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Minutes 8 March 1907
[Page 1] March 8, 1907
Nine members & five visitors met in Mrs. Grey’s parlor March 8 for another delightful meeting of our Book Club. When the roll was called every one gave an Item of interest & several of our visitors favored us with one. After the reading of the minutes Miss Thompson gave us some interesting Cur- rent Events. Then the President called on Mrs. Martin to “extract” the opinions of the books. When this part of the programme is left to the close of the meeting the “pent up” ideas must have expression & a general “pow-wow” ends the discussion. For lack of time or for some other reason very few of the members had read their books. Mrs. Grey announced that “The Heretics” by Chesterton was her book but she really couldn’t get any thing out of it & & no one in the club has been able to read more than 2 or 3 chapters. It seems it is on the order of essays or discussions about different men & the author’s style is so obscure it is impossible to know what he
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Minutes 1 March 1907
[Page 1] March 1st
After being postponed twice, first on account of Junior Speaking and second because of the weather, the club met with Mrs. Dupuy on the first day of March. The weather cer- tainly had mot improved for it was cold with a heavy mist still falling and the streets were almost impassable, but in spite of this seven members were present. We were so glad to get out again that all who were not sick with grippe were there. After being three absent a long time long absences, we were glad to have Mrs. Dupuy and Mrs. Graham with us again also to have Mrs. Haliburton, Miss Graham and Mrs. Lingle. After roll call Mrs. Smith gave four very interesting current events. Some one remarked that as they decreased in quantity they increased in quality. It was true this time at any rate. Her account description of the breaking away of the Colora-
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Minutes 8 February 1907
[Page 1] On the afternoon of Feb. 8th, eleven members of the Woman’s Book Club gathered in Mrs. Currie’s cozy sitting room where they had a most enjoyable and informal meeting. The Secreta- ry was the only absentee and Mrs. Grey Sr. was asked to serve in her place. We had the pleasure of having as guest Mrs. Kinsom, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Halibur- ton, and Miss Munroe. The roll call was responded to with items of unusual in- terest. Among other things we learned that “Little Dorrit” still lives, and that Greenland was once a tropical country and that before many years it is believed we shall have the wire- less telephone as well as the telegraph. After the reading of the min-
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Minutes 25 January 1907
[Page 1] The Secretary regretted very much that she was unable to attend Mrs. Black’s meeting, Jan. 25, especially after hearing how pleas- antly everything passed off. Mrs. Richard Grey was asked to take notes of the meeting. This aft. she & the Secretary with the assistance (?) of three babies talked over what was said & done at the meeting. We lay all blame for any errors or mistakes upon these little, in- nocent heads. Ten members were present and one visitor, Mrs. Halliburton, whom we were glad to have with us again. In the absence of the Sec. the min. of the last meeting were read by Miss Dupuy, followed by the Items of Interest & Current Events, which Miss Holt gave. The book for the afternoon study was “The Awakening of Helena Richie” by Margaret Deland. Mrs. Black wrote to the author hoping to have an autograph letter from her but Mrs. Deland her private secretary answered stating that Mrs. Deland’s health was such she had been unable to even see her mail for several months. Mrs. Black told us that
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Minutes 14 January 1907
[Page 1] Jan.14th
Mrs. Worth tried mighty hard to get out of having her meeting – actually left town a few days before the regular time but when she returned she we were glad to hear she had decided to have it on the afternoon of Jan. 14th. After the roll call and the reading of the minutes, a letter of resignation from Mrs. Harrison who had, stating that her health would not permit her meeting with us this winter. The Secretary was authorized to write her a note expressing their Club’s regret at the loss of this valuable member. Mrs. Harrison kindly offered her book, “The Life of Benj. Franklin.” & any who wished to read it. The Current Events were given by Mrs. W.R. Grey after which Mrs. Worth took charge of the meeting. Mrs. Smith was called on to tell some thing about the French Question & she gave us a very clear account of the State of affairs now existing in France. The French Government for years has been under Catholic influence but recently France has thrown off this rigid yoke of Catholicism & has
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Minutes 14 December 1906
[Page 1] Dec. 14, 1906
It gave pleasure to all of us to know that Mrs. Thompson would have a musical program for her meeting, Dec. 14th. She pre- ferred having it in the eve. but as the babies rule our club & claim their mothers at night she had to have it in the aft. With the bright sunshine shut out by closed blinds, & the lamps lighted, one would have thought it was night, had he not come from out of doors. The Items of Interest & Current Events were omitted but the Secretary was not so fortunate as to be excused from reading the minutes of the last meeting. Miss Thompson chose Mendelssohn for the topic for the meeting. Over the piano hung a large picture of him with the date of his birth & death in green under- neath. Miss Thompson gave a brief sketch of Felix Mendelssohn from which we learned that he belongs to an influential, wealthy family. “His life from the start was one of ease & luxury & nature had bestowed upon
