By Beverly Belcher Woody
For the next several weeks, in honor of the Stuart Book Club’s 100th anniversary, we will explore the origins of the group and their many philanthropic activities. According to a brief history of the Stuart Book Club provided to me by Suzanne Hopkins Hutchens, the club was the brainchild of Mrs. J. Murray (Annie Dillard) Hooker and Mrs. J. S. Lodge, wife of the Rev. Lodge, pastor of Stuart Methodist Church.
The organizing meeting was held on November 23, 1925, in the home of Mrs. John (Viola Massey) Clark. The following officers were elected:
President: Mrs. J. Murray Hooker
Vice President: Mrs. John R. Clark
Secretary: Mrs. J. S. Lodge
Treasurer: Miss Ethelyne Clark
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Murray (Naomi Ingram) Thompson
One of the first projects of the Stuart Book Club was establishing the Corner Library, the first public library in Patrick County. The library was first located inside the Clark Brothers Hardware Store at the corner of Main and Blue Ridge Streets. In the photograph above, the Clark Brothers store can be seen in the background.
One of the best ways to learn about the history of the Stuart Book Club is to read the many meeting minutes that were published in local newspapers. In the Danville Register & Bee, there are 347 entries for the group spanning from 1925 through 1975, marking the club’s fiftieth anniversary year. I have read through these articles and selected examples that best represent both the membership and the variety of their activities.
April 10, 1927 – Annual Banquet
The Danville Register & Bee reported that the biggest social event of the season was the Stuart Book Club’s annual banquet, held in the Hotel Perkins dining room. The beautifully decorated room created the perfect setting for the elegantly dressed ladies and their escorts. Three long tables adorned with flowers and individual favors created a festive atmosphere.
Guests enjoyed a five-course dinner served to members and their honored visitors. Because the banquet was held on April 1, the ladies cleverly incorporated humor into the event, with light-hearted speeches and jokes throughout the evening.
One of the most entertaining features was the Roll Call, where the husbands answered for their wives when names were called, then named their wives’ most pleasing characteristic—often accompanied by playful teasing, bringing great laughter to the gathering.
Male guests received special favors accompanied by witty verses. Each verse was read aloud by members, adding even more amusement to the evening festivities.
Those present were:
Hon. and Mrs. J. M. Hooker; Mr. and Mrs. John Clark; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Joyce; Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Thompson; Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Price; Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Morrissett; Mr. and Mrs. R. Paul Sanford; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hatcher; Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Shelton Lodge; Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Campbell; Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Akers; Dr. and Mrs. Moir S. Martin; Mr. and Mrs. George S. McNeil; Mesdames R. N. Clark, Mabel Clark, Frank Mays, Goodwin Blackard; Misses Vergie Thompson, Elizabeth Clanton, Audrey Dickerson, Mildred Brown, Ladye Clark, Ethelyne Clark; and Messrs. S. A. Thompson, Guy Davis, Tom Clark, and Hughes Clark.
May 12, 1929 – Fourth Annual Men’s Night
The club gave its Fourth Annual “Men’s Night” banquet at Hotel Perkins. The tables were decorated with silver baskets of club flowers and glowing tapers in silver holders. Each guest found at their place an attractive place card, a tiny silver pencil for completing clever contests, and a small airplane commemorating Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 trans-Atlantic flight.
The five-course menu was interspersed with humor, music, and speeches.
Those attending were:
Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Akers; Dr. and Mrs. G. P. Joyce; Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Thompson; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Clarke; Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Sanford; Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Price; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Davis; Dr. and Mrs. G. W. Hudson; Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Mow; Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Reynolds; Mrs. G. T. Divers; Mrs. W. H. Hatcher; Mrs. Mabel Clark; Mrs. P. Burton; Mrs. George McNiel; Mrs. J. F. Puckett; Mrs. John Shockley, Jr. of Martinsville; Misses Ruth Shockley, Vergie Thompson, Frances Taylor, Estelle Ragsdale, Albion Akers, Ladye Clark, Gladys Campbell, Kitty Taylor, Ruth Thompson, Ruth Hylton, Dora Carter; Messrs. J. S. Taylor, Hughes Clark, Rucker Moore, Blair Clark, William Taylor, Rev. Babcock, J. M. Hooker, Don Church, and Martin Staples Shockley of Richmond.
