Manuscript journal.
New Idea Club of Halifax, Massachusetts
[Clubs] New Idea Club. [Report of Meetings]. Halifax, MA: 1915 – 1925.
8vo; ca. 120 handwritten pages, in various hands, in ink and pencil; quarter-leather over marbled boards; chipping to spine and tips.
New Idea auxiliary clubs were active across America during this period, no doubt spurred on by the Suffrage movement, pre- and post-amendment. The New Idea Club of Halifax is a vibrant example, enjoying a healthy longevity in its community. For each year, the manuscript provides a thorough overview of the club’s activities. It lists the names of individual members, monthly dues, and expenses, followed by narrative meeting reports. The members (all women, both married and unmarried) take turns hosting and reports mention the date, host, and location of each meeting, refreshments served, entertainments and activities, and future plans made. There are references to annual outings and suppers, plays rehearsed and performed, crafts, parties, and even auctions.
A few examples will convey a sense of tone and style:
January 2, 1915:
The first meeting of the New Year was held at the home of Mrs. Wetherbee’s. The ladies came in the afternoon. After tea the men and children came. And presents were taken from the New Year tree that the ladies had arranged in the afternoon. Later in the evening cake and coffee were served.
January 7, 1915:
The next meeting of the club was held at the home of Mrs. Briggs Jan. 7. After dinner the members rehearsed for the play they are preparing to give sometime at the Halifax town hall.
September 16, 1915:
The next meeting of the New Idea Club was a picnic in Mrs. John Darling’s grove. This has been one of the hottest days of the near. There was some patchwork cut but it was too hot to do much.
December 3, 1917:
The New Idea Club met with Mrs. Alice Cole. Plans were made for the new year’s party and it was decided to make a baked bean supper. Mrs. Wetherbee’s going to have the party December 31.
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