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Minutes 23 November 1906
[Page 1] Mrs. Smith was the next to entertain the Club & right royally did she do it. It is sur- prising what good meetings (those who are) first on the list get up in such a short time. Those of us who are among the last to entertain feel that we have as long to think about our meetings we needn’t begin yet & sad to relate we are often reminded of the old proverb, “Procras- tination is the thief if time.” But to return to the meeting on Nov. 23rd. Only two of our regular members were absent. We were glad to have as visitors Mrs. Edwards & Miss Graves. There was great demand for Items if inter- est by those who came without any & besought those with an over supply to divide. When the time came to give them they were all interesting as were Mrs. Currie’s Current Events. Mrs. Smith told the Club she would not deprive them of the pleasure of reading her book by dwelling on the life of
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Minutes 16 November 1906
[Page 1] After a rest of nearly six months from Book Club meetings, all were eager to begin them again the first regu- lar meeting was held Nov. 16th, with Mrs. Price, our new Pres. The crisp Nov. air put new life & enthusiasm into us & we felt as if it were time to commence our winter’s work in earnest. All the members were present except one & we were glad to have as visitors, Miss Lan- caster, Miss Bacon, Mrs. Sloan & Miss Kirkpatrick. Every one feels that a great loss has come to the club in the withdrawal of Mrs. Dupuy, our former Pres. but we hope to have her meet with us occasionally at least. We were sorry that our
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Minutes October 1906
[Page 1] After various futile attempts to assemble themselves, the Book Club finally held a meeting in October with Mrs. Dupuy, our retiring President. And after the customary interesting and heated discussion, the following officers were elected. Mrs. W.A. Price, President,
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Minutes 20 April 1906
[Page 1] On the afternoon of April 20th, thirteen members assembled with Mrs. Charles Grey, the our one guest present being Miss Lucy Martin whose presence among us gave much pleasure to us one and all. We hope she did not view us with a critic’s eye, but we confess to some small trepidation at discussing general literary subjects before a teacher from a school whose Literary Society is called The “Lanier,” for the name is associated with all that is vague & transcendental! The Club welcomed back to its midst Mrs. Smith, whose long absence from our meetings has been the source of general regret. There was too a feel of spring in the air: in the woods just in sight the red-wood was in full blossom, and huge branches of log-wood here & there reminded us that nature was again making all things beautiful. As the theme of the evening was to
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Minutes 30 March 1906
[Page 1] The sun shone upon the Book Club upon the afternoon of March 30th, as ten members and two guests assembled with Mrs. Currie. Our visitors were Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Miss Louise Dupuy the and the Club would be glad to welcome Miss Dupuy to our circle next year as a regular member. Our hostess, Mrs. Currie, had announced to me from time to time, that as she could discover nothing concerning her author, we would have a scanty program at her meeting. Our Club has learned to anticipate an unusually pleasant hour when our perturbed hostess informs us thus ahead of time, and so we were found it on this occasion. The news items were fresh and well chosen to begin with, and the Current Events interesting and instructive. Our book under consideration was The “Wood-Carver of Olympus,” by Mrs. W. E. Waller, author also of “A Daughter of the Rich.” The book has been almost met
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Minutes 16 March 1906
[Page 1] Ten members and three guests gathered with Mrs. Black upon the afternoon of March 16th, some familiar and much missed faces still being absent. Miss Holt furnished us some well chosen Current Events, thereby bringing to us in a nut-shell much that really interests us deeply, but the deeper search for which our busy lives constantly testify makes impossible: O’ for the quiet and peace of the average English woman’s life so that we too might be better as well informed concerning Bills in Congress as she is concerning Parliament! The gratitude of the Club in general & of its Secretary in particular has been laid at the feet of both Miss Holt and Mrs. Charles Grey for so kindly and so charmingly preparing the Minutes of two meetings during the absence of the Secretary. While these minutes were being read the Club listened with keen interest, seeing visions meantime of future capable Secretaries, and laying dark plans accordingly. At some future day these ladies will find
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Minutes 2 March 1906
[Page 1] All the members of our club who were fortunate enough to attend the meeting with Mrs. Price on Friday March 2nd, will long remember the evening as one of much pleasure and merriment. An unusually large number was absent - measles still bring a guest in our midst - but the missing places were filled by the following guests whom we were glad to have with us; Mrs. Morrison, Miss McAllister, Mrs. Haliburton, Miss Price, Mrs. Munroe, Miss Glasgow, Mrs. Reid, & Miss Louise Dupuy. Mrs. Price very kindly sent a hack for those of us who lived some distance away & we appreci- ated her thoughtfulness & found the drive in the night air highly enjoyable. In the absence of the Secretary, Mrs. Har- rison, the roll was called by the President, Mrs. Dupuy. All responded with some item of news. Miss Holt read the minutes of the last meeting which she kindly con-
