A highlight of the 2011 Members Meeting was the dedication of The Marion and Tex Haynes Patio.  The very generous support of Walter Haynes, Marion Haynes, and the Haynes Family has enabled MBC to add this wonderful new outdoor gathering space. This improvement restores the site to its original function back in Col. Montgomery’s time–a place to bring friends and colleagues together. This project also fully integrates the central complex of buildings at MBC, from Nell’s House, south to the Guesthouse, the Studio, and all the way to the Tyson Building.

Tex and Marion Haynes were some of Robert and Nell Montgomery’s closest friends.  Marion was Matron of Honor at Nell’s wedding to Al Jennings, and has the distinction of having the longest-standing relationship with the botanic garden here. Tex Haynes, Colonel Montgomery’s business partner, was present when the Colonel first moved into the garden, and Tex was also with Col. Montgomery when he first met Nell at Chapman Field in 1934.

Marion visited from Jacksonville as MBC’s guest of honor, and was joined by many of her family and friends. She loved the new patio, and enjoyed spending the day in the garden, and sharing stories of her times here, and about Nell and many others.

Walter Haynes, MBC Treasurer, presented a slideshow highlighting the project, and also the history of the Haynes family at MBC, beginning with a great photo of The Colonel and Tex, along with B. Y. Morrison, and Isabel and Mac Foster.

Please join MBC in thanking Marion Haynes, Walter Haynes, and their family and friends, for this very generous and important improvement to Montgomery.