Section E Pg 26 Missoulian Centennial Rose Bushes Memorial To War Dead
Rose Bushes Memorial To War Dead
Those who lost their lives in World War II are remembered by the blossoms of about 3,000 rose bushes.
These roses, a beautiful memorial in the Garden City, are the result of efforts of the Missoula Rose Society. The Society initiated the project in 1945. A weed grown area at the Mount avenue, Brooks and Blaine street intersection was selected as the site. Funds were raised and in the spring of 1946 beds were dug and the first planting of 630 bushes was made.
In spring 1947 the garden was enlarged to include more than 1,000 rose bushes. At this time the American Rose Society selected the garden to become the eighth test garden in the nation. In 1960 there are 100 such gardens in which the growth of new varieties is tested.
In 1948 the Missoula Rose Society joined with the veterans’ organizations and the United Veterans’ Council in a colorful ceremony dedicating Sunset Park as a Memorial Park. A monument with a bronze plaque stands in the center of the garden listing the names of Missoula County’s World War II dead.
The garden is maintained by Missoula Rose Society members who in the spring assist in planting new beds and in replacing roses lost by winter-kill.
The city through its park board provides labor for maintenance and care of the garden.