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Area women keep Ben Hur Club going

It is documented that on Oct. 25, 1901, a group of women in Ramsey, seeking to advance the knowledge of literature and promote the art of conversation, started a club that has endured as one of the longest standing women’s groups in Illinois.

It began as a very elite group of women, with membership very restricted, to wives and daughters of the area’s physicians, lawyers, and otherwise prominent citizens.  
The names on the list of charter members indicated that they were of the “upper crust” of Ramsey, and the original club was very exclusive, with only 30 members allowed.
The only way you could become a member was if someone moved away or died, and then you had to be invited and put on a waiting list. There was even paperwork involved and votes by secret ballot to accept new members.
It is documented the club was organized in the home of Sadie B. Morrison, which was known at the time as the Morrison mansion, and is now occupied by Miller Funeral Home.
Not So Today
Today’s membership is a group of ladies who enjoy not only the interesting and educational aspects value of the club, but the friendships and flexible activities, such as topics discussed during the monthly meetings.
Each member has a choice of the month in which they wish to have the program.  Although the name indicates that the club is exclusively all about books, sometimes the subject may be a travelogue, movie or vacation trip – it is the presenter’s choice.
They also have refreshments in their relaxed, enjoyable and educational meetings.  Again, members take turns for providing refreshments, may choose their month and may work together on the refreshments. Usually they consist of a dessert or snack and beverage, such as coffee or tea.  
Monthly Programs …
… while educational and interesting, require no stressful participation. Notes do not have to be taken unless the member wants to take them. There are no quizzes or tests; they often discuss the subject simply out of interest.
However, books are still an important feature of the club. They are frequent patrons of the local public library, which is located in the nearby Ramsey Village Hall.
When a member dies, the club donates a book to the library in the member’s memory. If the member had a special interest, such as gardening, the club tries to donate a book on that subject.
Membership Today
New members are welcome and wanted.
Membership has declined due to changes in members’ conditions or situations, such as change of residence or health problems.
Each of these ladies could be your friend or neighbor, or may be sitting next to you in church.
They have gained new members who are attracted to the club through the friendly  atmosphere and the interesting topics discussed each moth at the stress-free meetings.
There are currently seven active members in the club, and not all are not residents of Ramsey.
The membership list includes the following:
• Millie Meyerholz joined on Ben Hur Club’s 100th birthday. Having served as president three times, she wanted to join years earlier, but worked as reporter for the Pana News-Palladium, The Leader-Union and WPMB  Radio.
Time was an issue, and she couldn’t attend meetings. Also, club membership was filled. When she was able to join, she did.
• Janice Jones, does not remember how many years she has been a member, as she always came with her mother, who was a member.
Janice is in charge of calling the members to remind them of the meetings and  reminds those who are to bring refreshments or have the program.  
• Sharon Zahnle, a three-year member who serves as the treasurer, likes the historical information learned at the meetings.
• Donna Blair, also in her third year, is in charge of club’s current events. She was invited to join by Goldie Beck. She had become interested in the club when she heard about it while still in school.  
• Faye Watson, a two-year member, visited the club as a speaker on her published book, liked it and joined at Donna Blair’s invitation. She is in charge of devotions.
• Two members, Mabelene Vurdon and Goldie Beck were unable to attend the interview meeting, but are active and faithful members. Goldie had shared earlier that, before becoming a member, she used to bring the late Arlene Rosenburger to the meetings and then decided to become a member herself.
It is remarkable …
… that a small group of women started this club with rather lofty purpose, rules, and restrictions, and it has survived through the years, due to the fellowship and congeniality between subsequent leadership and values. New members and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings and hopefully join in not only friendships and informational meetings, but also some fun.
One member said, “We laugh a lot.”
 

Ben Hur Club members pictured are Janice Jones, Sharon Zahnle, Faye Watson, Donna Blair and Millie Meyerholz.

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