Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives


Source: April, 1958 Volume 10 Number 1, Pages 2–15


The Monday Afternoon Club of Malvern

Iva Warner


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It so happened that almost forty-three years ago- in October 1909, to be exact - at the suggestion of Dr. P. C. Hollis Lapp, it entered the minds of certain good women to establish from within and about the precincts of a town called "Malvern", a Society for the "uplift in all ways of the members thereof and the social and civic improvement of their neighborhood." Thus, the following month a goodly number of women assembled in the second floor room of the Fire House, and proclaimed their interest and willingness to become workers in this splendid cause. At once a Constitution and set of By-laws were adopted, and the organization was known as "The Monday afternoon Club."

Living Charter Members:
Mrs. Samuel Gillespie
Mrs. Emma R. Hoffman X
Mrs Harry Kemmerly X
Mrs. J. J. Ruth X
Miss Alice Scott
Mrs. Wm. M. Smith X

X denotes present that evening.

According to custom, a leader of the group was required, and the temporary chairman thus chosen was Mrs. Harold R. Aiken, known then as Miss Alberta Hinkle Warner, who did much toward establishing a sure foundation. With her as Secretary to keep all records, was Mrs. Wm. Miller Smith. With the appointment of the first nominating committee (Mrs. Wm. R. Warner, Jr., and Mrs. Harry Kemmerly) a ticket was prepared, resulting in the following election:

President - Mrs. C. E. Edwards. Vice-Pres.- Miss Helen A. Passmore Secretary - Mrs. Helen Hutchison Hufnal Treasurer - Mrs. Emma R. Hoffman

These took office in March, 1910, the Club having been included the previous year in the State Federation of Women's Clubs. As the membership grew, much was learned from guest speakers about the proceedings of similar clubs; therefore the women looked about to find channels where their energy and influence could be directed best. This resulted in providing the Fire Company members with magazines and other reading material for their Hall; an attempt to secure a covered passage at Malvern Railroad Station;

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a petition to the Borough Council for the improvement of streets; cleaning of gutters and pruning of street trees; providing receptacles about town for waste paper, which eventually led to a yearly clean-up day; help in several ways toward the celebration of a safe and patriotic 4th of July; and later having gas piped into town and playing a vital part in securing electricity. To encourage property improvement, a Silver Cup was offered several years by Mrs. Charles E. Coxe, and the first winner was Elias T. Jones, followed in succeeding years by R. J. McDermott, Miss Hazel Taylor, Jesse W, Cox., Mrs. Warren Pechin, Dr. P. C. Hollis Lapp, H. D. Rennard, Frank Garcia and Wm. A. West. Prized recipes were collected and printed in a splendid Cook Book in 1912 copies being sold by the members. This money was placed for interest and spoken of as the nucleus of the fund for a future club building. There are many records of assistance given to the needy with food, clothing and coal thru an active Philanthropic Committee.

Malvern Fire Co. Hall

In 1912, Mrs. B. J. Passmore was elected President with Miss Beatrice P. John as Secretary, followed by Mrs. T. N. Pyle. The Society was growing more ambitious and gathered together for special events in the School Hall, the various churches, and in the Malvern Hotel for luncheons.

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Although a Year Book had been received by each of the 87 members of 1911. this was changed to monthly program cards to be fastened together under a cover decorated with the Club monogram, designed by Miss Rhea Graham of Paoli and hand painted with the adopted colors of red and green. Programs were planned by members called Leaders and pertained to health, literature, travel and education. By the light of a coal-oil lamp, Mrs. J. W. Shoemaker, connected with the National School of Oratory, read "The Birds Christmas Carol." The final meeting held in the Fire House was in December 1912 when Christmas tableaux and a play called "Miss Susan's fortune" were attempted without stage properties or scenery, without even a stage. Yet the enthusiasm of every one overruled all short-comings and sense of crudeness.

