Hillsboro Woman's Club begins 91st year

Alley 21 provided a bright, cozy atmosphere for the first meeting of the Hillsboro Woman's Club's 91st year. Hostesses were this year's incoming officers, with the exception of vice president Helen Ford.

President Mary Todd Hardeman was joined at the head table by secretary Gretchen Huffman and treasurer Frances Larkin, who had already collected the luncheon fees as well as many payments of yearly club dues from the 23 attendees.

The president suggested the club correct copies of the bylaws to reflect some changes that were voted upon previously. They are dues for active members are now $15 per year, with associate members to pay $20.

The business portion of the meeting was halted at this time by the serving of a delicious luncheon on tables centered with arrangements of pink roses and baby's breath, which were later given to one person at each table. The centerpieces had been artfully arranged by Ford's grandson, Christopher Ford. The flowers were accompanied by old books and beautiful old gloves from Hardeman's collection.

Card chairperson Shirley Faul passed around get well cards to be signed and sent to Louise Sprinkle and Mary Moran.

This year's budget was prepared by members Elizabeth Newman, Judith Lindley and Eleanor Williams and was determined to be more than adequate for this year's endeavors.

The president reported that the club's annual programs are now on a computer program and can be easily amended as needed.

Many of the members had brought treasurers for the "show and tell" version of the meeting's theme, "Things Ladies Used to Do." One item, a hand-painted plate shown by June Bowman, was painted in 1893 and signed by the painter. Another item was a unique hairpin lace head rest cover or arm cover, which had been brought to the meeting by Peggy Addington.

Huffman shared a large collection of handmade doll clothes which had been made in the 1940s by her paternal grandmother. She also brought sheets and pillowcase sets that were trimmed with tatting or embroidery or both.

A china hair recover was brought by Faul, who explained that hair was saved in this type of container until there was enough or make a small "bun" to be added to the wearer's own hair for extra fullness.

A white graduation dress from Ford's family had been worn by many high school graduates over the years, but all wearers needed to have a 22-inch waistline. (It was not modeled at the program.)

Four members, including Hardeman, Larkin, Moran and Huffman, wore vintage clothing or accessories, including ensembles, dresses, fur scarves (with the animals' heads intact), hats and wigs to the meeting. The rest of the members of the group were comfortable.

–Submitted by Gretchen Huffman