Like a regal sentinel on a street of genteel ladies, the building that houses the Ladies Literary Club has watched city and society change in its 80 years on South Temple. Built for the Ladies Literary Club in 1913, the stately building was designed by the archi-tec-tural firm of Ware and Treganza.
The LLC was organized 116 years ago and is one of the oldest clubs west of the Mississippi. Tradition is still the byword at the Ladies Literary Club. At the recent birthday luncheon, white gloves and spring hats were in evidence, along with lavender programs and pink tablecloths.Mrs. Norman C. Williams, club president, has been a member for 31 years. "We've seen a lot of changes, but we can always share friendships and the history of this club. It's good to know there's still one place you can go to and wear your hats and not feel out of place," she said.
Mrs. O.J. Johnson, chairman of the birthday event, said, "There are six different sections that members can participate in. I belong to all the sections, but I really enjoy the literature." Other sections are history/tourist, drama/
music, art, civic affairs and bridge.
Club members were treated to a recitation of String Quartet No. 2 in D Major by Borodin while they enjoyed lunch. Quartet members were Jenny Oakes, Victoria Ferris, Christopher Lewis and Eric Mor-gan.
Assisting Mrs. Johnson in preparing the event were: Mrs. Floyd M. Oberle, Mrs. W.D. Eldredge, Mrs. Don W. Willie, Mrs. Ray L. Bowen, Mrs. Reed W. Brinton, Mrs. Phillip Carlson, Mrs. Peter L. Carlston, Mrs. Edward W. Clyde, Mrs. Darrel Hensleigh, Mrs. John H. Johnson, Mrs. William Roberts and Mrs. C.M. Sproul.
Members of the Ladies Literary Club are surrounded with history. Mrs. Floyd M. Oberle recalled that the massive grandfather clock standing in the entryway was there when she joined the club in 1944. "My husband got that clock repaired and was instrumental in getting our building listed on the historical site register," she said.