Sorosis Study Club
Meetings held Third Thursday of each month
(October - May), 7 pm
Call or email us today!
(325) 277-9210
EverythingCokeCounty
@gmail.com
70th Anniversary Celebration!
The Bronte Sorosis Study Club celebrated its Seventieth Anniversary
on Thursday, February 16, 2017!
The Bronte Sorosis Study Club celebrated its Seventieth Anniversary on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Bronte First United Methodist Church. The theme was “Hats Off to the Sorosis Study Club” and each member wore a hat. The church fellowship hall was decorated with hats and memorabilia from the past. Tables were decorated with mint lime green tablecloths and centered with small mirrors with hats, vases of pink tulips, and strands of pearls along with other old jewelry. Two special memory tables honored Jean Fancher and Rachael Robinson, long time members of the club. Displayed on Jean’s table were gloves, a handbag, and handkerchief from her college days. On Rachael’s table her purse and gloves were shown. Past Club yearbooks, “Clubwoman” magazines, and scrapbooks were displayed.
Pat Lee presented highlights of the club’s past seventy years. The club was organized in 1946 and federated in 1947, however, it dissolved in 2002. It was sponsored by the Diversity Club and was first named the Junior Study Club. There were sixteen charter members, and today there are twenty-three members. The goals of the organization have not changed since the beginning. They remain focused upon programs covering the arts, conservation, home life, health, international affairs, public affairs, and Texas Heritage. They are also focused upon improvements to the community in several areas: civic, cultural, educational, and charitable.
Members of the Sorosis Study Club sold the very first Bronte Longhorn t-shirts and for many years was the only source for this product. The Sorosis Club was also responsible for erecting the first scoreboard and flagpole at the Bronte High School football field. The Club has had several tables built at the local park and are now supporting present efforts to restore the park. They placed trash barrels and built a fountain in the minipark in downtown Bronte. The club put up street markers in the city on two different occasions. The Bronte Health and Rehab Center has been the recipient of many things from the club. A camera and film were donated. Many years Christmas gifts have been given and the club sponsored birthday parties each month. The Coke County Juvenile Justice Center was supported with cash donations, books, garden supplies, and fabric for curtains. Fort Chadbourne and the Bronte Volunteer Fire Department have both been assisted with cash donations from the club. The Capitol Gazebo near the depot was restored by the club. The Sorosis Study Club participated by fundraising for the Chamber of Commerce and is currently participating in the Restoration 2020 Vision Plans. Since its inception, the Sorosis Study Club has managed to finance itself with different fundraising projects. Some of these include selling t-shirts, Christmas and greeting cards, having bake sales, garage sakes, and sponsoring an annual potato bake luncheon. The Club has been recognized for many of these past achievements and is still involved with several of these projects and goals.
Jean Fancher and Jane Cumbie were each given a corsage and recognized as longtime, outstanding club members. Fran Crumpler and Merle Kelso won yellow daisy pot plants for wearing the oldest attire – hats and dresses from the forties. Mary Percifull, President, conducted a business meeting. The club voted to support the fundraising for the park restoration instead of giving scholarships. Pat Martindale and Cynthia Robinson were hostesses and served cake, tea, and coffee.
Members present were Pat Bedford, Marilyn Bivens, Fran Crumpler, Jane Cumbie, Lanette Fletcher, Jean Fancher, Merle Kelso, Pat Lee, Pat Martindale, Mary Percifull, Martha Ratliff, Cynthia Robinson, Doris Sims, Jerita Taylor, and Teri Irvin.
