Nineteenth Century Club Records

Established in December 1900, the Nineteenth Century Club began as a small group of women meeting in homes to discuss popular local and national topics. The club was founded with assistance from Mrs. Minivieve F. Beckwith’s sister, the founder of “The Elyria Four O’clock Club.” Mrs. Beckwith was the Club’s first President. Active members participated in the organization of meetings, activities, and events. Officers of the club performed assigned duties and tasks as their position required while other members of the group were divided into the Nominating Committee, the Program Committee, and the Social Committee. These committees have been responsible for the organization of the club’s events and programs and the nomination of new members.

The Nineteenth Century Club has provided a forum in which members are able to interact, hold discussions, and educate one another about issues concerning the Oberlin community. During meetings, assigned members presented papers and essays on topics such as “New Child Labor Laws” and “Leading Magazines and their Editors.” Issues raised and discussed by the group have ranged widely, from social justice issues, including those specific to women, to book reviews and explorations of music, spirituality, and topical social movements. Art, architecture, and politics have all been explored, through the medium of presentations by Club members or outside speakers, during meetings of the Nineteenth Century Club. The club has continually promoted partnership with Oberlin’s schools, organizations, and community leaders, and club members have worked with community members and assisted in local projects and activities. At its most fundamental level, the Nineteenth Century Club encourages social responsibility and life long learning amongst the club’s members.

Since its founding, community service has been a significant part of the club’s history and members have contributed generously to the community. Members of the club helped plant trees and shrubbery at the local high school and also belonged to the hospital auxiliary. They sewed for the Red Cross, gave to the War Chest, and provided assistance to a fund that sent nurses and doctors overseas during World Wars I and II. The Oberlin Public Library, the Oberlin College Library, and the library at Oberlin High School have all benefited from the club’s generosity. Members also offered assistance to students through scholarships and loans such as the Athletic Association, the Community Chest, the Scholarship Loan, and the Pan American Scholarship. During Christmas, they provided aid as well as gifts to needy children and the elderly.

Club activities and events have been central to the Nineteenth Century Club’s goals and history. While club membership dues were one of the primary sources of funds that supported club activities to help raise funds for their services in the community, the Nineteenth Century Club also hosted socials, dinners, and events. The club has celebrated anniversaries and special occasions with luncheons and dinners hosted by its members, where food, music, and entertainment are provided. Other popular social events have included Guest Days and Book Weeks, which involved the discussion of book topics and poetry. Guest Days featured special guest speakers who presented papers on topics that ranged from “Scandinavian Music and Musicians” to “The Life and Habits of Honey Bees.” Every year, members have hosted holiday luncheons and programs where Christmas food was served and carols were sung. Also popular in these events were poetry readings and presentations of plays.

The tradition of the Nineteenth Century Club continues today as club membership and participation remains strong. The club hosts dinners and luncheons for members, as well as providing an opportunity to educate one other through the presentation of intellectual essays and literature. While the club’s social events remain popular, emphasis on community service has diminished over the years. Members do, however, continue to serve their community by sponsoring local organizations and scholarships. During the holiday season, members contribute most to the Oberlin community. Using the club’s amassed funds, individual members “adopt” Oberlin families recommended by the Oberlin Community Services and buy gifts for these families during the holidays.

Sources Consulted:

The historical account of Mrs. Minivieve F. Beckwith presented to the Nineteenth Century Club on its 35th anniversary, and other records of the Nineteenth Century Club.

Note written by Maria Paz G. Esguerra, Melissa Gottwald.