Tarleton Thursdays: Did You Know?

Tarleton’s Historic
Rock Greenhouse

I had the opportunity to assist Sarah Barmore with research on Tarleton’s old rock greenhouse this summer. Tuesday’s Stephenville Empire Tribune had a front page article about the 70th anniversary of the February 7, 1941 approval of the construction plans for the greenhouse

The September 30, 1941 JTAC states that “a new solid native rock horticulture building is now being constructed with a steel frame greenhouse.” It had controlled heating to enable plants to be grown at all times of the year. A 16 x 10 storage room was used for bud wood and plants used in classes. Not only did the students learn horticulture, the vegetables grown were served in the dining hall.

The present horticulture center was built in 1973, the same year that Dr. Mike Wade, current professor of Environmental and Agricultural Management, came to Tarleton. In 1975 the program was called floriculture and landscape design, and in 1982 it became horticulture and land management. From those early beginnings, the Tarleton “horticulture” department, has grown and is now a part of the Environmental and Agricultural Management department, which has a faculty and staff of ten.

Tomorrow, Friday, February 10, 2012, from 4:30-7:30, the Tarleton Horticulture Club will hold an anniversary celebration sale at the historic rock greenhouse in the old pecan orchard next to the baseball complex.  Go by and see the historic greenhouse and what the club has to offer…..especially for Valentine’s Day! You might find just what you have been looking for!

Have a great
Valentine’s Day!