Much has changed since Tuesday Afternoon Club’s seven charter members began the group in October 1895 inside Corrine Ford’s home.
Much has changed since Tuesday Afternoon Club’s seven charter members began the group in October 1895 inside Corrine Ford’s home.
However, one thing has remained constant in over a century’s time — the dedication of women in the 21st century carrying on the founders’ intent and history.
Marilyn Pickett, secretary of the club— now named the Tuesday Club of Burton — was all smiles June 25 as she welcomed familiar faces toting potluck dishes of fruit and warm casseroles for the club’s annual picnic in Claridon Township.
She joined a noteworthy group of ladies inside Judge Lester Taylor Lodge at Claridon Woodlands Park, paying homage to the women who paved the way before them as they celebrated the club’s 130th anniversary.
The Tuesday Club of Burton — a literacy and fellowship group for women — meets nine times per year from August to December and March to June at club members’ homes or at The Burton Public Library.
“(I enjoy) the fun of meeting with women who have varied backgrounds and careers and engaging in lively discussions with interesting topics and guest speakers,” said club historian Barbara Emch.
Pickett, one of the longest held members, has enjoyed being a part of the club since 1980.
Another longtime member, Beth Cupp, who is in her 90s, has been a part of the group since 1979. Her mother, Lois Reed, was also a veteran member.
“What I enjoy most is this is a group of women who love their community and have great respect and admiration of all the women who have made our community the great place to raise a family and to encourage women to be their best,” Pickett said.
Emch and her family have been involved in their community for a long time.
“My husband, Paul and I (Burton Chamber of Commerce members for more than 50 years), have lived in Burton for 54 years,” Emch said. “Our children graduated from Berkshire High School and our grandson recently graduated from there, as well … We enjoy and are proud of living in a community that people like to visit. We are all like-minded people and dedicated to our town and the well-being of its people.”
The club’s inaugural meeting, which Ford called inside her home, is currently Quintealia’s Tea Parlor on Burton square.
Emch said Burton Village was small then, but the ladies of the town were well read and eager to learn more about the arts, literature and the world.
Ford gathered interest from her neighbors to form a club to pursue the study and discussion of literature, starting with William Shakespeare’s plays, history and current events.
The club currently has 18 members.
“Like many organizations, busy lives, family obligations and careers have reduced our numbers in the last several years,” Emch said.
Some of their past field trips included visiting the First Ladies National Historic Site and McKinley National Memorial in Canton, the Swedish Museum in Fairport Harbor and the historic Kirtland nativity exhibit.
“We have had many memorable Christmas programs and our annual Blanche Graham dinner (at Welshfield Inn) in honor of a member who contributed money to fund a dinner out during the 30s, when so many could not afford such a luxury,” Emch said.
Book reviews are a club favorite, as are inviting guest speakers from political groups and community organizations, Emch said.
In March, members met at the Burton library to listen to Mary Hunter discuss the history of U.S. Route 6, one of the longest routes in America running from Massachusetts to California, she said.
“Even before I became a member, I admired the women who were part of the club,”
Emch said. “Those women were the pillars of the community, educated and dedicated to learning and serving our community.
Many past club members’ last names are easily recognized from Burton and Geauga County history, she said, adding they include Dayton, Ford, Forrow, Freeman, Hitchcock, Long, Mead, Nichols, Parmelee, Smith, Tolles, Tuttle, Webster, Welch, Williams and Wright.
“I have been a member for 20 years and feel honored to be considered among the legacy of women who were the wives and daughters of the lawyers, doctors, merchants and educators who made Burton what it is today,” Emch said. “Many of them having had distinguished careers and made contributions of their own.”
This year, the club is visiting the Geauga Amish History Center in Middlefield and having a rock painting party to highlight how positive messages on beautifully decorated stones can be created and placed out in nature for others to find.
Participants will also enjoy a biographical presentation of a famous woman and a presentation by local historian Bari Stith on important women in Geauga’s history, Emch said.
“We would like to invite any woman of our community who would like to join us as a member,” Emch said. “There are few obligations that may include program planning or co-hosting a meeting at one’s home, or if not at home, at Burton Public Library, which serves as an alternative meeting place.”
For more information about the club, email Emch at bemch09@gmail.com or Pickett at marilynpickett42@gmail.com.
ROSE NEMUNAITS/KMG
3991 – Members of Tuesday Club of Burton celebrate at their annual picnic June 25 at Claridon Woodlands Park in Claridon Township. Pictured are, top row, from left, Jan Gingerich, Georgie Sundburg, Marilyn Pickett, Barb Emch, and Betty Moll; and bottom row, Becky Strong, Treasurer Kathy Beten and Sandy Cseplo.
3992 – A sampling of Tuesday Club of Burton’s annual programs throughout the years are displayed on a table at this year’s annual picnic June 25 inside Judge Lester Taylor Lodge at Geauga Park District’s Claridon Woodland Park in Claridon Township.
3994 – Past Tuesday Club of Burton President Sandy Cseplo and current President Joy St. James gather inside Judge Lester Taylor Lodge at Claridon Woodlands Park June 25 for the group’s annual picnic, celebrating its 130th anniversary.
