The Creation of Ella Sharp Park’s Rose Garden: 1922-1926

When Ella Sharp passed away in 1912, she left all 530 acres of her farm to the city of Jackson to be used as a park.

However, the origin of the rose garden didn't occur until ten years later, in 1922. The idea was originated by Myrtle Collicott, who made a trip to Chicago that year. While there, she came across a garden that she found to be elegant and serene. When Myrtle came back to Jackson, she brought with her the idea of a similar exquisite garden within Ella Sharp Park.

Myrtle visited the Town Improvement Society, of which the deceased Ella Sharp was once president. Her presentation for a rose garden was successful and the society forged ahead with plans for a layout and funding.

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Jackson locals were excited about the plan and did their fair share to help raise the needed money. Neighbors began baking and selling goods, along with planting flowers and shrubs to grow and sell.

About four years later, the garden was ready to open. The public paid thier first open visit on June 27, 1926. There, their eyes feasted upon 642 roses which made up the first phase.

Five years later, in 1931, Jackson was given the nickname "The Rose City" when the Jackson City Commission named the rose as Jackson's official flower.

The Rose Garden has changed somewhat over the past 100 years, but it still retains the original vision by Myrtle Collicott, as a tribute to Ella Sharp and her love of roses.

Pictured below are some photos of the Rose Garden at Ella Sharp Park, then and now.