The Wisconsin State Horticultural Society began as the Wisconsin Fruit Growers Association in 1853 in Whitewater. In 1865 a similar group met during the State Fair at Janesville and organized the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society in order to promote the growing of fruit and vegetables in Wisconsin. For several years the annual meetings of the organization were held in conjunction with the Agricultural Society, and WSHS promoted horticultural exhibits at the state fair. In 1871 the society was chartered by the state and state funds were appropriated for the publication of its reports. In subsequent years state funding assisted the society and its goals, although funds were often insufficient to meet the organization's needs.
During its early years WSHS concentrated on the testing and selection of varieties suitable to the Wisconsin climate. In 1898 the society established a trial orchard at Wausau for the purpose of determining varieties most suitable for central Wisconsin. During the next twelve years additional trial orchards were established. Because of its early scientific emphasis the society developed a close relationship with the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin. The society also cooperated with affiliated organizations such as the Wisconsin Beekeepers Association, the Wisconsin Gladiolus Society, the Wisconsin Nurserymen's Association, the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association, the Wisconsin Apple Institute, various local horticultural groups, and approximately 100 garden clubs. Activities included cooperation with county agents, agricultural tours, and educational talks and meetings.
From 1896 until 1901 the society published a monthly journal, the Wisconsin Horticulturist. From 1906 to 1910 it published an occasional bulletin. In 1910 the society resumed publishing its monthly journal, this time named Wisconsin Horticulture. Because of limited funding, publication was suspended in 1957.
The WSHS eventually became the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association.
