The Twentieth Century Club continues on its mission

2022 Members present at April meeting — Back Row: Diane DuRussel, Donna Clark, Brenda Turovaara Franz, Kelly Blaine, Norma Keller; Front Row: Janice Little, Laurie Sanders, Judy Walz, Kari Ball, and Kathleen Gould.

submitted by Diane DuRussel, The Twentieth Century Club

At the turn of the 19th century, many small groups of women formed clubs to become better acquainted with the civic problems of the town, state, and nation. One such group chose the name The Twentieth Century Club, which became an institution around Manchester.

One of their first projects was a clean-up campaign that led to cleaner streets in Manchester, which made for better walking conditions for the ladies in the long flowing skirts.

The Club also began studying current events and soon their attention was directed toward literary channels, with poetry receiving a special phase of study, while at the same time keeping an alert finger on the nation’s pulse at the time of major political issues — namely women’s suffrage.

Although they are not a fundraising organization, the Club has made donations to many fund drives: the USO, Cancer Fund, polio, and Red Cross to name a few. And they have had special collections for other very worthy causes such as Starr Commonwealth and the Ruth Alden Dress Fund. They have also donated to local scholarships, associations, and libraries.

On November 15, 1949, at the home of Mrs. Claire Reck, the Club celebrated its 50th anniversary. And in 2001 the Club celebrated its 101st anniversary and the turn of the century by choosing not to change their name and instead burying a time capsule that holds information on the Club and all the other associations, churches, schools, businesses, and clubs that make up our town. The capsule is buried by the village offices and a plaque marks its location.

Every year, the Club features a program, which has varied through the years. In 2021 they explored the Great Lakes, presenting a different lake each month along with annual luncheons. Next year’s program, “Game On,” will feature a variety of games and their history.

The Twentieth Century Club holds meetings on the second Tuesday of the month, September through May, 7–9pm. Dues are only $20 per year. The group is welcoming new members for the upcoming year, and if you would like to join, please contact the president, Donna Clark at 734-417-1940.

Charter members of the Twentieth Century Club, pictured 1904 or 1905 — Row 1: Mrs. Cora Merithew, Mrs. Jennie Lewis, Mrs. Sophia Glover, Miss Marie Kirckhofer; Row 2: Mrs. Clarence Case, Mrs. Albert Speweng, Mrs. Kate Conklin, Miss Emily Howell; Row 3: Mrs. Blanche Lowery, Mrs. Chas. Lewis, Mrs. H. Case, Mrs. Edward Root, Mrs. Carrie Burtless, and Mrs. Geo Ford.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.