May 26, 1929 – Educational Programming
Mrs. W. H. Hatcher hosted the Stuart Book Club at her home with Mrs. Mabel Clark presiding. A motion was made and carried to join the Federation of Woman’s Clubs.
Mrs. Mabel Clark introduced the program topic, “Germany.” Papers were presented by Mesdames Frank Joyce, M. E. Thompson, and J. R. Clark.
After the program, guests were invited into the dining room where an ice course, followed by coffee and macaroons, was served. Tables were decorated with baskets of Killarney roses, and a rose graced each plate.
Additional guests included: Mrs. Terry Gilbert, Mrs. W. G. Blackard, Mrs. John West, Mrs. J. F. Puckett, and Misses Estelle Ragsdale and Ladye Clark.
January 5, 1930 – Book Shower
A “Book Shower” was hosted at Hotel Perkins for women and young girls. Guests enjoyed musical performances and readings, followed by a contest using objects suggesting particular books. Tea and cakes were served, and a large number of donated books were collected and distributed to the town’s two school libraries.
Community Outreach
On January 3, 1932, the community Christmas Tree sponsored by the club was reported as a great success. Needy children received clothing, toys, and bags of fruit and candy.
On December 22, 1932, announcements were made for the next community Christmas tree to be held Christmas Eve at 2:30 p.m. on the courthouse lawn, with the assistance of civic organizations and local merchants providing food and toys for families in need. Christmas feasts were also planned for local church Sunday schools.
On November 12, 1933, the club announced a benefit play, Safety First, to be presented at the high school auditorium, with proceeds supporting the community Christmas tree. The Parent-Teacher Organization sponsored the event.
On December 17, 1933, details were published for the annual Christmas tree to be held on Saturday, December 23, at 2:30 p.m., with gifts given to children under the age of sixteen who would not otherwise have a Christmas treat.
Chapter Programs
On November 25, 1934, Miss Mabel Barksdale hosted the club while Mrs. Clyde Smither presided. Plans were made to sponsor a fiddlers’ convention to raise funds for the Christmas tree. Miss Barksdale led a program on “Hypnotism,” assisted by Mrs. Elva Powell, Mrs. M. E. Thompson, and Mrs. Clyde Smither. Salad was served by Miss Barksdale and Miss Mary Lou Joyce.
On February 24, 1935, Mrs. W. B. Clark hosted a meeting centered on “Literature for Children.” Mrs. J. D. Davis presented on nursery rhymes, folk tales, and Mother Goose. Mrs. Hatcher discussed poetry, novels, and building children’s libraries. A nursery-rhyme contest followed with Mrs. E. C. Price winning the prize.
On June 25, 1935, Mrs. Frank Powell hosted a program devoted to Will Rogers. Roll call responses included jokes attributed to Rogers, and presentations were delivered by Mrs. John Clark, Miss Virginia Clark, Mrs. Guy Davis, and Miss Vergie Thompson. Each member received The Story of Will Rogers by Jerome Beatty. Guests included Mrs. C. D. Cowling, Mrs. Leon Powell, Mrs. J. F. Reynolds, Jr., and Miss Jean Powell.
On September 22, 1935, Mrs. Guy Davis hosted the club, presided over by Miss Mabel Barksdale. The club voted to donate $10 to the Children’s Home Society of Virginia. Mrs. Davis led discussions on “Interesting Facts About Our Presidents” and “Wives of Virginia Presidents.” A surprise birthday gift was given to the hostess, and an ice course was served.
Nearly every newspaper column notes that an “ice course” was served by the hostess. Research indicates that this term referred to a frozen dessert—usually ice cream—served as a fashionable course during early 20th-century social gatherings. At a time before widespread home refrigeration, serving ice cream was seen as both a luxury and a mark of hospitality.
Next week, we will continue exploring the Stuart Book Club’s activities from 1936 through the American Bicentennial in 1976.
For questions, comments, or story ideas, contact Woody at rockcastlecreek1@gmail.com or 276-692-9626.
