History of the STANDARD CLUB’S LIBRARY BENEFITS

The Mad Hatter Teas

In 1909 Andrew Carnegie gave the city of Winnsboro$10,000 for a Library with the stipulation that all the money be spent for the construction of the library. When it was completed the City had only enough funds to provide a desk, chairs and a few bookshelves. The members of the Standard Club which had begun in 1901, assumed the responsibility of collecting books and appointed one of their members, Mrs. T.U. Bozeman (affectionately known as Bunny) to be the Librarian and for several years paid her $10.00 a month salary. The City eventually paid her salary which was raised by 1933 to $25.00 a month.

In a history of The Standard Club, written in 1950 by Olive Cranston, she relates how the first Library Benefits came about:

“…Members of the club implored City Council to do something about filling the gaping shelves; and now and then City Council did do something for the library. In one instance, council appropriated $200 for the purchase of books. Before the book committee got the $200 invested in books, it became evident that a sidewalk should be laid alongside the well kept grounds of the building at Main and South Broadway—so the $200 went into cement instead of literature.”

In another Club history, “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, written in 1957 by Craigie Wallace Morris: “…Being determined that Winnsboro must have a good and serviceable Library---one in keeping with the name, the Club conceived the idea of promoting an annual flower show for the benefit of the Library Book Fund. …we had our first Benefit Show, and what a show is was. Barnum & Balily Ringling Bros. or Mollie Bailey had nothing we did not have.

The entire upstairs of the library building gave space to twenty-five or more exhibits. Booths were built up and down all sides of the building. Our leading merchants were cooperative and importuned wealthy wholesale firms to display wares in mock rivalry. Ambitious local artisans brought needle work, fine quilts, battenburg, and point lace in competing for prizes----Of course there were flowers in profusion—bushels and baskets of them, gorgeous chrysanthemums and ferns banked in every odd corner of the building. Many prizes were hard earned and most cheerfully given. Perhaps the most attraction for the young matrons of the town was a real live baby show. It was held down stairs, or in the basement of the building. No wax dolls, please – but forty or fifty crying, and kicking babies.

Nice cash prizes were given to the babies being adjudged the “best”, and many a pug nosed little baby, wearing a blue or pink ribbon, was carried out squawking and squealing, by a doting mother or grandparent. …I confess that I was one of those foolish matrons and my little daughter won a ribbon….”

Mrs. Cranston’s history puts the date of the first Benefit as September 6, 1910. She describes the show: “…Classes were planned for every sort of potted plant and cut flower. There was a division for competitions in cake and bread making. As there were always babies the Standard Club put them into the show and awarded prizes for the prettiest, the cutest and the fattest…Prizes in these early shows throw a revealing light on the era. Sterling silver thimbles were offered; a hand made corset cover was taken home by some woman whose cake was divine; for a beautiful flour pillow, a prize of fine lace was given. And then sacks of flour were listed, vases, pieces of pottery and oil paintings.

The shows continued well into the 1920s and were not only exciting periods of competition of admiration for the beautiful things grown in Winnsboro, but were the back bone of the fund which kept the library going and growing…”

In 1989 Mrs. Una Gibson wrote in “Reminiscing—A Nostalgic Peek Into The Standard Club’s Past” : “…In 1917 other clubs were invited to join The Standard Club in putting on a three-day activity which was titled “The Women’s Fair”. ..Each club used it’s share of the proceeds for its special project. Ours, of course, went into the library fund…

The years 1918-1919 found the club dispensing with the prescribed studies and devoting each meeting time to the war effort. Much Red Cross work and other services were rendered…In 1921 the club began to revive its educational and social life, also its fund-raising. An ice cream and cake party was held on the lawn of the Library and the public was invited. It netted $95.75. Things were beginning to look up for the Club treasury due to the hard work of the members and to the enthusiasm and generosity of the townspeople.

The club’s greatest concern during 1946-1947 was the refurbishing of the interior of the then thirty-five year old Carnegie Library building. Installation of a rest room and stoves, much repair work and a fresh coat of paint really worked a transformation. A memorial honoring those locals who were lost in the war [WWII] was installed and a plaque bearing their names hung in the Library….

In 1949 the annual fund raising event was a Silver Tea in the home of the Club president…All in all it was a success and the club decided to make it an annual affair to be called “The Annual Carnegie Library Benefit.” Some were held in the homes of members, and some at the Library….the Library has been receiving help from other sources, and all of the Benefit monies have gone for books alone. As a result, our Library is known county-wide for its rich store of literature and is well used.”

Mrs. Morris’s history describes the Benefits held after the Carnegie Library was no longer used.: “…In recent years, the Club has depended largely on funds derived from an annual Benefit Tea for its contribution to the Library Book Fund. These Teas were first given at a residence in the town, and special credit should be given Miss Ada Brock, Mrs. G.C. Hopkins, Mrs. Basil Gibson, Mrs. Wrothom Craddock, Mrs. G. H. Gamblin, and Mrs. Earl P. Stuart, all of whom opened their home for the Tea at considerable sacrifice. … On each occasion music was furnished by Mrs. Willa Wilfong and Mrs. G.C. Hopkins, both of whom are accomplished musicians. Mrs. N.J. McKendry, a local talented singer, has contributed a great deal to make the Tea’s programs a success… Our Teas have not only raise d a lot of money for the Library, but have served as a liaison with the other clubs of the city, all having joined in the support of the Library Tea…”

When the Carnegie Library was closed, the Benefit Teas continued to be an annual event in private homes with the public invited to attend, but it was called “The Annual Library Benefit.” These were late morning ‘teas” or “coffees” with wonderful displays of member-prepared foods, floral decorations and the ambiance of a lovely residence.

Even after the Gilbreath Memorial Library opened in 1987, the Benefits continued in homes until 1996 when Librarians Virginia Woodle and Paula Irby graciously agreed that the Benefit could be held in the Library. The event was scheduled from 11 AM to 1PM so the working public could stop by on their lunch hour and it became “The Mad Hatter’s Tea” with all Club members wearing chapeaus and vying for prizes. That year there was a live “Mad Hatter” and a live “White Rabbit” as well as displays of all sorts of hats and an art exhibit.

Every year since, more and more visitors, both women and men, arrive at the Library wearing hats and have enjoyed being entertained by the elementary school choir, a girl scout fashion show, exhibit of paintings and sculpture by local artists, or selected art from each of Winnsboro’s schools. as well as lunching on a delicious array of finger foods. It has become an anticipated community event with contributions each year totaling around $2000.00, all going to the Library for their circulating collections.

To commemorate the 100th year of Library Benefits, the members of The Standard Club again invited everyone to enjoy the food, entertainment, and joviality of “The Mad Hatter’s Tea” at Gilbreath Memorial Library on April 7, 2010. The special displays, decorations, beautiful hats, mementos, entertainment, finger food and an Anniversary Cake helped Standard Club members share with the Winnsboro community their pride in a century of cooperative efforts.

Helen Burlingham

Historian

March 22, 2010