Then the Society moved to the Boro Council Room above the Library, where an appointed hostess received each afternoon, and the Hospitality Committee had an easier time preparing refreshments because of the addition of a tea kettle, a tea strainer, some tea towels and a two-burner gas plate placed on a denim covered box at the top of the stairway. Previous to meeting in these new quarters, a committee had carefully moved the cups and saucers and spoons for which each one had been willingly taxed twenty-five cents back in the earliest days.

During the administration of Miss Jennie B. Fetters as President, with Mrs. John V. Nolan as Secretary, Musical Numbers were a feature, for the Club purchased a piano in 1914, the fund for this starting with a scheme whereby each member was to cause five cents to grow into one dollar, by some means. This explains an Item on an old program - - "Echoes from the Nickel," and those/echoes wore indeed amusing. The Club Chorus came into existence and quartettes appeared in costumes suitable for St. Patrick's Day, also Scotch and Colonial Programs. Among the members who furnished musical enjoyment for these days were Mrs. Harry Kemmerly, Mrs. Horace B. Supplee, Miss Blanche D. Warner, Miss Helen A. Passmore, Mrs. J. Miller Shank, Miss Marguerite John, Mrs. P. C. Hollis Lapp, Mrs. Wm. West, Mrs. R. H. LaRue, Miss Mildred Hayburn, Mrs. Frank T. Hufnal, Mrs, J. C. McClintock. Many discussions were heard relating to the need for Woman Suffrage, Child Labor Laws and a Pure food. Crusade. The Club placed Tb. seals in the stores of the town for sale then, and classes to learn Parliamentary Rule and basketry preceded the regular meetings. Other classes were formed in later years, such as a series of current event lectures by

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A. Hunt Vantier, and a Domestic Economy Class. For the sixth Birthday Party, the program was planned as a First Day in School with interesting blackboard lessons and witty games at recess. Everyone was amused by the teacher's desk with its fittings, including the customary apple and the school bell. Adella Hanphill was supported at Marysville College by a scholarship.

Next, the women chose as their leader Mrs. John V. Nolan for two succeeding terms, with Miss Mildred Hayburn as Secretary, followed by Miss Etta N. Lapp. During her office the Ways and Means Committee (created during the former administration with Mrs. T. N. Pyle as the first chairman) was exceedingly active, bringing in considerable money with sales of newspapers, fairs, markets, catering and lawn fetes at members' homes when a fare was charged for the treat of an automobile ride around town. There was also the spirit of co-operation with other organizations such as the Community Club and the Bachelor Club. The influences of war were keenly felt and the note of patriotism and national defense rang strong with Liberty Bonds, War Songs, Red Cross Help, Relief for Foreign Children, Sewing and Knitting Classes.

In 1916 the membership, limited to 100, was divided into sections for program work-- history, music, art and drama, civics, literature and current events, and that same year the Club joined the National Federation. After considering other situations, a lot on Channing Avenue was purchased in 1919 for $1200.00, for efforts were in earnest toward a needed building. The custom of reviewing good books

Borough Hall of Malvern

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and popular plays and discussing current events was continued. Programs were centered on learning about Pennsylvania's dramatists, her music, history and literature, followed, by a study of France, while Americanization Day brought forth beautiful costumes of several countries. There are some who will recall an afternoon devoted to papers and songs of Shakespeare, with impersonations of those in the Mad Scene from Hamlet, the sleep-walking scene from Macbeth, and the love scene from Romeo and Juliet with Mrs. E.E. Ruth making a splendid Romeo, and Iva B. Warner as Juliet perched on a high balcony fearfully and wonderfully suspended across a corner of the so-called stage! Another delightful day brought forth considerable talent of the grandmothers of the membership who danced a minuet, in costume, and posed in tableaux, with two great grandmothers (Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Hinkle) giving piano and vocal solos. In keeping with the religious theme, Rev. H. H. Kurtz gave a talk about The Poetry of the Bible. The music was beautiful as was a pageant--The Parable of the Foolish and Wise Virgins. The prized piano was kept carefully locked when not in use, but rentals of it were allowed. The first Garden Party took place at "Annandale," the home" then of Mr. Dreer.