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Minutes 16 February 1906
[Page 1] 1. Ten members of The Woman’s Book Club gathered in Miss Thompson’s dainty parlor Feb. 16th to discuss “Music in Art.” And we were happy to welcome as guests of the Club Mrs. Haliburton and Miss Morrison. The Roll Call was met by responses, prepared for us by our hostess, consisting of opinions in regard to Music of great Authors, statesmen, and others who were not musicians. Then arrived our Secretary
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Minutes 19 January 1906 - Smith
[Page 1] For the first time season the whole Club assembled at a meeting held January 19th, with Mrs. McConnell, at Dr. Smith’s. As the roll was called each lady responded with an apposite quotation from the life of one of Shakespeare’s heroines, giving if possible the scene and setting of each quotation. Mrs. W. R. Grey confessed that she had failed to procure for us our Current Events but no excuses are needed for the busy mother of five small children, especially when she undertakes cheerfully to bring “Events” for the next meeting! William Shakespeare - the very name appalls us, and his mighty shade seems hovering near to see that we do his memory full justice. We feel anew the shudder of him who stands beside his grave today at peaceful Stratford-on-Avon, and reads for the first time: ‘cursed be he who moves my bones!’ And so reverently we shall say & do only a little, revive a few memories within us, review only a few well known facts, realizing that in one short meeting we can do but little with a name and fame so great.
X X X .
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Minutes 19 January 1906
[Page 1] Upon the afternoon of January 19th eleven members and two welcomed guest assembled with Mrs. Holt, whose to consider the new Japanese novel “The Breath of the Gods.” As we neared the house and glanced up at doors and window, we became suddenly aware that the home was shaded, as for some afternoon reception, and so with high antic- ipation we touched the door bell, to be greeted instantly by two tiny Japanese ladies in glowing kimono’s & tucked up hair, & ushered into a hall tastefully lighted by little hanging Japanese lanterns: tall vases filled with huge chrysanthemums stood here and there, and the air was full of suggestions of the far away island - country of cherry blossoms, [saldal]-wood and almond eyed beauties. After the roll call, we listened to some well -culled general items from Mrs. Charles Grey broken here & there by the remonstrating voice of Mrs. Graham who protested that Mrs. Grey was stealing her literary thunder.
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Minutes 21 December 1905
[Page 1] 1905-1906
December 21st again saw the elements conspiring against the Book Club in the form of a drenching winter rain. Nevertheless eleven members presented themselves, nothing to be daunted expecting confidently an unusually argeeable meeting with Mrs. Martin. As James Whitcomb Riley would say, there was a genuine “feel of Christmas in the air,” a repressed excitement abroad in the land. Many of us had left at home rows of little expectant faces, a confused jabber concerning “Stockings” and “Secrets,” mingled with a childish sense of responsibility but their already depleted funds would give out ere the last mysterious gift was purchased. Ah, Christmas, Christmas, the very name that not so many years ago had power to thrill us too by its magic power even in the torrid days of Angst! Christmas greens greeted us as we entered Mrs. Martin’s warm parlor, and a soothing cup of tea was served immediately to inure us against the effects of the
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Minutes 8 December 1905
[Page 1] Those of us who were fortunate enough to be present at the meeting of the Club Thursday night Dec. 8, with Miss Holt can find it in their hearts to condole with the absent members, who evidently thinking themselves either sugar or salt refused self inducement to venture out into the drenching winter rain. Miss Holt was kind enough to provide the Club with a vehicle both going & coming, and for this attention, as well as for her cordial welcome to her warm parlor we thank her. There was a rich program prepared, but the elements are responsible for only part of the evening’s good things being out before us, as both Mrs. Smith and Miss Neal were both absent, and these two ladies were to have con- tributed to our enjoyment. Seven names ladies answered to the roll call, and as Mrs. Martin who had kindly prepared the Minutes for this occasion was absent, Mrs. Dupuy read acted as Secretary pro-tem. for us has Current Events fell to our gentle voiced President, and need I add that they
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Minutes 24 November 1905
[Page 1] Another star in the Book Club's firmament was the meeting held Nov. 24th with Mrs. Harrison. In answer to the roll call, the most “striking” item was given by Mrs. Black who spoke of a spanking machine used in some Western school. Mrs. Dupuy, with a sight for the good old days when “Mother’s slipper” was a sure cure regretfully spoke of the modern invention as a “soulless” machine. Mrs. Currie, though bodily absent was materially represented by a large collection of current events. Those present were shocked to learn that our statue of Liberty is taking advantage of her position by to inter- cepting wireless messages. We should scarce subject so base a purpose in one so lofty in position. It was with genuine pleasure and confident expectation of the best, [led] by the past experience, that the club turned it’s undivided attention to Mrs. Harrison, who introduced W.D. Howells as the gentleman under discussion for the afternoon. A novelist who ranks with - Henry James, Frank Norris, M.C. Wilkins-Freeman, all of the school of Realism. Miss Lois Neel, in a most interesting maneuver, put before us briefly the a sketch of his early years. First using the striking fact that Mr. Howells was
