Despite inclement weather and busy schedules, a faithful core of members of the Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville met on November 15, 2018 at the home of Mary Furillo, who was assisted in hostessing by Betty Clapp and Karen Miller.
The roll call–tied in later to the evening’s program–was answered by presenting facts about any of the original thirteen colonies. The mostly historical notes ranged from the last to join the Union (GA), through the smallest(RI), the best-known governor (MA), a family history connection with PA, the home of the first three Presidents (VA), the state where jousting is the official sport( MD), a book connection (SC)and the Blue Hen State (DE).
The upcoming Christmas party was briefly discussed, clarifying procedures ?re: ? brown bags and cards. Hats for guest night were available. Cards for members who had lost a loved one were urged.
The program for the evening was presented by Jane Bell, whose topic, among the Little Known Women being saluted this year, was Anne Hutchinson. This religious free thinker, midwife, mother of 15 children, wife of a successful merchant, ran afoul of the strait-laced Puritans of Plymouth Plantation, was prosecuted by Governor John Winthrop, found guilty and “delivered up to Satan”, as well as being blamed for all the troubles of the colony. She was banished to Providence Plantation, to be joined by Roger Williams in founding Rhode Island. Her heresy, spread through discussion groups of women whom she served as midwife and confidante, was based on her preference for a relationship with God founded on a covenant of grace rather than the emphasis on works as defined by the Puritans. Absolute grace, freely given, was evidence of divine Providence, rather than earned by the godly. Eventually, she met a violent end but her monument is now to be found in the Massachusetts statehouse and her descendants include several persons of historical note across American history.
Delicious refreshments were served by the hostess and co-hostesses before the group left to face the weather.
The next meeting–and the Christmas party–will be held on December 6 at the home of Gale Lane.
