There is no place like Minerva,” Pernelle McCalip said at the last meeting of the Minerva Club’s 2015-16 season on May 17 at the clubhouse on Boone Street.
Any sentiments to the contrary were not likely to have come from the 70 or so members who attended. Minerva is much beloved by its membership, 11 of whom have been members for more than 50 years.
Pernelle conducted the installation ceremony for incoming officers of the club, which is going into its 122nd year. Yes, you read that right. One hundred and twenty two years. Minerva is the longest continuously running women’s club in California, founded in the 1890s by prominent Santa Maria ladies.
And, it inhabits a building designed by Julia Morgan, one of the state’s premier architects at the time.
Traditionally, the Minerva Club goes on hiatus for the summer months, open only on a few Tuesdays for bridge for the diehards. Then, in October, Minerva launches its next club year with a big, highly anticipated, well-attended luncheon, held in a hotel.
To celebrate the end of the club year, as well as to welcome new officers, attendees indulged in a salad potluck that weighed down the buffet table—the table looked like the showcase of a high-end delicatessen. My goodness, what a spread!
The program included Ann Walsh’s report on the 13 scholarships of $1,200 each, recently awarded by the club to local high school graduating seniors. Elizabeth Jones, a trustee of the club’s trust fund, read a letter of appreciation from a former scholarship recipient, who has since graduated from Cal Tech.
When in session, Minerva has a very full calendar. There are weekly Tuesday meetings—some with informal teas—as well as some special Thursday meetings. There are bridge days, mahjongg games, a rummage sale, a barbeque, and bus trips to places like Hearst Castle, the Getty Museum in west Los Angeles, and the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Two events that are always sellouts are February Bingo and the May formal tea and fashion show.
Held on Saturday, May 14, the sixth annual fashion show and tea was its usual sensational self, with more than 100 attending. Tickets were $35.
The invitational email from outgoing President Angie Engelbrecht read, “If you have never attended the tea, it is very special. Scones, sweets, and savories are presented on beautifully set tables. After we dine, there is a great fashion show.”
Angie had it right. It was a great fashion show and the tables were a wonder to behold.
I could do a whole column just on the ambience. White tablecloths, lovely vintage china, sterling silver flatware, twinkling lights, flowers—it was a veritable feast for the eyes.
Topping all this off was the availability of Chandon sparkling wine. There is nothing like bubbly to make an afternoon special.
The very clever and stylish Vicki Wilson wrote a script that she narrated, as the models sported fashions that they could wear to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and other tourist attractions in the U.K. Lois Martin played the piano during the show.
Judy Hearn, Deborah Whitford-Martinez, Margaret Cooper, Dottie Lyons, and Dr. Monica Rocco were among the tea-timers.
Membership information is available from Angie Engelbrecht at 937-2433. And, no, you don’t have to play bridge to belong.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at [email protected].
