Martha Washington Questers 1032 hold meeting

Martha Washington Questers 1032 met on April 26, 2019, at the home of Janet Peterson in Washington. Janet was hostess, and Connie Pence was co-hostess. Ten members attended. Secretary Jane Fehr read the minutes, and they were approved as read. For roll call, each member contributed 25 cents if she had done a puzzle during the past year, and 50 cents if she hadn't. Janet Peterson gave the treasurer's report. The large amount in the treasury was due to $200 which the club was awarded, for having gained the most members this year. The club had five new members. Janet and President Virginia Reighard went to State Days on April 12-13 and accepted the award. Janet gave details on State Days, mentioning that about 200 people attended. She said that the main speaker talked on the worth of some antique objects, much like the Antiques Roadshow. They also toured Griffin Castle, which was a Frank Lloyd Wright design. Then they went to an art museum and the Music Man museum.

The club voted to use some of the money to frame a newspaper for the F Troop here in Washington. They will also look into using some of the money to help the Log Cabin. Jane will contact them.

New officers for next year will be Marilyn Whitenack as president, Jane Fehr as vice president, and Connie Pence as secretary. Janet Peterson will continue as treasurer. Officers will be installed at the May meeting. Sally Beezley will make the new yearbooks. The June outing was discussed, and Janet suggested the Sutliff Bridge area. Dates will be discussed at the next meeting.

Janet Peterson gave a program on the history of puzzles. She quoted from a book called 'The Jigsaw Puzzle, a History,” by Ann D. Williams. Some of the first puzzles were made in 1767 by John Spilsbury, whose company is still making puzzles today. In 1861 a carpenter made a map of Britain from wood, and then cut it out with a jigsaw, making it the first true jigsaw puzzle. The early puzzle came with no picture to copy. Janet had one like this, and it looked difficult to do. Some other facts about puzzles include the most expensive puzzle, which was worth $27,000; and the largest puzzle, which was 18-feet-by-19-feet and had 40,763 pieces. Some health benefits of doing puzzles are working one's left and right brain, hand-eye coordination, improving memory and learning skills, and adding a better quality of life. Janet gave each member a small puzzle to work. Each one looked like a delicious dessert, and then the refreshments included the desserts in their puzzles. Thanks were extended to Janet and Connie for a fun and delicious afternoon.