The club was organized January 7, 1898, at the home of Mrs. A. J. McNeil with Mrs. McNeil president, Mrs. Robert McNeil vice-president, Mrs. C. C. Woodworth secretary and Miss Mary Geyer treasurer. The membership was limited to twenty. The object was the study of Browning and other poets. Of recent years the membership limit has been placd at thirty. About twenty of the charter members are still members, and during the ten years over sixty ladies have availed themselves of this opportunity to study the poets. The club is essentially a study class and in the past ten years has studied the Brownings, Scott, Tennyson, Homer, Emerson, Lowell and Shakespeare. Over four hundred study classes have been held besides the evening meetings for gentlemen and afternoon socials.

On the occasion of this anniversary the members and their guests to the number of fifty assembled at 1 o'clock when an elaborate four course luncheon was served. Several of the young lady daughters of the members assisted. Each guest received a beautiful souvenir in the shape of a folder prettily decorated and containing a striking photograph of the esteemed leader, Miss Gould, and the names of the present members. This was a surprise to the leader and shows the love and reverence in which she is held by those who have been helped and cheered by her close companionship during these ten years while she has given so freely of herself to meet their varied needs.

After luncheon the president, Mrs. Mae Smith, called the meeting to order and. in a neat speech offered a toast to "The Brownings may their shadows never grow less and may they live to celebrate their one hundredth birthday." Miss Farena Hubbard opened the program with a difficult selection on the piano. Miss Gould read one of her scholary papers entitled "Lit- erature; its place in Civilization." Under the general title "People Whom We Have Met," the following characters were discussed :

"Aurora Leigh," Mrs. Charles Hubbard.
"Romney Leigh," Mrs. A. S. Goodell.
"Caponsacchi," Mrs. William Wells.
"Ulysses," Mrs. Charles Geeting.
"Penelope," Mrs. Frank Anthony.
"A Winter's Tale," Miss Lizzie Coe.
Miss Elizabeth Emmons read a very brief and witty history of the club.
Miss Clara McCune sang several beautiful selections. She was accompanied by Miss Emma Sheldon.

These circles in which ladies meet to discuss literary subjects and at the same time enjoy social recreation cannot be too highly commended. Afternoons at cards leave no valuable thoughts to occupy the mind, and waste time that should be more profitably employed. The name, too, is full of inspiration. None of the nineteenth century poets have done more to ennoble and sweeten the thought of the world than have the Brownings, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett.

Contributed by Christine Walters from History of Whiteside County 1908 W. Davis