From the 1920s through the 1970s, Mentor was recognized as the Rose Capital of the Nation. Lake effect climate, a variety of soils, and abundant water made Mentor ideal for growing roses. Over a dozen growers produced about five million plants a year from their fields in Mentor. The Civic Center Complex was once a massive field of roses, and streets such as Tea Rose, Wyant, and Rosebud were named in honor of the blossoms that grew so abundantly here. Notable growers include Gerard K. Klyn, the largest rose grower in the Midwest; Joseph Kallay, who in 1932 received U.S. patent No. 10 for "Blaze;" Melvin E. Wyant, accredited rose grower, judge, and lecturer; Joseph J. Kern, nationally recognized expert on old fashioned roses; and Paul R. Bosley, who specialized in hybrid tea roses. By the 1970s, increased land values and development led to depletion of much of Mentor's nursery lands.

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Commemorative Rose Garden

Property Donation

In recognition of National City Bank's

generous donation of this property

to the City of Mentor on May 18, 2001.

The Commemorative Rose Garden

was established on this site in 1988

to mark the 25th anniversary of

Mentor's incorporation.

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Henry W. Brown III

In appreciation of your many years

of service, leadership and dedication

to the Rose Garden and beautification

of the City of Mentor, we thank you.

Mentor Beautification Commission

June 27, 2002

Marker is at the intersection of Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) and Hart Street, on the left when traveling east on Mentor Avenue.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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