Friday Club

100 Years Old and Going Strong

by Sheryl Jensen

“The astonishing thing is that as we have grown older, we’ve grown stronger. Isn’t it surprising that at 50 years old, we should have as much vitality as we had at the beginning? (Mrs. Ethel Phillips, one of the original founders of Friday Club, on the 50th anniversary, on October, 14, 1965).

The Friday Club is the longest continuous book club in the Twin Ports. Founded in October of 1915, the club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Oddly enough, unlike the original meeting days of Fridays, the group long since decided that Thursdays were more convenient. With tradition being important to the group, they decided to keep the name but change the day.

Their format is somewhat atypical from other book clubs. Instead of having the whole group read the same book for every meeting (meetings are bi-monthly from October-May), each member takes turns reviewing a book for the group, and once or twice a year they read the same book and have one group member lead the discussion.

This year for their 100th anniversary, they also chose to invite two area authors to discuss their books. In October, award winning author, Margi Preus, talked with the club about her spy thriller novel Shadow on the Mountain. She shared information about her research in Norway for the book, and members were able to comment on and ask questions about this book and about Preus’ writing process.

In May, the club will have Linda Legarde Grover, another award winning area author, in to discuss her book Road to Sweetgrass.

Traditionally, the group members are free to choose any book of their choice to review, with the books often being contemporary works of fiction and non-fiction. Members this year, however, have chosen reviewed books from the list in the decades the book club has been in existence, with such titles as The Shipping News by Annie Proulx, On Reflection, an autobiography by Helen Hayes, and Growing Up, a memoir by Russell Baker.

Nancy Melander has been a member since 2006, has been active on committees, and was club president from 2012 to 2014. Of her time with the club, she says, “What a supportive group of women! Everybody loves to read and are so willing to share their selections. Plus every member has varied interests, so conversation is always lively. We all care about each other and support one another’s interests and achievements.”

Kay Gower, current Friday Club president and a member for 21 years notes, “When I think about the rewards of being a member, I have felt so fortunate to meet some remarkable women who have taught me about good literature and friendship. My life is a richer brew because of these fine women. One of our greatest gifts in life has to be our memories. I am overcome with gratitude when I think back on members who have given so freely of their wisdom, creative thoughts, and love of literature.

Member Adele Unzen says, “I have so enjoyed thirty years of excellent books enjoyed with excellent women. We have reviewed the books in congenial places like a lovely porch on Seagull Lake.”

Other sites for the meetings, beside the women’s homes are the Woman’s Club, the Kitchi Gammi Club, and Christabel Grant’s lovely home on Lake Nebagamon for the final meeting each year in May. Tradition also extends to having elegant desserts and tea, served on fine china.

The club has added other events and activities to their full year centennial celebration including a donation drive of books for children and teens to several area organizations, theater outings, and a celebration dinner with spouses planned for May at the Duluth Woman’s Club.

The founding mothers of Friday Club, who first met in 1915 in a Lakeside home, would be thrilled to learn that the club has stood the test of time and con-

“In planning for quality short-term rehabilitative care following my hip surgery, I pre-arranged my care at the benedictine Health center. My stay was upbeat and encouraging as I faced new challenges, learned proper techniques and gained confidence. I am on my way to a full recovery.”

- Betty Petrovic, BHC guest

Right and below: Friday Club members Judi Hermans, Nancy Melander, Sharon van Druten, Christabel Grant, Marcia Kohlhaas, and Pat Miller enjoy Margi Preus’ presen-