When the time for another election came, Mrs. Wilmer B. Cox was the women's choice for President, with Mrs. Geo. S. Holland as Secretary. Benefits for the Building Fund continued with card parties, dances, handkerchief sale, magazine subscriptions and the Annual Lawn Fete. Reciprocity Day and the 11th Birthday Party were enjoyed. An outstanding program, Art and Literature of the 18th Century, was repeated in Coatesville and Parkesburg, while at home an afternoon is recalled when Thanksgiving and the 300th Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims were celebrated together, with original papers, musical numbers and scenes from the Courtship of Miles Standish. A census was taken concerning how each woman felt about forging ahead with building, and a committee was appointed to visit and inspect certain club houses to gain ideas. Following Mrs. Cox, the newly elected President was Mrs. T. N. Pyle during 1922, '23, and 1924, with Mrs. Holland continuing, as Secretary. The Channing Avenue lot was enlarged for an extra $300.00; stock subscriptions for a building were sought, and a drive for funds outside the membership was begun. It was then the Junior Club (the first in Chester County) was organized, with 16 members, with Mrs. Homer W. Teamer as Chairman and later Mrs.

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Mildred Bradley Fisher as Senior Adviser. The Legislative Committee was very active, and information about gardening was introduced, also help given concerning law enforcement of prohibition. The tone of visiting speakers was against war. One special program of home talent concerned North American Indians, with beautiful songs and stories about them and facts about, the Indian School, then at Carlisle. No effort was too much for the Decorating Committee, who provided a setting of evergreens, wigwam and camp fire, while the costumes worn by those posing in tableaux from Eiawatha were loaned by -- whom do you think? By the Lodge of Red Men of Frazer. What a time we had to hide the lamps placed on the floor to act as footlights, and much depended upon that black chintz curtain and the imagination of the audience.

When election time, came, because of many requests, Mrs. John V. Nolan again accepted the presidency, with Mrs. Wilmer I. Bartram serving as Secretary. According to a recommendation of the Federation, the President opened each meeting with a Scripture reading. Reciprocity Day was enjoyed in the Sunday School room of the Baptist Church, the Hospitality Committee serving the luncheon, and, as happened several times, kiss Helen Rowley furnished the music and Mrs. Lewis R. Dick gave delightful readings. The Club helped the Rush Hospital, became a director of the Needlework Guild, and donated $50.00 to the town Library. The Hospitality of Mrs. Allan D. Wallis was enjoyed at "Annandale," with Mrs. Griscom and Miss Esther Heacock giving a program about, birds, and the following June a picnic was also enjoyed there; these were the first, of many pleasant times which followed at "Annandale." An outdoor Flower Show was held on the Club lot. Programs were planned about Chester County, Philadelphia, and early American Literature.

Next, the women elected Mrs. Wilmer I. Bartram as their President, with Mrs. Norman G. Acker as Secretary. The members felt that the Council Room was too small for the customary Ken's Reception and accepted the kind invitation to hold it at "Annandale," where a lecture about Russia was given by William White. Serving refreshments there was in decided contrast to the manner they had been served at former receptions in the Council Room where the places of food prepared on the first floor were passed from person to person forming a long line up the stairway, jokingly compared by some to a bucket brigade at a fire. At one of those earlier receptions the Lester Ensemble appeared first, sent to entertain us by the manufacturers of Lester Piano. The

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famous baritone-- Wilbur Evans came to sing with this same group later when, they performed in the Club House. The newest members were honored at a reception at the home of Mrs. G. R. Camp, and Miss Mary J. K. Shaeffer entertained at Rush Hospital where she was Supervisor. The certificate of the Club's membership, in the General Federation of Women's Clubs is dated 1926. Do some of you remember a Surprise Program which proved to be the Flap Jack troupe, The Dum Bells of 1926, and Susie's Kitchen Kanaries – a band of the members dressed in novel uniforms with kitchen utensils as musical instruments? Such harmony was never heard! Although a rainy day, a wonderful Lawn Fete was held at the home of Mrs. C. C. Wilson in Chester Valley.

