THE LITERARY CLUBS

Book Club No. 2

   The book clubs, known as No. 1 and No. 2, were for many years the chief literary societies of the town.  Book Club No. 1 was first started in November, 1866, with 26 members.  Mrs. William H. Hyde was one of the first committee.  The membership was increased until at one time there were 31 members.  A membership fee of $2 formed a fund for the purchase of books, which were sold at auction at the end of each year.  The proceeds, with the addition of the yearly dues of $1 per member, were used in purchasing the books for the succeeding year.

   In 1875 Book Club No. 2 was formed for work on the same lines, but with membership limited to twenty-six.  The first committee consisted of Mrs. D. B. Smith, Mrs. Charles Bennett, and Miss Addie Baldwin.  For the coming year this club has elected the following officers:  President, Charles W. Brown; vice-president, Peter Newkirk; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. S. S. Stafford; book committee, Mrs. C. A. Bennett, Rev. C. D. Broughton, Mrs. D. A. Gleason, and Miss Sara Fletcher.

NOTE:  THIS ARTICLE WAS FOUND IN THE NEW YORK INTERIOR ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE - SOUVENIR OF OXFORD.  THE DATE OF PUBLICATION WAS 1906-1907 AS THERE IS MENTION OF REQUESTING COPIES BEFORE A FEBRUARY 1907 DEADLINE.

I FOUND THE SHORT STORIES, POEMS AND RECORDED HISTORY OF OXFORD TO BE QUITE INTERESTING.   EVERYTHING FROM  EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES TO WHERE PEOPLE WORKED WERE PUT TO SONG AND POEM.  

MY PLAN WILL BE TO INCLUDE THESE IN FUTURE POSTINGS.