Club News

Dorothy Koehler was hostess to nine members of the Log Cabin Questers at her home on Nov. 3.

The meeting opened with the members reciting the Quester Invocation. The secretary?s report was approved as read, and Norma Stutzman gave the treasurer?s report. President Sheila Gerot highlighted items from State Quester President Carol Tinkey?s November newsletter. In light of current trends of minimalization and decluttering, a new Quester motto has been adopted: ?Preserving the Past for the Future through Restoration, Acquisition, and Education.? Groups are asked to put more emphasis on preservation and restoration, as they become involved in local or state projects. The Terrace Hill Christmas Tea will be held on Dec. 5, with the sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are openings for two state board positions.

Sharon Hahn and Sheila Gerot reported on attendance at the Fall Fling held recently in Denison. They highlighted the historic role-playing of the city?s founders done by local folks as they toured historic homes. They also commented on the many displays/collections of items such as depression glass, celluloid products, mustard jars and pottery, as well as the program topics.

Dorothy presented an interesting and entertaining program on patriotic music. Beginning in the 1770s, many music compositions had a British influence. America the Beautiful was composed in 1839, as the composer rode a train cross-country to Colorado. Songs of the Revolutionary War period, such as Yankee Doodle, were sometimes used to share satirical or insulting messages. Francis Scott Key wrote a poem, and used a melody from another song, creating "The Star-Spangled Banner.' Many songs came out of the Civil War, such as Battle Hymn of the Republic, Dixie, and the John Philip Sousa marches. Twentieth-century compositions include God Bless America, 1918; This Land Is Your Land, 1940, and others written by Irving Berlin and Glen Miller. Current national events often bring old songs to the forefront, along with new compositions. One such example is I?m Proud to be an American, by Lee Greenwood in 1994, and others composed as a result of Sept. 11, 2001 attack. Dorothy played many of these selections on her piano, as she shared the information.

Delicious refreshments were served. The Christmas meeting will be at 1 p.m.,  Wednesday, Nov. 30. Spouses and guests are invited, with the place to be determined.