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Show r- CEMTERSirii tj HISTORICAL SOCIETY By VES HARRISON When Nora Miles and Lucile Reading got together in early 1938 to plan the forming of a club designed to further the cultural appreciation apprecia-tion of women in Centerville, they probably did not dream that nearly 52 years later it would still be going strong. Nor was it likely that they could have envisioned the myriad activities of a cultural, philanthropic philan-thropic and civic nature that would be generated by this club in the ensuing years. Dorothy Streeper presented the history and accomplishments of this group in the September meeting. She also introduced several present members and officers who were present, including Stella Trump, the present president, and Grayce Tingey, treasurer. The original membership consisted of eight ladies: Nora Miles, Lucile Reading, Vera L. Smith, Betty Tingey, Jean Kirkham, Ella - Halvorsen, Sylvia Tingey and Ruth Mclntyre. The membership was increased to 12 about two years later with the addition of Ivy Carr, Ethel Walton, Violet Carr and Rutl Walton. A constitution was drawn up which later allowed for 24 members, which is still effective today. Initially, meetings were held twice each "month, but later" this was revised to one meeting monthly. The officers offi-cers were elected to two year terms, and it was their duty to arrange the programs, in accordance with general ideas suggested by the membership. Each meeting began with a musical program, usually followed by one of literature or art. One can imagine the wide scope of themes and subjects covered by this group during the span of over half a century. To name a few: The Bible as History; American Heritage; Famous Women; Utah's Contribution to the Arts; United States and Its Art; Latin American and International Arts; The Great Salt Lake - A Scientific, Historical and Economic Overview, by Wallace Gwynn; Colonial Furniture; Colonial Quilts; Poetry; Stone Buildings of Centerville; Children's Books; Currier & Ives Art; European Tapestries. Book reviews were given by many of the members. Most of the programs were presented by members, augmented by occasional presentation pre-sentation by noted artists, writers, professors and musicians, such as Avard Fairbanks, Dr. Chapman and Florence Ware. Some of the classes enabled members to obtain college credits. Annually, the Founders' Committee held outstanding Founders' Day Programs at the end of the year. These were high class affairs held in such places as the Lion House, or in prestigious restaurants. As a group, they also attended conceits, lectures, art exhibits and other events. As an unselfish gesture to other citizens of the community they sponsored teas to which the townsfolk were invited, at which interesting inter-esting programs of music, art, etc. were presented. These teas were usually held as fund raisers, to enable the club to participate in the many civic and charitable activities into which it was drawn. Some of these projects were local, some area-wide, and some in support of America's efforts in World War II. Dorothy mentioned men-tioned such projects as Tree Plantings, Erection of a Concrete Platform Plat-form in the Cemetery, A New Curtain for Centerville Elementary School, Acquisition of a LeConte Stewart Painting for Centerville First Ward Chapel and others. She then called on Clara Goudy to read a list of other projects . enpged in by the clubrThe list is long, but here are some.' knitting mittens, sox, donating cash, buying war bonds to help the war effort, entertaining servicemen who were far from home, conducting blood drives, and raising cash to bury a soldier who had no family. They raised $70 for their ward bond purchase by auctioning off a pair of oh, so scarce nylon stockings. (Remember, ladies how you'd -'kill" . for a pair of those back in the days of World War II?) s Some of the other commendable things the club has done: pur- ' chased a record player for the State Industrial School, sponsored girls to attend Girls' State, sponsored two girls to travel to Texas to participate par-ticipate in a sewing contest, gathered clothing and other needed items for the State Mental Hospital. Sponsored education classes for (peal people; donated cash, canned and bottled fruit and other goods for a family whose house burned down; donated cash to Primary Children's Hospital in memory of two members who recently died --Helen --Helen Cook and Mary Parrish. The list could go on and on. For a year or so the club was a member of the National Federation of Women's Clubs, through the Davis County Chapter. They also 1 tad a close association with the Bay view Club of Kaysville, the Jessamine Literary Club and the Fine Arts Guild, both of Bountiful. , The various club secretaries and historians have kept fine and . detailed records and scrapbooks'of the activities through the years, and these bodks were presented to the Centerville Historical Society, several years ago. They are considered to be a treasure. Clara Goudy mentioned that she, as a relative newcomer, upon reading through the books, was highly impressed with the many projects and good works the club accomplished. ' , . - ; Dorothy invited members and former members who were present to come to the microphone and express themselves. Ruth Smith told of being invited to the club, and was so impressed that she moved back to Centerville after a 27-year absence. Sylvia Tingey said she feels that through the club she gained many - .. . -Jrienckhips:- Ethel Walton reported that belonging to the club enriched her life" mote than any other thing. , Nora Miles told how much the club has meant to her and how she has enjoyed it for these many years. , Next meeting will be Oct 18, and we'll learn of the Coombs family fami-ly from Lucile Smith Fletcher. |