Reviewers Book Club celebrates 75 years in style

ASHEBORO – The Reviewers Book Club celebrated its 75^th Anniversary on Oct. 26 at Pinewood Country Club. The celebration honored the founding members, explored the 75-year history of the club, and recognized the excellent leadership and member commitment that has allowed the Reviewers Book Club to flourish for more than seven decades.

In the spirit of 1948, members donned white gloves and hats for the festivities.  Upon arrival, they enjoyed a PowerPoint that featured photographs of club presidents from 1948 to 2023, as well as old photos of current members wearing fashions and hairstyles from earlier decades. 

The dining room was beautifully decorated by Mary Ellen Robinson and Martha Ragsdale with flowers, fall decor and glass pumpkins. Each attendee’s place was adorned with a commemorative 75^th Anniversary booklet and tasseled bookmark designed by artist and former native of Asheboro, Katie Wall Podracky. 

The commemorative booklets included a brief history of the Reviewers Book Club written by Joanne Peterson, and a list of members’ favorite books. A memorabilia table designed to reflect “The Way We Were in 1948” featured a gorgeous centerpiece created by Burge Florist, a selection of items that would have been used during book club meetings in 1948, and three mannequins modeling vintage dresses contributed by Janet Young.

Items on the memorabilia table included a silver coffee server, fine porcelain plate, cup and saucer, sterling silver fork and spoon, white gloves, beaded handbag, vintage hat and club yearbooks from earlier decades.  

Sue McCullah, club president, welcomed approximately 40 members and guests, and recognized all former club presidents who were in attendance. Members recited the Reviewers Book Club Collect which was written in 2006 by Dot Walker, Joyce Spoon and Norma Connell, and reflects the purpose of the club: “We gather as friends sharing a mutual love of the written word. May we follow our purpose to promote intellectual growth through reading, deepening our lives and enriching our minds. May we seek joy and wisdom from the study of history, science, cultural arts and all that contributes to true learning. Amen.”

Following an elegant and delicious lunch prepared by Pinewood Country Club, Joyce Spoon reviewed the items featured on the memorabilia table and explained how each item would have been an integral part of club meetings in 1948.

The celebration continued with a “Glimpses of the Past” PowerPoint presentation prepared by Jane Eddy, club vice president. The PowerPoint program featured video clips of the group’s longest serving members; Dot Walker, Marion Davis and Joyce Spoon, reminiscing about the early years of the Reviewers Book Club.

The program included photographs of Asheboro during the 1940s and 1950s, and recognized former club president Charlesanna Fox for her positive contributions to the club. Molly Brake concluded the festivities with a drawing for door prizes wrapped in vintage gift wrap.

Smiles, laughter and joy were in abundance, and the Reviewers Book Club looks forward to celebrating its 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2048!