Current Topic Club (Owosso, Mich.)

Owosso, Michigan women's group established to discuss issues of current interest.

From the description of Current Topic Club records, 1894-1998. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 81314925

The Current Topic Club of Owosso, Michigan was organized in 1893 and held its first meeting on January 8, 1894 when officers were elected and a constitution and bylaws approved. Article II of the constitution says: "The object of this club is to promote an interest in reading and a freedom in conversation by the discussion of current events." The club met each Monday afternoon at a member's home where a program prepared by one of their number was presented. Program topics were selected each spring by a committee following discussion by the full membership; topics were assigned to an individual on a rotating basis and a printed program prepared for the following club year. Members accepted their assigned topics in order to remain on the active roll. At each meeting discussion of current issues followed the formal program, usually during their refreshment time. Business matters, such as approval of an infrequent bill, were not a prominent part of the club's minutes.

Occasionally, the Current Topic Club joined with the Owosso Women's Club to sponsor a program, a reception, or a city-wide event. An example of a co-sponsored event was the highly successful city Christmas tree lighting first held in 1913 with a band, choral groups, children carolling, and church choirs; attendance was estimated at more than 3000.

The Current Topic Club was affiliated with both the Michigan State Federation of Women's Clubs and the General Federation of Women's Clubs (USA) for a number of years beginning in 1896. One of the Owosso club's members, Mrs. Josephine M. Gould, served as president of the State Federation in 1903-1904.

The club still meets, now on alternate Mondays, and the membership is preparing to mark their 100th anniversary in 1994.

From the guide to the Current Topic Club (Owosso, Mich.) Records, 1894-1975, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)