In spite of Mrs, Bertram's protests, she was prevailed upon to accept the presidency again. These were important years in the Club's history. Two properties had been considered as a possible club house; if converted, but after deep consideration, ground 90 x 200 ft. on the corner of First and Warren Avenues, which Mr. Edwin A. Brinker and Charles Brinker had generously offered was accepted, valued then at $1500.00. The Channing Avenue lot was sold and the decision made to build the long-awaited Club House; the contract for its erection being given to the firm of Walton & Price as architects, and Herbert S. WaLton, contractor, the plan being similar to the club house at Media. The ground was broken on the evening of August 6, 1928, the cornerstone laid with proper ceremony October 21st, and plans made for the opening day. The building was known as the Thirty-Five Thousand Dollar Club House, and $4,000.00 is listed for furnishings, but innumerable gifts of money and articles were donated by friends. The Building Committee consisted of Mrs. P. C. Hollis Lapp, Mrs. T. N. Pyle, and Mrs. B. J. Passmore, and Mrs. Allan D. Wallis headed the Property Committee which was aided by a professional decorator, Miss Lange, in the choice of good and correct furnishings. It was a wonderful Opening Day on March 18, 1929 with many guests, and the following day the West Chester New Century Club brought the program for the first meeting. The auditorium was crowded when a few evenings later two plays were presented – "The Boy Who Discovered Easter" and Zona Gale's "The Neighbors." At one meeting Dr. Wilmer Krusen, a well-known physician, told of the women in the works of Charles Dickens. One evening the auditorium was especially beautiful with the lavish use of long festoons of smilax hanging from chandeliers and side lights, while the stage represented an outdoor terrace with wrought iron chairs and table topped with striped umbrella

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The Auditorium

and quantities of flowers, ferns, tall begonias and more smilax to form a fitting atmosphere for the reading of poems about Hawaii by a native poet Don Blanding – all of which he said made him truly homesick. Even back in the Council Room days, decorations were a feature, appropriate to the program or season of the year. Earliest records tell of the use of quantities of lilaces, cherry blossoms and other spring flowers arranged by the Misses Fetters, arrangements of scrubbed potatoes for St. Patrick's Day, blooming plants in shining broad pans the day the bread mixer was demonstrated. The Committees responsible for decorations in this Club House have made them remarkable with artistic beauty, at little or no cost. Thus Mrs. Bertram tided over the meetings from the old scenes to the new.

For the following term of office, Mrs. Frank S. Avil (1930 - 1932) became President, with Mrs. John Heineken as Secretary, being installed at an evening meeting with the stage decorated with dogwood blossoms, snappy two-minute talks were informative in program work, and a Literary Breakfast was enjoyed at eleven o'clock with one-minute talks by eleven members, each one's time being limited by the ring of an alarm clock. A very large Reciprocity Luncheon, with several distinguished guests, took place in the dining room, made beautiful with quantities of forsythia, with yellow and green balloons floating among the flowers. Goeffrey 0'Hara was the entertainer with his poems and well-known songs. These were the days of the "Vanishing Luncheons."

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There were many who proudly wielded a broom, mop and dust cloth to keep the building in good order, and many more who worked in the kitchen cooking and serving Rotary Suppers and other meals. The Pageant of the Shawl brought forth many valuable shawls as those exhibiting them moved up the center aisle to gather around Mrs. Robert Hutchison representing the Statue of Liberty. The one to whom so much credit was due for many of these programs was Mrs. Wilmer G. Cox, who worked enthusiastically to plan them and the costumes as nearly right as possible in every detail, and suggesting the music and settings for the effects she desired.

