Marie Stern(e) Nicholson (18 June 1894-20 June 1975), born in Richmond, Virginia, became known as the "Tulip Lady" in Atlanta. Mrs. Nicholson, previously know as Marie Sterne, married James T. Nicholson, a member of the board of directors of Woolworths. Marie and James Nicholson had three children: James J. (b. 1918), Mary M. (b. 1921), and Frances W. (b. 1923). Mrs. Nicholson developed a passion for tulips and became an expert in the cultivation and propagation of tulips. For many years, she organized an annual tulip show held at Rich's Department Store auditorium and conducted educational lectures for regional garden clubs. In addition, Mrs. Nicholson became a key organizer and designer for the Tulip Festival: Hurt Park became the center for the festival with the planting of 30,000 tulip bulbs. Mrs. Nicholson organized Atlanta's first Tulip Club in 1938 and became president of the National Tulip Society in 1946. During her lifetime, Mrs. Nicholson had two tulips named in her honor: the Marie Nicholson tulip and The Atlanta Tulip Lady tulip. Mrs. Nicholson continued to be actively involved in the Atlanta Tulip Festival and tended her own tulip garden until her death in 1975.
From the description of Marie Nicolson Papers, 1938-1975. (Atlanta History Center). WorldCat record id: 297170586
