Today, we have women’s bunko groups, mommy and me groups, and painting parties. In the 1940s, they had garden clubs! I love reading old newspapers and learning about the culture of the 1940s.
This article from the Anniston Star in 1941 inspired part of Songbird. I hope you find these excerpts from the “Interesting Program Given for Garden Club” article just as amusing and “interesting” as I did. These women found a fun way to spend time together and help the community.
“With Mrs. A.H. Little acting as hostess at her home at 717 Oak Street, the members of the Anniston Garden Club held a meeting Thursday with an interesting program by visitors.
Mrs. Fred Williams presided and the roll call was answered by the members naming a plant that thrives in the house. Those present were Mrs. Little, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. C. J. Alford, Mrs. H. L. Davenport, Mrs. H.L. Layman, Mrs. William F. Gates, Mrs. B. F. Caffey, Mrs. J. R. Caine, Mrs. T. H. Collins, Mrs. J. C. Craig, Mrs. W. H. Hicks, Miss Lelia M. Jones...”
“Minutes of the October meeting were read by Mrs. McDonald and committee chairman gave reports. Mrs. Craig exhibited a miniature garden which will be presented to the Carnegie library and Mrs. Layman announced that a number of memorial plants had been placed in church grounds in honor of deceased club members. Mrs. Garrett gave her report of conservation and the sale of tagged Christmas trees.”
This excerpt comes from Songbird, Chapter 6!
“Even though Estelle personally knew every woman present, the formal roll calling was a standard procedure that could not be done without. The names that she marked would appear in the Tuesday edition of the Jacksonville News. All of the twelve ladies present began to travel mentally room by room through their homes contemplating their indoor plants.
“Myrtle Bonds,” Estelle called out alphabetically.
“Mother-in-law Tongues,” Myrtle answered, and Estelle placed a tiny black check mark next to her name.”