Then another splendid worker was honored as President Mrs. Robert J. McDermott, (1932 - 1934-) with Mrs.Wm. L. Haines serving as Secretary. During her term more was heard from and about the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Miss Mary Bentley conducted an Art Class and Mrs. W. G. Cox led one in Literature. The usual Christmas Party for the children was enjoyed as was a long-desired Exhibit. The trend of current events was told by Mrs. Harold Watson, and a Play Festival was unique. The Club felt privileged to have the artist Lawrence Saint tell of Stained Glass and Cathedral Windows, and were pleased to listen to Prudence Wallis relate her experience in Labrador with the Grenfell Mission. A small Rose Show was held at "Annandale," and the "Memory Garden" originated through the Club of Little Gardens of Malvern.

For the next President, Mrs. Humbert Borton Powell was chosen, (1934 - 1936) with Mrs. Ray Steele as Secretary. Since it was the 25th Anniversary, an attractive booklet was issued. Mr. Shastry of Calcutta, India, gave a talk "What it means to me to be a Christian," and J. Carroll Hayes told of the Cathedrals of the Old World. At a meeting in the Berwyn Theatre much knowledge was gained about motion pictures. Another Drama Play and a County Federation meeting were held here during her administration, and different departmental committees were busy. A novel program was called "The Captain's Farewell Party," representing the last evening of an ocean voyage on the good ship U.S.A. Mrs. Powell, dressed in the Captain's uniform, presided in a clever manner at the dinner and those at the Captain's large table characterized famous people of the time, each one of whom told experiences in his or her life - Gen. Smedley Butler, Miss Frances Perkins, Will Rogers, Madam Homer, Amelia Earhart and others.

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Being regularly elected, Mrs. Norman G. Acker (1936 - 1938) accepted the presidency, with Mrs. Roy Steele continuing as Secretary. Now committees were created and motion pictures reviewed and recommended, The Chester County Library was aided and a contribution sent to Bowman's Hill for plants. Card parties, exchange tables and catering continued. Dr. Lingelbach was one of the prominent speakers, while Hope LeBar Roberts delighted everyone with her poems and music. Juniors and Seniors had joint meetings, including the Men's Reception when Isabel Jacobs Ruth read "The Servant in the House." The entertainment for the Garden Party at the home of Mrs. Humbert B. Powell of Devon followed a Spanish theme.

Then the members chose Lars. Jesse W. Cox as their President, (1938 -.1940) with Mrs. Charles Lyons as Secretary. The County Federation convened here again, end an Educational Forum was held, also another Drama Day. The Club entered a Peace Float in the town's 50th Anniversary celebration. Mrs. Robert Miller gave instruction about the making of Christmas decorations, praising the choice of plant material on the Club grounds, and for the usual Christmas Party for the school children Mrs. Goldsmith brought her collection of dolls. The 30th Anniversary was observed and another Rose Show held at "Annandale" besides the Garden Party at Mrs. Ralph Hunt's home. Mr. John Kent Kane was an excellent chairman of catering for Family Suppers for the community, followed by good programs, Adella Tucker Culbranson entertained in costume, singing some political campaign songs of seven centuries.

Mrs. Cox handed over the new gavel to another President, Mrs. Allan D. Wallis, (1940 - 1942) with Mrs. Charles Tyler as Secretary, and later Mrs. Ray Steele and Mrs. Carroll Hughes. All program and committee coverage as advocated by the Federation was cared for and a Finance Committee was created. A reading Club was formed with Mrs. Paul Towner giving book reviews. The membership had grown considerably under her leadership, and was divided into twelve telephone lists; the Junior Club with Mrs. Frank Walker as Senior adviser was most active. The Band of the Upper Main Line and the Rotary Club used the Club House as their home, with Mrs. John Kent Kane continuing as the efficient Catering Chairman and Mrs. Lester Moffatt caring for the dining room. So-call-"Circles" brought in money and the indebtedness was decidedly decreased. Some of the prominent affairs were a Pennsylvania Dutch Supper and entertainment, a Garden Party at the home of Mrs. Charles P. Davis, music by the pupils of the Royer-Greaves School, Mrs. Bartram Harvey's talk about Wedgewood, and a reeding by Mrs. Robert G. Funkhouser of "The white Cliffs of Dover" - with an English setting.

