|
|
Shelby County |
Home 1915 History Index |
|
|
Shelby County |
Home 1915 History Index |
CHAPTER XIX.LITERARY DEVELOPMENT. (CONT'D)
The Harlan Literary Club was organized in 1891 and was federated in 1896, there being at that time but four clubs in Iowa so federated. The person first most active in the organization of the club was Mrs. Alice Warner, wife of Superintendent A. B. Warner, of the city schools. She talked with Mrs. Jennie S. Cullison and others, with the result that the club was organized as above stated with the following charter members: Mrs. Alice Warner, Mrs. M. E. McArthur, Mrs. Belle Wyland, Mrs. Eunice C. Macy, Mrs. Jennie S. Cullison, Mrs. Sallie R. Stuart, Mrs. Nettie E. Cobb, Mrs. Josie W. Smith, Mrs. M. Carrie Turner. Mrs. Arthur E. Noble, Mrs. Lillian Pexton, Mrs. Eleanor Cockerell, Mrs. Mary J. Byers, Mrs. Martha Potter, Mrs. Lucy A. Robinson.
The object of the club, as set forth in its constitution, is "the development in its members of a higher literary taste and culture and to secure to each a more general knowledge of the important topics of the day." Among the topics presented and discussed in the early years of the organization were: "American Bar and Judges"; "Government Ownership of Railroads"; "Military Training in Iowa Schools"; "The Value of Political Equality"; "Church Entertainments": "Social Institutions of the United States;" "Bi-Metallism and the Cold Standard," etc. The club also studies many subjects dealing with art, literature and science. At practically all of the meetings there has been and is much parliamentary drill and practice. Among the persons who have been secretary of the club are: Mrs. Belle Wyland. Mrs. Jennie S. Cullison, Mrs. M. C. Turner, Mrs. Althea Noble, Mrs. Eleanor Cockerell, Mrs. Sallie R. Stuart, Mrs. Lucy A. Robinson, Mrs. Nettie E. Cobb. Mrs. Martha Potter, Mrs. Eunice C. Macy, Mrs. Josephine W. Smith and others. The office of president has been held in turn by all of the members of the club, the fundamental law of the club so providing, the purpose being that as many as possible might have training and experience as a presiding officer.
|
