Heritage in the Hat: Riverside Book Club
By Medicine Hat News on September 8, 2018.
In an era of technology and ebooks, it’s refreshing to hear of a genteel tradition that still continues in our community. In the 1920s, a group of women in Riverside “were seeking to expand their intellectual horizons beyond homes and children” and so, on Sept. 19, 1928, “The Book Club” held its first meeting at the home of Mrs. Broughton, 336 Third Street. Membership was limited as the club met in the members’ parlours and dues were established at 25 cents per year. The dues are still 25 cents per year 90 years later! In the 1920s, Riverside was a mix of concrete sidewalks, boardwalks and empty lots. As few women drove or had cars, it was important to be within easy walking distance to attend meetings and exchange books on the first and 15th of each month. In fact, you had to live in Riverside to be a member, although an exception was made for Miss Minnear, who lived in Crescent Heights, but was a teacher at Riverside School. Later, the constitution was amended to include Redcliff and Crescent Heights, all north of the river, mind you! Eventually, the residency requirement was relaxed to include all of Medicine Hat. In those days and up into the 1960s, the public library was located in the old Bank of Montreal at the corner of Toronto (Third) Street and South Railway. Budget limitations restricted the acquisition of new library books, however, so club members would each order a recently published book from Marshall’s Book Store to share with other club members. The first president was Miss Sadie Gordon, a primary teacher, and Miss Lillian Hamilton was secretary. Since east of Division Avenue was the original Hargrave ranch, that clan was well represented among the membership with Heather (nee Hargrave) Murray, Mary (“Molly”) Hargrave, and sisters Elaine and Edith Hargrave, all residents of Riverside. Although Molly, wife of Tom Hargrave, spent much of her time at the JH Ranch north of Walsh, she made a point of coming to town for the meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month. Family memories include stories of her insistence that at meal time all the children and hired men had to discuss art, literature, politics, and each one in turn had to speak on the topic. Over the years, the club has continued many of the traditions established 90 years ago. Meetings are still held on the third Wednesday of each month, often in a member’s home, and are started promptly with the president ringing a bell. Roll call, a reading of the (still) handwritten minutes and business meeting begin the evening. A literary program follows before tea and refreshments. On special anniversaries, a cake in the shape of an open book is often served! The women will admit that some traditions have been dropped. They no longer address each other formally as Miss or Mrs. and hats and gloves are no longer worn unless the weather is poor! A monthly “critic’s” report on mispronounced words has also been dropped. In recognition of the Riverside Book Club’s 90th anniversary, there is a display at the Medicine Hat Public Library. The women are also looking forward to a celebratory dinner with Canadian author, Sharon Butala. Carry on, ladies! Malcolm Sissons is the Chair of the Heritage Resources Committee for the City of Medicine Hat. 9-8