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Next in order of presidents was Mrs. Thomas Corkhill (1942) who soon was compelled to resign because of illness, when the Vice-President Mrs. Walter Graff was advanced to that office, Mrs. Hughes continuing as Secretary. With Mrs. Graff's excusable absences, Mrs. Robert G. Funkhouser was acting President. Most of us recall that period with its food rationing, its conservation of fuel oil and lack of transportation facilities. The Club House was closed for three winter months but there were summer meetings. From our County agents we learned about growing vegetables and home canning, gave aid to Valley Forge Hospital and United War Charities. The Blood Donor Service was stationed here, and an Instruction Class held in home nursing. Mrs. Lee Spackman kept up her work with Rummage Sales and a Christmas Bazaar, and there was a corps of workers for housecleaning day. The Girl Scouts gave another splendid afternoon, and Mr. Love brought his carrier pigeons, telling about their work in war. Helen Riddel Holcomb presented a very sweet program "Up Thru the Years" and Dr. Bush gave a profound lecture "Citizen Plan for Peace."

Next, the women selected from their number Mrs. Franklin W. Wandless as President, (1944 - 1946) with Mrs. R. H. LaRue as Secretary. The members were informed and urged to be alert about legislation,were told about the Youth Movement and Teen-age Clubs. More donations went to the Valley Forge Hospital and the March of Dimes, besides the purchase of Health and Victory Bonds. Several members participated in the 30th Anniversary of the County Federation, Mrs. John V. Nolan having been its third President. Covered-dish luncheons continued and the Treasury enlarged through Mrs. Spackman's efforts and Mrs. Graff's sale of pecan nuts. The majority of programs were furnished by the members - for instance the Wm. Penn Tercentenary, the international Relations Program called "Let There Be Light," and the modeling of clothes made by Mrs. Spackman's Sewing Class. Repairs to the building and replacement of furnishings had become necessary, some, of which were done modestly by interested members.

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Then the newly elected President, Mrs. J. Roland Smith, (1946 - 1948) was installed, with Mrs. LaRue continuing as Secretary. Many new members from an expanded area were welcomed, and the Club Mouse was the home of the Girl and Boy Scouts. Teen-Age dances were held, and a Blanket Club formed. Donations went to the Civic Association, Community Chest, and the proceeds of a card party to the Dental Clinic. Certain arrangements being made, there were then custodian tennants in the Club House, and a bath shower was added to it. In 1947 Drama Day took place, also the Garden Party at the home of Mrs. Eugenia Cassatt Davis, and a farewell party to "Annandale." Music consisted of a concert by the Upper Lain Line Band, talent from Immaculata College and the Treble Clef Chorus from Lansdowne, presenting all Stephen Foster music, besides that furnished by several members. Outstanding features were the Tom Breneman Breakfast in Hollywood, Reciprocity Day with Pennsylvania Dutch theme, lectures by Hope LeBar Roberts, Customs of Guatemala by Mrs. Clarence B. Goshorn. A covered-dish supper for the Girls' athletic association of Tredyffrin-Easttown High School, with their parents and teachers, under "Youth-Conservation" movement, was started with Mrs. C. J. Tollinger in charge. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed part of the Club House roof. A huge and successful "New Roof Card Party" followed, as in addition to the fire repairs, other roof work was necessary, due to its age, Mrs. Smith graciously accepted the presidency for another term, with Mrs. Franklin W. Wandless as Secretary. Upon Mrs. Smith's resignation, Mrs. T. Lewis Wallace was Acting President, (1948 - 1950). The Society had been in the Club House twenty years and a celebration in keeping took place. Various benefits and rentals went on, and the annual dues were raised, of necessity. An enjoyable picnic was held at the home of Mrs. Verl L. Elliott, while some of the informative programs concerned Glass Blowing, Good Furs, Women of the Bible, The Hoover Report, Painter Arboretum, Compulsory Health Insurance; a talk on International Relations by Gertrude Ely, and another by Dr. Heathcote on "Finding the Peace," continuance of T-L High School Girls' Athletic Supper.

