The 1925 Camden Herald reported on April 28  that Camden Garden Club held its first meeting of the season.  

“There was much interest in placing flower boxes on the light posts in Camden. Mr. Edward Bok had observed these in other countries and was willing to defray the cost if the Club would be responsible for their care and upkeep.  The project was approved and the first flower box appeared on the light post on Elm Street across from Chandler’s Pharmacy in mid-June.  By mid-summer, all poles were sporting baskets of flowers.”  

The initiative was so successful that at the November 27, 1951, meeting, Mrs. Guckes, a Club member, gave a report on the Flower Baskets for the summer and said it was planned to fill them with greens and red berries for Christmas, a tradition started in 1948.

Camden Garden Club is forever grateful for the ingenious proposal of Mr. Bok and, later, the encouragement of Mrs. Guckes. We celebrate Camden Lamppost Sponsorship this spring on its 100th Anniversary and invite the community to sponsor a downtown lamppost for the 2025 season. 

During the 2025/2026 Lamppost Sponsorships, the Club looks forward to working with generous supporters and welcoming new sponsors for the coming year. Lampposts selected for sponsorship are on a first-come-first-served basis. Many individuals and businesses have already renewed their support for this community project. This year, there are 38 posts available for 76 sponsors. Many are spoken for so reserve yours as soon as possible.

Go to: https://www.camdengardenclub.org/shop/sponsor-a-lamppost to directly purchase your lamppost.

Sponsors at the $250 level are recognized with a tag with their personal or business name printed on it. This sign hangs from the basket and the wreath, in addition to a listing on a poster in the town office window and recognition on all social media in summer and winter. By supporting our program, you are helping Camden Garden Club achieve a vision of making Camden the most beautiful town in Maine. The Club plants and maintains many civil gardens. You will see Club members planting and weeding from April to November each year. 

The tireless work of many men and women, who have been decorating lampposts for 100 years, and your support means that the foliage can be maintained keeping Camden’s landscape sustainable and beautiful.  The Landing,  the Village Green, the Postage Stamp Garden, Bell Park, the Mechanic Street Wall Garden, The Public Landing Watering System, and the Shade Park are designated spaces where Camden locals and visitors can enjoy an integrated, hand-in-hand experience between nature and Club members.

The natural inclusion of flower baskets and holiday wreaths enhances not just how exceptional Camden is but also emphasizes that it is a pleasure and privilege to live here.  

For additional information and to remain informed about upcoming events through Camden Garden Club, visit the Club’s website, camdegardenclub.org 

Our mission is to develop and preserve our environment by beautifying the community, enhancing public spaces, offering educational programs, and practicing resource conservation.