Philip Harnden, a community activist and passionate gardener, was a founding member of two organizations whose papers are part of this collection. Alternatives to War and North Country Gardener, and the founder of North Country Garden School.
North Country Gardener newsletter.
Collection Overview
Alternatives to War described itself as "a coalition of people in northern New York who advocate a sensible and nonviolent approach to resolving national and international conflicts". It was formed shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the lead up to the war in Afghanistan.
North Country Gardener was a more personal project of Mr. Harnden, who was editor and publisher of the bi-monthly newsletter from 1990 to 1993. Subscriptions varied from a little over 100 by the second issue to about 300 by the end of its run. The initial subscriber base was culled from respondents to a North Country gardeners survey put out by Mr. Harnden in 1990. While the newsletter was relatively short lived, comments from readers point to a well-received and highly appreciated publication that fulfilled its niche role of dispensing useful gardening information focused on the Northern New York region. The North Country Garden School was an outgrowth of North Country Gardener. Begun in 1994, the Garden School organized classes, workshops and other events focusing on growing and cultivating various types of plants. The Garden School ceased operations in 1998.