Glass presents book review for Wednesday Study Club

The Wednesday Study Club met on Feb. 14 at the D Brown Library with 23 members, associate members, and guests present. 

Pat Runcie called the meeting to order, with an invocation by Sharon Skupin. Flag pledges were recited. 

Skupin introduced guest speaker, Mary Frances Glass, who gave a review of the book “The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle” by Jennifer Ryan.  

Glass classified the book as historical fiction depicting life in the 1940’s during World War II.  It told the story of how women helped the war cause by enlisting in the army and the jobs they did.  Violet Westcott, a rather spoiled enlistee who was only looking for a rich man to marry, didn’t appreciate the “utility clothing” that had to be worn.  

Everyone was expected to help with the war effort and there were many sacrifices made including rationing of food and clothing.  A group of ladies created a sewing circle that repurposed wedding dresses so that young brides could look pretty on their wedding day since new material was hard to come by, hence the title of the book.  The story included how women created corsets, calling them Kami Knickers, used parachute silk to also make dresses, and smeared gravy  on their legs to create fake stockings with a seam.  Violet finally did find her true love and the story had a happy ending.  Glass concluded her presentation by telling her own stories of life in Rosebud during World War II.  

Runcie recognized City Administrator Ken Murray who introduced Officer Catherine Parker, a newly hired addition to the police department.

In the treasurer’s report, Skupin mentioned that the Williams Foundation had made a donation to the Wednesday Study Club.

In Committee reports Mary Ann Mitchell presented information about  napkin, invitation, and flyer prices for the 75th anniversary event.  There is still more planning for cookies. Kenny Hensel has offered his sound system.  The tree in front of the library will be trimmed and reshaped in the near future.    

A beautiful Valentine quilt created by Judy Smith covered the oak table and it was centered with  a metal tree adorned with Valentines.  

Refreshments included chicken salad with croissants, broccoli salad, strawberry Jello, a variety of fruits, and heart shaped sugar cookies, along with candy kisses and Valentine M&M’s,  Hostesses were Smith, Pam Parcus, and Carol Stock.  

Next meeting will be March 13 with hostesses Runcie and Beth Allen.