What Is the History and Background of the Tulsa Rose Society?

The Tulsa Rose Society (TRS) is a Tulsa, Oklahoma rose organization affiliated with the American Rose Society (ARS). It began in 1945 as the Men’s Rose Club, was renamed the Tulsa Rose Society in 1969 when women were admitted, and later received an ARS charter. Its history includes hosting the 2004 ARS Fall Convention and Show, and it has been recognized for volunteer service by the Tulsa Parks Department.

Founding and early years

The society’s own history page traces its origins to 1945, when a small group of men who shared a passion for roses formed the Men’s Rose Club. One of the group’s “Founding Fathers,” Arthur F. Truex, was a Tulsan who had served as President of the American Rose Society in 1942. That connection helps explain why growing beautiful roses became a point of high interest in Tulsa.

Renaming and opening to women

In 1969 the club changed its name to the Tulsa Rose Society and admitted women. Over the following years the society describes improvements tied to new horticulture methods, the introduction of new roses, and members sharing rose-growing experience through the Consulting Rosarian Program, seminars, and mid-winter workshops.

American Rose Society affiliation

A significant change came when the Tulsa Rose Society received a charter from the American Rose Society. The society describes itself as an ARS affiliate that exists to promote the culture, preservation, and appreciation of the rose and to improve its standard of excellence through education and research.

2004 national convention and show

In October 2004, the Tulsa Rose Society—assisted by the Fort Smith, Arkansas and Oklahoma City societies—hosted the American Rose Society Fall Convention and Show at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Tulsa. The South Central District Fall show was held alongside the national show, and the event drew almost 300 rosarians from many states.

Accredited judges and recognition

The society reports having nine American Rose Society Accredited Judges and four ARS Accredited Arrangement Judges. In 2007 the Tulsa Rose Society received the Council Oak Award from the Tulsa Parks Department for its volunteer work.

What the background means for rose growers

The history points to three practical features of the organization:

• Education and research focus: The stated mission centers on rose culture and improving standards of excellence, carried out through education and research.
• Experienced judging capacity: The roster of ARS-accredited judges and arrangement judges reflects a depth of expertise within the membership.
• Community and volunteer activity: The Council Oak Award and the 2004 convention show a society active in both the local community and the broader rose-growing world.

The society also invites people to join and offers a newsletter signup on its website for news and updates.