Dorothy Kountz

Dorothy Kountz joined the East Liverpool -Calcutta Garden Club in East Liverpool, Ohio in 1947, three years after the club was established. She was an active member until 1977. Dorothy was born an only child to Mr. and Mrs. George Shepp. Dorothy’s father was one of the largest dahlia growers and showers in the state of Ohio and was chairman of the Northeastern Region Dahlia Society show that was held the third weekend in September in the city of East Liverpool. For many years during and after World War II people did not have money so dahlia growing and showing was an inexpensive way for a family to socialize without spending money. The regional dahlia show was held in the Memorial Auditorium and people came from all over the United States to enter their prize-winning dahlias. At one time, there were more than 15,000 entries. This is where Dorothy came in. Being an active member of the East Liverpool garden club, she coaxed the ladies to become clerks and judges at the show that her father was the chairman of for many years. Incidentally, the East Liverpool Dahlia Show at this writing is now on its’ 83rd year of showing.
Dorothy was a petite woman of 100 lbs. She was always seen in a dress with her hair tied back in a tight bun on the top of her head. Most people did not notice the way she dressed due to her unique, high pitched, squeaky voice. She always had a big Cadillac in her garage, but seldom was the person to drive anywhere.
Dorothy married Edwin Kountz on Oct. 17, __ . The couple had no children. Edward passed away in the early 1950’s (suicide, by shotgun wound). For eight years after that, Dorothy was not active in the East Liverpool Garden Club or even listed in the directory. She did continue to assist her father with the annual Dahlia Show.