Northwest Bulb Growers Association

The Northwest Bulb Growers Association was organized to bring bulb growers together and to encourage education activities for the promotion of bulbs. State Senator and berry farmers William H. Paulhamus called a meeting on March 27, 1924 in Puyallup for all persons interested in growing bulbs. Talks were given by A. G, Pruyser, Joe Smith, George Lawler and others already active in the bulb industry. About thirty interested persons attended and an unknown number formally organized the Association. George Ward Lawler of Fife was elected President, Joe Smith was Secretary and Harry D. Locklin was named Treasurer. The dues was set at fifty cents per year and anyone interested in bulbs could become a member. According to Smith, the same officers were re-elected at the next annual meeting which was held on April 14, 1925 in Tacoma.

Most, if not all, of the early bulb pioneer became members. At first, the Association was composed mainly of amateurs, but were replaced with commercial growers in the late 1920s. On May 17, 1930, the Association was apparently reorganized and membership was restricted to commercial growers, although the original name was retained.

The objectives of the organization are:

1. To promote and safeguard the common business interest of its members.
2. To establish and maintain friendly relations among those engaged in the growing and selling of bulbs.
3. To enlist a membership among those engaged in the production of bulbs in the states of Washington and Oregon and to take united action of all matters affecting the welfare of the trade at large. This includes lobbying for the industry.

Annual Meeting - To Be Announced