Wilhelmina "Billie" Greene Collection

Wilhelmina "Billie" Greene lived in Winter Park for over 75 years, from 1919 until her death in 1991.   A nationally recognized botanical artist known for her sketches and paintings of flowers, Billie is also known as a respected amateur horticulturist, world traveler, lecturer, and writer.

Billie married Raymond W. Greene in 1926 (mayor of Winter Park 1952 - 1958), graduated from Rollins College in 1927, and raised three children.

Billie Greene's book, Flowers of the South, Native and Exotic (co-authored with Dr. Hugo L. Blomquist), was published in 1953.   The book received reviews from across the country praising the work. It contains 55 of her paintings and over 500 total drawings.

The driving force in Mrs. Greene's life was her love of nature and plants which she expressed in her sketches and paintings of flowers.   In addition to painting, she was involved in many community activities, including membership for over 50 years in the Winter Park Garden Club and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs.

This Collection contains examples of her work: sketches, drawings, stationery items, and other materials that illustrate the several facets of her life.   The following items are from the Collection (864 cubic inches).   To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail.  For copyright information, click here.

Wilhelmina "Billie" Greene (1906-1991)

Taken from the Winter Park History and Archives'  Eve Bacon Collection , this photo (dated May 15, 1952) shows Billie Green at work on one of her delicate paintings.  Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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"Greetings And Best Wishes" Magnolia Note Card

This notepaper (6 1/2" x 9 1/2"), titled "Greetings and Best Wishes", displays a watercolor of the flower Magnolia Grandiflora on the front panel.  This is an example of Billie Greene's talent, creativity, and ingenuity.   It dates back to the 1940's.  Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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Clerodendron Indicum

Clerodendron Indicum is another black and white sketch (8 1/2" x 11") that may have been drawn to be included in a second book on southern flowers.   This book was never published.   Note Billie Greene's attention to detail.  Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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Cistus Cyprius

Cistus Cyprius is a black and white sketch (5" x 7") most probably drawn as part of the preparation for a second book on southern flowers.   The book was never published.   Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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Cassia Grandis

Cassia Grandis is a black and white sketch (8 1/2" x 11") probably drawn as part of the preparation for a second book on southern flowers.   This book was never published.   Note Billie Greene's attention to detail in her work.  Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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Eastern Lily Vine

From February through March of 1996, in conjunction with a presentation by  Sondra Ickes, winner of the Rhea Marsh and Dorothy Lockhart Smith Winter Park History Research Contest , some of Billie Greene's paintings were on exhibit at the Winter Park Public Library.   The Winter Park Garden Club Dirt Daubers Circle lent Billie Greene's "Eastern Lily Vine" oil painting (17 1/2" x 23 1/2") for the exhibit.  The above photograph was taken at that time.  Click on thumbnail to view larger image.

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Copyright Notice:

The copyright interests for material included in the Winter Park Public Library Archives Collection may not be transferred to the Library and therefore remain with the current copyright holders.  For more information, please see our Copyright Information Page.