There is much to like about the Minerva Club.
I found this out both at its Christmas luncheon held on Dec. 16 at the Minerva Clubhouse and at its season opening luncheon held on Oct. 7 at the Radisson.
What’s to like, you ask?
Well, first of all, there are some mighty fine ladies who belong to this group, founded as a cultural and educational society in 1894. In the early days, the club was a vital part of the Santa Maria ladies’ social life.
The Minerva Club teems with historical significance. It is, according to a reliable source, one of the oldest women’s clubs in the state, and California’s longest continuously running club for women (until gender equality legislation required that membership be made available to males).
So just in terms of longevity, the Minerva Club is special.
Its clubhouse is another reason Minerva is special. The charming gem of a building was designed by well-known architect Julia Morgan (who also designed the Hearst Castle).
At the Christmas luncheon, Kathy Brown (Minerva’s president) and vice-president Angie Engelbrecht welcomed members and guests, including Joey Wilson, Dottie Lyons, Diane Beebe, and Merilyn Garcin.
Mary Lou Rabska and Phyllis Lander sold raffle tickets, while recording secretary Dorothy Elerding took pictures.
Popular artists Margie Bowker and Minnie Anderson were among the crowd of 75.
The delightful and talented Amy Curti played the piano and sang after the lunch that was catered by Jovi’s Delights. I loved the barley soup and pistachio cake (there were sandwiches and chips as well). Before lunch is served, the Minerva ladies enhance the enjoyment of each other’s company with libations from the hosted wine bar. Ah! Such a civilized custom.
I enjoyed chatting with new member Debbie Gorbell and the irrepressible Audrey Mussell, who, after giving the spiritual thought for the day at the podium, returned to our table and said, with emotion, “I get choked up by my own stuff.” Is she not a hoot and a half?
Angie Engelbrecht, program chair, and her cohorts have lovingly planned several months of enticing events. I am looking forward to the Feb. 26 bus trip to the Getty Museum
in Los Angeles.
Not wanting to miss the always-a-sellout Feb. 28 bingo fundraiser, I already purchased my ticket for that. In March, Eve Dickson will model her antique clothing collection. Members are requested to wear a hat. Vintage would be fun. You know that I won’t miss that meeting.
In April there will be a formal English tea and fashion show. April is also when Minerva’s popular annual two-day Trash and Treasures sale, well known to local treasure hunters, takes place.
For 120 years, the Minerva Club has been central in the life of its members. One Minerva member told me that in days of yore, Minerva members spent all summer deciding and talking about what they would wear to the opening season luncheon.
Another member told me that her mother bought her a hat and white gloves (mandatory attire at the time) and paid for her baby sitter so that she could attend Minerva meetings.
The club welcomes new members. Those who would like information on how to become a member of this congenial group can call Angie Engelbrecht at 937-2433.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Dec 25, 2014 – Jan 1, 2015.