Martha Washington Questers

Nine members of Martha Washington Questers #1032 met at the home of Vicki Ealy on Oct. 25, 2019, with Dorothy Miller as co-hostess.

President Marilyn Whitenack opened with roll call and the invocation being recited. She then read a humorous tidbit from a TV program called 'The Mo You Know” starting Mo Rocca. Introduction was given about the Charmin Toilet Paper Company and how they came up with ads, in particular the popular advertisement featuring Mr. Whipple and his 'don't squeeze the Charmin” pitch. Props were used in this funny portrayal.

The minutes and Treasurer report were approved as read. Secretary Connie Pence then read correspondence from State President Connie Cooper thanking the group for the generous donation for her project to restore the show cases at Pioneer Hall on the fairgrounds in Des Moines. That will be a vast improvement for displaying the antiques and artifacts for the State Questers.

Plans were finalized about our display at the library for the month of December and arrangement will be made to feature various antiques and collectibles, along with our motto, purpose, and materials on membership. Members also will present period clothing to be used in the window.

A reminder was given about the National Convention in Colorado for next April if anyone would be interested in attending. Meeting was then adjourned on motion by Virginia Reighard.

And interesting and factual program on 'Playing Cards” was then presented by Sally Beezley. She told us that the largest producer of playing cards is the United States Playing Card Company. The very first cards were made and used in China, and evidence dates it back to 1000 AD. The four suites originated in the Middle East and were further adapted by Egypt and France. The face of French cards were designed as kings, per their history of their rulers being kings down through the centuries. Specialty cards are manufactured with scenes from local areas, or may promote the history of a certain era or time period, and can be designed with any chosen theme requested, such as the red and blue bicycle on the back of present day stacks of cards.

They became more uniform after the invention of the printing press, but the influence of different countries around the world still is reflected on cards. For the excess space on the aces to place their tax stamp, because there was plenty of room. The United States invented the joker; France divided the suits into two colors. The number one card game played is poker; No. 5 is solitaire, and No. 10 is Sprite and Malice. Sally concluded by reading the words from the famous Tex Ritter song Cowboys' Deck of Cards.

Desserts and Halloween goodies were served by Dorothy and Vicki. Next meeting will be with Jane Fehr, Linda Newlon co-hostess.