The Centennial Culture Club had its beginning in the centennial year of Iowa 1946, and the members aspired to have a study club, hence its lofty sounding name: Centennial Culture. Most of the original members had some connection with the Jordan School. Some were the new wives of returning service men and being integrated into the community.
The first meeting was held at the home of Marie Carlson when a Constitution was adopted and officers were elected for one year. The following credo was adopted:
If at the year's end we've acquired
Some things that we hold dear;
If we've acquired what we've desired
When we began this year
If we, relaxing have enjoyed
The handclasp, converse, smile,
Our effort then was well employed,
Our study club worthwhile.
Many showers have been held through the years, baby showers frequently at first, bridal showers, graduating gifts, even a shower following the Jordan tornado.
It has been a tradition that offices are passed around in an orderly fashion, and it was understood that when elected, one served. The offices have dwindled down to four now: president; vice president, historian; secretary, treasurer; and chaplain, social chairman.
Originally it was traditional that Christmas gifts were to be handmade or created. However as more and more members joined the work force, that rule has been changed to optional. Many gifts still are hand made or home grown,
Another change with the times and aging has been the times of meetings. Evening meetings have changed to daytime, and now meetings are held March through December instead of through winter months. This also accommodates some who have become snowbirds.
Programs have always been important. In early years most of them were done by the program chairman for the month. Now, more quest speakers are used and often tours and eating out are the fare.
The club was originally organized as a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs at the county, state and national level, and members participated in all their projects. It was decided to dissolve this affiliation in May 1963. Many of the members had joined the work force and were unable to go to Federation meetings.
"Iowa" has been a favorite study theme and many anniversaries culminating in the Golden Anniversary which we shared with the Iowa Bicentennial celebration and also observed throughout the year. Programs were looking back by ten-year segments and culminating with a banquet.
Traditionally, each year began with an "eating-out" fitting with the theme of the year when the new program books were revealed and the originality enjoyed. Then, each year also ended with a dinner.
Through the years a bond of friendship and love has grown, and each get-together is a time of joy.
The founding members and officers were:
Theo Boyd - vice president
Arlene Buechler - treasurer
Marie Carlson - chaplain
Marjorie Crouse
Maxine Cryder - historian
Evelyn Doran
Doris Hull - president
Jane Lebo - secretary
Irene Nelson
Helen Ross - social chr.
Dorothy Samuelson
Edyth Walker
Phyllis Zenor
Added members year by year were:
WinifredHein-1947
Beth Johnson -1948
Martha Harrison -1951
Marjorie Buechler -1952
Bobbie Davis -1953
Eleanor Rosengreen -1954
Helen Beal -1954
Norma Staven-1954
Ardine Fairchild -1954
Arlene Shafer -1955
Helen Brown -1955
Eleanor Hanson -1957
Shirley Kersey 4-958
Barbara Pemble 1958
Joan Webb 1958
Beth Baker -1959
Edna Anderson -1961
Margaret Sigmund -1961
Alma Tallman -1961
June Brown 1962
Una Carr -1968
Maqy McLean -1969
Lavonne Frandson -1969
Georgia Wilson 1969
Celeste Robinson -1975
Judy Anton -1975
Daphne Dunn -1961. 1/28/98 |
