CONVENTIONEERS TOUR CHARLESTON

A trip to Charleston will be a highlight of the 61st annual Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri convention April 12-14 in Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast District is directing the convention.

On April 12, a trip is planned to Charleston for their "Gone with the Wind" tour. The Molly French Garden Club will provide an experienced guide to escort each bus. The tour will preview the 26th annual Dogwood-Azalea festival held the third weekend in April.

As the bus travels the tour route, visitors will hear the history of some of Charleston's historic homes that date from 1866. Tour guides will point out examples of traditional Charleston yards planted with azaleas and dogwoods and accented by wild sweet William, candytuft and alyssum.

A tea will be held in the Victorian Society Home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A skit, "Charleston's Gone with the Wind Saga," will be performed at the Paul B. Moore home with the state champion dogwood tree as a backdrop. Visitors will also visit a plant sale featuring azaleas.