Our Orchid Family Tree: A Beautiful Discovery

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​At our meeting on January 18th, we had the wonderful opportunity to honor Luis Matienzo and celebrate the 40th anniversary of our society's reorganization. It was a beautiful moment to recognize the dedication that has kept the Southern Tier Orchid Society (STOS) thriving for so many years.

Inspired by that celebration, I spent time researching our deeper roots. As the saying goes, "We study history not to know the future, but to broaden our horizons." I am excited to share a discovery from the American Orchid Society archives that actually makes our celebration even more significant.

While 1986 marks the year the club was reinvigorated, I discovered that the "seeds" of STOS were actually planted much earlier. Our society was originally founded in 1963 and officially recognized as an AOS affiliate in 1964. This means that while we rightfully celebrate 40 years of our current organization, we are also standing on a legacy that is 63 years old.

Organizations, like orchids, have seasons. After our early founders—Howard LeMasurier and our first president, Mrs. William Burke—passed away, the club faced a period where it could have disappeared forever.

This is why the work done in 1986 is so vital. When the society was reinstated, those members didn't just restart a club—they saved a legacy. Without the steady stewardship of Luis and the help of his wife, Paula Matienzo,  the story of our 1963 founding would have been lost to time. They are the heroes who preserved our "historical integrity" and gave us the organization we love today.

Finding these older roots doesn’t change our 40th-anniversary milestone; it enhances it. It shows that our club has resilience spanning over six decades. It is a privilege to belong to a club with such deep roots and such dedicated leadership. We have much to be proud of—both the 63 years of our history and the 40 years of hard work that have kept it alive.

Linda