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Minutes 13 November 1905
[Page 1] It was a real Indian summer day when the club met with Mrs. Dupuy upon the afternoon of Nov. 13th, and the balmy air that came in through the open window was grateful to all, especially to the flushed cheeks of those who were contributing to the program. All save two answered to their names, & responded with quote item War items both interesting and apposite. * It was peculiarly fitting that our the meeting that dealt with Mrs. Pryor and her Reminiscences of the Civil War should be held with Mrs. Dupuy, and we listened with genuine interest to all our hostess could tell us, remembering that she was an eye-witness of much described by our talented authoress, as well as co-sufferer as a daughter of the South. We were glad to learn more definitely of Mrs. Roger Pryor, née Sarah Rice, of Charlottesville Ga. near which well-nigh classic town she was reared most tenderly before being
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Minutes September 1905
[Page 1] 1905-1906
It was the middle of September before the scattered forces of the Club assembled one hot night on Mrs. Smith’s verandah, and by electric light discussed plans for the coming year’s work. Several members were absent even then, but enough were present to allow a most lively discussion over many of the questions before the meeting. Book lists were found incomplete and decidedly debilitated by the summer’s heat but the one thing question that allowed of no discussion was, that we all wanted to elect by acclamation our two new members - Mrs. Worth and Mrs. McConnell, both of whom we now welcome most cordially to our midst. It was then decided to work of over our lists of booksand meet the in a few days to determine what our books were to be; and so a few nights after this we held a larger meeting was held with Mrs. Harrison, at which
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Minutes 28 April 1905
[Page 1] No pleasanter afternoon of the Club’s winter could have been furnished than the closing meeting held with Mrs. Price on April 28th. It was a night meeting & here we pause to breathe a sigh that this delightful time for club [cominality] has been ruled out for the future. The evening was mild, making the first thin dresses of early summer appropriate, & Mrs. Winson’s bright rooms never seemed more attractive than when we slipped in, a little late, to find the parlor & hall already comfortably filled with white-gowned femininity. The “rickety” minutes served as excellent foil for the current events which came this time from Miss Lois Neel. She al- ways does the past admirably. The items were full and particularly interesting. The book of the evening was Nancy Stair, by Elinor McCartney Lane, one
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Minutes 14 April 1905
[Page 1] On Friday afternoon, April 14th, the Book Club met with Mrs. Martin. Eleven members were present and one guest, Miss [Wileax] of Georgia. It was Mrs. Currie’s turn to report current events. Two recent triumphs of science have been the discovery, so claimed, of the Egyptian secret of embalming, & a modern method of treating dementia by so simple a method means as baths of various kinds. It has proven won- derfully successful among this class of patients. The spring rush of im- migrants into New York, & especially from Russia, shows an alarming increase over four years. Mrs. Harrison read the minute of the Short Story meeting held in January but hitherto unrecorded. The art with which she makes her minutes rival in interest the meeting they record, made the ladies resolve that she should not longer shirk the duties of that office, which we have
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Minutes 13 April 1905
On the evening of April 13th we were invited, by the ladies of the Thursday Book Club, to meet them & a number of other guests, from the town & two colleges, at the home of Mrs. Withers. Quite an elaborate prog musical program had been prepared & was much enjoyed. Following this Miss Craner delighted her listeners with two humorous recitations. Certainly the best was not saved for the last, but the toothsome refreshments served in the tastefully decorated dinning room were in keeping with the preceding gracious hospitality. We would express to the Thursday Club our appreciation of their courtesy & enjoyment of the occasion.
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Minutes 31 March 1905
[Page 1] March 31 -
Our meeting on March 31st with Mrs. C.L. Grey showed a divergence from our accustomed program, which can by no means be taken as an explanation of the very pleasant evening afforded. The book for the day was “Wayfarers in Italy” by Catherine Hooker. Information regarding its author was meagre. We know little more than that she is a New Englander by birth, tho for most of her life a resident of California, is fond of travel, a book lover, and to a degree, writer. The Wayfarers in Italy are herself & daughter. In discussing a country so notably the home of Sculpture & painting, it was only natural that our interest should centre in some of the sons who have contributed most to her wealth in treasures of art.