In April, 1950, Mrs. Howard E. Rowe, was elected President, with Mrs. R. S. Shortlidge as Secretary. With Mrs. Ray Steele as Senior adviser, a new Junior Club had been formed, with Mrs. Evelyn Mink as President, followed by Mrs. Vincent Rado. Donations went toward the Cancer Research Fund, Penny Art Fund, Tuberculosis Society, and

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for a Girl Scout Campership. Covered-dish luncheons continued; a Catering Committee functioned and a Merchandise Club was started. At the Garden Party, at the home of Mrs. John A. Yohn, Dr. Jessie Royer Greaves, as "Pennsylvania's distinguished daughter, was the guest of honor. We are also honored to have among our members one who was chosen as Pennsylvania's outstanding "Mother" - Mrs. Allan D. Wallis. An "Apron Party" provided a gala afternoon with pictures in the local papers of the prettiest and oldest aprons worn by the winners; Club Chorus was revived again under the leadership of Mrs. John Stroh; Men's Night was held again with a hilarious play given by the Club Members entitled "Did you say Mink," with Mr. E. K. Sowden impersonating the part of the much needed "eleventh woman." New auditorium doors were deemed necessary for the Club House by this time, so these were added with Mrs. Chas. R. Miller in charge. The Club House was used again by the Red Cross for Blood Donor's Day, and a list of materials needed for any possible emergency during these troubled times was compiled by Mrs. E. Kenneth Sowden.

A few of the programs were on the subjects of Heirloom Jewelry, Audubon Celebration, Adventures in Biography by Mrs. Janet Payne- Whitney, and American Home Day. At the Flower Show, planned by Mrs. N. Del Roy Acker, several members wore flower- trimmed hats-, while garden advice was shared by experienced members, showing the discussed topics to be asvaried and broad as they are interesting.

Thus the Club and the Club House in many ways represent a strong vital force as a factor in community interests.

The many splendid workers of today with their individual and united efforts are too many to name for the credit due them, and many interested members have been called to the Great Beyond.

Lack of time forbids a longer story, but no history, however well told, can impart the Spirit of Fellowship and cooperation, nor the entire record of service in the usefulness of'The Monday Afternoon Club as it continues with consistent good work in the-purposes for which it was begun.

Note: This History was read at the 23rd Club House Birthday Party, March 17th, when the mortgages were burned.

Mrs. Howard E. Rowe, President Miss Etta N. Lapp, Treasurer

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Appended later to complete the events of Mrs. Rowe's term of office:

On the evening of April 7th, the Youth-Conservation Supper for athletic girls of T-E High School was held. The Club sponsored two very fine musical presentations, one by the Ohio Wesleyan University Girls' Glee Club and one by the Main Line Chorus. In the midst of the setting of a small flower show, Mrs. N. Del Roy Acker presented those principles necessary to follow in good flower arrangements, and the Club House looked very festive because of many spring flowers and newly painted furniture for Reciprocity Day. After lunch an amusing play "On to Washington" was given, and Anne Simon delighted every one with her solos.

At the garden party to be held at the home of Mrs. John A. Yohn, new officers will be installed with Mrs. Frank L. Stetson as President.

Dr. Thomas G. Aiken birthplace

Dr. Thomas G. Aiken was born in this house, built in 1880. It was located next to a small frame building which was the drugstore on the corner of Knox Avenue and Lancaster Pike.

 
 

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