Minutes 9 November 1903

Minutes 9 November 1903

Women-North Carolina-Davidson-Societies and clubs.

Books and reading.

Women-Societies and clubs.

North Carolina-Davidson.

[Page 1] Nov. 9, 1903

The first regular meeting of the club was called to order at 4 pm at the home of Mrs. Smith the president. It was Mrs. Black’s prerogative to call the roll being Sec. pro tem. Nine ladies responded to the roll call with items of interest. The absence of four members was noted with regret. By way of refreshing the memory of the club Mrs. Martin was requested to read the constitution and by-laws. Mrs. Smith told of the gifted author Mrs. Humphrey Ward, who had achieved the crowning success of her career in Lady Roses’ Daughter one of the most popular books of the day, and the subject of discussion for the afternoon. Mrs. Ward is the grand-daughter of the famous Dr. Arnold of Rugby; and a niece of Mathew Arnold. She was reared in an atmosphere of

[Page 2] culture and learning. Her husband is a distinguished critic and scholar. Her intellectual cast of mind has been spoken of as marring the charm of some of her books. Mrs. Ward has been pronounced by Tolstoy to be the greatest living author of the day. She has been favorably compared to Geo. Eliot is admitted by learned critics to occupy the foremost place today as a writer of serious fiction. Mrs. Ward is averse to speaking in public and dislikes to be interviewed. Lady Roses’ Daughter has been dramatized. The heroine Julie LeBreton is described as being most fascinating. After her acquaintance is once made she is not easily put out of mind. She has been spoken of as a combination of Becky Sharp and Eve. Those who have read Lady Roses’ Daughter are to be congratulated

[Page 3] Miss Holt read a criticism on Mrs. Ward’s method of composition. Mrs. Dupuy read an article bearing on the subject of the hour. Opinions of different books of the preceding week were expressed. Elegant refreshments were served. The club adjourned after a very enjoyable afternoon to meet on the twentieth with Mrs. Grey.

BookLovers Club

Davidson College

9 November 1903

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1903

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