The Hampden Garden Club existed informally for many years before its official founding. An early member was local children's book author Thornton Burgess.
On March 23, 1932, a group of ten interested gardeners met in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Gottsche and formed the Hampden Garden Club. They elected Ben Libby President, Mrs. Gottsche Vice President, and Mrs. Edwin Stacy Secretary/Treasurer.