Program pays tribute to McHenry County ladies' literary society
McHenry County's Seneca Ladies Literary Society is as storied an institution as you'll find and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, you will hear many of those stories firsthand.
The society will talk about its history and its new book, "The Seneca Ladies Literary Society - Learning and Laughing Together Since 1855" during a special presentation at the McHenry County Historical Museum, 6422 Main St. in Union. The program is free with museum admission ($5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students).
The book profiles what claims to be the oldest women's literary group in America. Begun in 1855 in Seneca Township, the catalyst was a nationwide effort in 1853 to save George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. Copies of the hardcover 12-by-8½-inch book will be available for sale Aug. 28 at the McHenry County Historical Museum in Union.
The book features a photos, newspaper and magazine articles, a historical timeline, favorite recipes, written memories of members, and the Seneca Ladies Literary Society's bylaws and constitution.
By 1858 the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, led by Louisa Bird Cunningham, and their supporters raised enough money to offer a down payment of $18,000. They eventually raised the $200,000 needed to buy the dilapidated mansion and 200 acres. It was just one of many diverse projects the still-thriving Seneca Township group was and is involved with.
"What I didn't realize is how many different activities they did and what vehicles for creative expression there were," society President Pam Gerloff said. "They would write these elaborate and interesting minutes, filling them with humor and commentary. They would give members an assignment to do a creative story or essay, write skits and debate on different topics. It wasn't just reading. It was this whole array of personal expression. …
"Each meeting is full of lightness, laughter and joy, as well as thoughtful reflection."
In 1872, what came to be known as the "One Great Quarrel" occurred. Some wanted membership to be restricted to the social elite, while others believed that would not support the purpose of the society.
Five prominent members ended up withdrawing to form their own organization, which no longer exists. Those who stayed made an explicit commitment that the SLLS would be an egalitarian group, available by invitation to all women in the township - independent of social status.
Following the sewing of a rally flag for James Buchanan's presidential campaign in 1856, the Seneca Ladies Literary Society passed a rule to never discuss politics. Perhaps that is one reason the organization has continued to thrive. Another reason is a shared common purpose.
They were bound together by one overarching goal: Quenching their thirst for knowledge and expanding their horizons.
Unlike today, the opportunities for women were limited. But these ladies found ways to raise money for Civil War causes and make items for soldiers.
Using member dues at five cents per member per meeting and occasional fundraisers, they sponsored a French orphan after World War I through the Fatherless Children of France, donated quarterly in the 1920s to Armenian Relief Work in response to the Armenian genocide, contributed to the ever-expanding needs of the local hospital and provided financial gifts to historical and literary societies.
Since there were no public libraries in the early days of the organization, the Seneca Ladies decided to start their own. The first library book list contained more than 400 titles. By 1895 the list included 560 books, with many titles crossed off, indicating that those had been sold to borrowers who wanted to keep them.
"Working on this book gave me a much deeper appreciation for these women," Gerloff said. "They had a wide-angle view on the world. … They had so much pluck. They didn't have all the opportunities that women do now, but they just the took the bull by the horns (and got things done)."
For details, visit www.mchenrycountyhistory.org or call (815) 923-2267.