The Story of NCOS

More Than 75 Years of Orchids, Education & Community

The National Capital Orchid Society has been bringing orchid growers and enthusiasts together in the Washington, D.C., area since 1947. What began with a small notice seeking people interested in forming a local orchid society grew into a thriving community with a long tradition of education, exhibitions and involvement in the broader orchid world.

The Beginning

In February 1947, Eugene Griffith placed a notice in the American Orchid Society Bulletin inviting “all orchid growers, amateur and commercial, in greater Washington” interested in forming a local society to contact him.

The response led to the formation of the National Capital Orchid Society with 24 charter members. Later that year, NCOS held its first orchid show at the Pan American Union in Washington, D.C. By November, NCOS had affiliated with the American Orchid Society, becoming only the ninth society to do so.

From the beginning, NCOS was committed to the goal established by its charter members: “to promote orchids in every possible way.”

Orchid Shows Become Washington Events

Orchid shows quickly became an important part of NCOS—and, for a time, major events on Washington’s social calendar.

In the early years, shows were held in the lobby of the American Security and Trust Company. The bank president initially offered the Society a single tabletop, reportedly concerned that a large crowd might give the appearance of a run on the bank. Interest was so great that the show soon expanded throughout the lobby.

The free exhibitions became enormously popular, drawing thousands of visitors. International airlines sponsored cut-flower exhibits featuring orchids from around the world, and President Harry S. Truman visited two NCOS shows, once walking from the White House to attend.

The shows created some memorable moments, too. Orchid growers dampened the bank’s marble floors each morning and evening to increase humidity, and at the fifth annual show, a local florist marked the upcoming presidential election with elephant and donkey frames covered in cut Vanda flowers.

Growing Connections

NCOS developed strong ties to the broader orchid community from its earliest years.

During the second NCOS show in December 1948, the then-unincorporated American Orchid Society held a meeting of incorporators and formally became the American Orchid Society, Inc. Shortly afterward, its trustees established monthly AOS judging of outstanding orchid plants and cut flowers.

NCOS also became a charter member of the Eastern Orchid Congress and hosted numerous Congress events. At the second EOC in 1957, NCOS member Eben Richards earned the first EOC bronze medal and an AOS Certificate of Cultural Merit for his enormous Sobralia macrantha nana—a plant reportedly so large it barely fit through the doorways.

Over the years, NCOS shows were held at prominent locations throughout the Washington area, including the United States Botanic Garden, Woodward & Lothrop, Lansburgh’s Department Store and the U.S. National Arboretum.

The Paphiopedilum Forum

Another enduring NCOS tradition began in 1980, when Tom and Mary Lou Dundon and Howard and Sissie King organized an informal gathering of friends who shared an enthusiasm for slipper orchids.

By 1986, the annual Paphiopedilum Forum had grown to approximately 100 attendees. NCOS assumed sponsorship in 1987 and has continued the tradition of bringing together speakers, growers, vendors and enthusiasts to learn and share their knowledge of Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium orchids.

A Tradition of Learning

Education has always been central to NCOS. In addition to monthly programs and orchid shows, the Society has organized greenhouse tours, wildflower walks, trips to orchid shows and specialized conferences.

NCOS co-sponsored the First International Phalaenopsis Symposium and Show in 1994 and helped sponsor the 1996 Conference on North American Native Terrestrial Orchids, bringing leading experts from the United States, Canada and Sweden to the region.

These programs reflect a tradition established by NCOS’s earliest members: creating opportunities for orchid growers to learn from experts—and from one another.

Our Tradition Continues

More than 75 years after 24 charter members came together to form NCOS, our programs and activities have evolved, but our purpose remains remarkably close to the vision established in 1947.

Today, NCOS continues to bring people together through member meetings, educational programs, the International Orchid Show & Sale, Paphiopedilum Forum, Auction & Sale and other activities throughout the year.

We continue to learn, share knowledge, introduce others to the extraordinary world of orchids and build a community around them.

More than 75 years later, we’re still learning, sharing and growing together.

About This History

This history was originally researched and written by former NCOS Secretary Heidi Kirkpatrick and has been edited and updated for the NCOS website.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Carol Allen, Roger Cole, Dr. Robert Griesbach, Richard Grundy, Merritt Huntington, Nancy Mountford and Gordon Slaymaker for contributing oral histories to the original account.

References

Adams, L. S. 1949. “Minutes of Meeting of Incorporators and Subscribers to the Certificate of Incorporation of American Orchid Society, Inc.” American Orchid Society Bulletin 18(1):48; Cole, R. and Griesbach, R. 1994. “The First Holland Trophy Competition.” American Orchid Society Bulletin 63(9):1009; Dillon, G. W., ed. 1949. “A New Service to Members of the American Orchid Society, Inc.” American Orchid Society Bulletin 18(1):37; Dillon, G. W., ed. 1950. “Third International Orchid Show of Washington, D.C.” American Orchid Society Bulletin 19(12):648–651; Gaskill, N. B. 1947. American Orchid Society Bulletin 16(6):327; Griffith, E. 1947. American Orchid Society Bulletin 16(2):81; Hallstead, B. 1970. N.C.O.S. Bulletin 24(4):6–8; Savage, L. T. 1951. “Our Show is in the Bank.” American Orchid Society Bulletin 20(12):724–725; Schairer, J. F. 1951. N.C.O.S. Bulletin 5(2); Schairer, J. F. 1957. N.C.O.S. Bulletin 11(1).