The Smithville Study Club celebrates a special milestone this year with seventy-five years of continual service to the community. President, Polly Payne, and members invited noted historian, Mr. Tommy Webb, to give an informative program about the group’s history along with DeKalb Chamber Director, Mrs. Suzanne Williams who presented the group with a 75-Year Milestone Award for meritorious service to the community.
The club started on October 12, 1939, with twenty-six members who inspired the current members to continue supporting the local arts in the community and continue where these ladies began. The original club included ladies who loved to read and wanted to encourage others to broaden their horizons.
The first President elected was Mrs. Walter Burton, Sr. who served until 1941 with Mrs. Norval Webb Sr. as Vice-President. The group was instrumental in getting the first library organized. The members met in their homes until a permanent library, currently Justin Potter Library, of Smithville was built.
The preservation of Arts continues to be high priority for the group who have not only supported Justin Potter through the years, but have brought several art exhibits and musical venues to the park and other locales. The club sponsors the DeKalb Student Art Exhibit in the spring with the winners of this year’s exhibit currently on display at J.L. Evins Appalachian Craft Center, and help with the Annual Storytelling Event as well as supporting young musicians and artists who are frequently invited to the club to perform.
Honorary members are Mrs. Evelyn Hodges and Mrs. Elizabeth LaFever, with Mrs. Melford Smith, deceased.
The celebration was held at the home of Mrs. Frankie Hagan with Mrs. Carol Darrah and Mrs. Imogene Dudney serving as hostesses. Refreshments including a celebration cake were provided by Mrs. Mary Nell Summers, Mrs. Patsy Nixon, Mrs. Janet Worfol, and Mrs. Margaret Faulkner. Musical selections were provided by Mrs. Susan Hinton. The committee who worked on the celebration was chaired by Mrs. Marsha Darrah. Guests for the event included Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Webb, Mrs. Sherry Bush, former President of the club, and Mrs. Janna Reid.
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