in the 40's to Ft. Lauderdale.

[Jeff Searle]

I knew Gertrude very well. I first met her probably in 1989. I made several visits to her home back in the early to mid 90's. The Broward chapter of the IPS held their first meeting there to get the chapter started. She was a palm vendor also at some of the local sales. If I'm not mistaken, I believe she was one of the original group with Dent Smith to start the IPS back in the early 50's. I always remembered her very large Zombia palm she had in the yard. Truely a nice woman.
Jeff

[merrill]

I remember Gertrude from about 1970.  She was a very nice, genteel, knowledgeable lady; came to PS meetings quite regularly.  Our Best Wishes to her family. merrill

[PalmGuyWC]

I knew Gertrude very well and used to bump into her at the various S. Florida palm functions. My mother and Gerturde became friends attending a couple of Biennial meetings, one in Jamaca and another in Hawaii. I remember my mom needed a hat to guard against the tropical sun, and Gertrude gave her a cloth hat that she had made, as she had a spare. Gertrude always had a ready smile and was very versed on palms. I'm sorry to hear she has passed.

Dick

[Palmateer]

I remember Gertrude from about 1973.  

I also remember sharing her company at many PS meetings.  

She will be missed.

[Palmateer]

(merrill @ May 07 2007,14:30)

QUOTE

I remember Gertrude from about 1970.  She was a very nice, genteel, knowledgeable lady; came to PS meetings quite regularly.  Our Best Wishes to her family. merrill[/quote]
That's right, Merrill, and I even have a candid picture of Gertrude Cole and you together at Dr. U.A. Young's in Tampa in 1975!

Tom
Mid-Pinellas (St. Petersburg) Florida, USA

Member of Palm Society 1973-2012
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum development 1977-1991
Chapter President 1983-84
Palm Society Director 1984-88

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[Palmateer]

(That's Gertrude Cole at the right in the picture above)

[merrill]

Hi, Tom:
Many Thanks.  A very interesting shot.  Ben Martin is standing third in the file headed By Dr. Young.  Who is the familiar face second in line?  In front left, isn't that Jerry Keuper, FIT prexy, also IPS Prexy?  Can't quite tell.
We were a serious bunch, weren't we!  Thanks, merrill

[Palmateer]

(merrill @ May 13 2007,10:01)

QUOTE

Hi, Tom:
Many Thanks.  A very interesting shot.  Ben Martin is standing third in the file headed By Dr. Young.  Who is the familiar face second in line?  In front left, isn't that Jerry Keuper, FIT prexy, also IPS Prexy?  Can't quite tell.
We were a serious bunch, weren't we!  Thanks, merrill[/quote]
Here is the picture of Jerry Keuper and Dent Smith at U.A. Young's in 1975:

Tom
Mid-Pinellas (St. Petersburg) Florida, USA

Member of Palm Society 1973-2012
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum development 1977-1991
Chapter President 1983-84
Palm Society Director 1984-88

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[TikiRick]

Is that Groucho Marx peeking over the top from the background?

[Palmateer]

(TikiRick @ Jul. 13 2007,11:10)

QUOTE

Is that Groucho Marx peeking over the top from the background (in the Cole picture)?[/quote]
Heh heh...

Tom
Mid-Pinellas (St. Petersburg) Florida, USA

Member of Palm Society 1973-2012
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum development 1977-1991
Chapter President 1983-84
Palm Society Director 1984-88

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[merrill]

HI, TikiRick:
That is Dr. Ben Martin, as dedicated as any student of palms one could find. - merrill