Friendship Club Celebrates the Century Mark

LISBON - When Elaine West joined the Friendship Club, a group of Mount Vernon and Lisbon area farm wives, the United States had yet to enter World War II.

Donna Jordan became a member when The Beatles still topped record charts in the 1960s.

Mollie Marti signed on eight years ago and, at 46, is the youngest as well as newest member.

These women joined four other members to celebrate the club's centennial birthday - it was founded May 29, 1912. Unfortunately the eighth member, Mary Wolrab, who joined in 1933 and recently turned 96 years old, was under the weather and couldn't make it to the meeting that was, appropriately, held at the Lisbon History Center rather than the usual member's home.

After opening with the long-standing tradition of reciting The Lord's Prayer, the women heard Sandra Wolrab, 68, club president, read a passage about the influence of political parties during the Civil War and answered roll call by explaining what their own political agenda would be today. For instance, Marion Lehman, 87, a member since 1970, would advocate better checks and balances for government spending while Sharon Peters, 76, who joined in 1999, would endorse improvements to educational programs that help solve other problems.

Then Donna, 64, the treasurer, reported a balance of $41 in the club's account, members paid their $5 annual dues and the meeting adjourned to talk about club history.

The Friendship Club formed to bring farm wives together in an era before long telephone conversations, paved roads and easy transportation. Beyond the social aspects, the women helped others, whether that was neighbors in need after a fire or orphans who lived at the Home for the Friendless in Cedar Rapids.

"I remember when we had a second meeting of the month," says Elaine, 101 years old. "It was a work meeting."

Just four meetings after that first one in 1912, the women gathered to finish quilt blocks. In 1919, after World War I, the club adopted a French orphan. One year in the 1950s it made six dozen neckties for the county home, as well as sofa and chair cushions. Despite the dwindling numbers - the club once had more than 30 members - it still practices philanthropy, such as making fleece blankets for child protective services.

A little play, of course, was necessary. The club has a song and a cheer. In 1927, with families present, 72 ten-cent Christmas gifts were exchanged. In 1917 the club adopted the motto: "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."

Men? Has a man ever belonged to the Friendship Club?

"No, and we aren't looking for one, either," laughs Kathryn Henik, who joined the club in 1957 at age 19. "It would just spoil the ambience if you'd get men in here."

But, to be honest, the women do wonder about the future of the club.

"Some of us think we should let it die with dignity rather than change too much," says Kathryn.

"To me," adds Elaine, "a club like this is necessary. It's surprising to me how many people live in neighborhoods and don't know their neighbors."

If recruiting new members (members used to invite daughters and daughters-in law) falls to anyone, that would most likely be Mollie, the youngest by 18 years, If younger women felt as she does, there'd be no doubt about continuity.

"The club fills me up," Mollie says. "I get out in my community and talk it up."