Saturday, June 12, 2010

Annual Meeting Highlights

 


Even though a few of our faithful members were unable to join us today, due to weather or other commitments, we had a great time together. We enjoyed a tasty box lunch and great conversation after our morning business meeting. Then, approximately seventeen people gathered to discuss the assigned book, The Kramer Girls, and Dr. George Day led our discussion. We had a lively time talking about the central characters and themes.

We also agreed that we need to work hard to help preserve Suckow's work, both in print and digital formats. We are greatly encouraged by the numbers of people finding our website and blog: Mike presented the statistics about usage over the past year.

The book for next year's meeting is The Folks. Our meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011; we will meet at the Cedar Falls Public Library again, due to its central location.
Posted by Picasa

Suckow Bookmarks for Sale

 


In addition to the T-shirts, we now have laminated bookmarks for sale as well.

Again, the cost for members is just $2.00, while we are asking for $2.50 from non-members.
Posted by Picasa

Suckow T-Shirts for Sale!













We now have pictures of our Ruth Suckow T-shirts. They come in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.

Members pay just $8.00

Non-members pay $10.00

They are a light brown color with a picture of a young Ruth (in a play at Grinnell College, around 1914, I think)


To purchase a shirt, please contact Barbara Lounsberry, at lounsberry@gmail.com


Posted by Picasa

Looking for multiple copies of a Suckow title?

Want to use a Suckow book for a book club, and need to locate multiple copies?

The Iowa Library Service Areas maintains a list of titles and the number of copies. Currently, they have three of Suckow's books listed on their website. You can search by title or author.

    Suckow Ruth -- Suckow Ominbus (5 -- Cedar Falls Public Library)

    Suckow Ruth -- The Folks -- (14 -- Cedar Falls Public Library)

    Suckow Ruth -- The John Wood Case (12 copies -- -- Cedar Falls Public Library)


We will also shortly have several copies of a fourth book available: New Hope (1942).

Go to the following website, http://www.ilsa.lib.ia.us/ and click on multiple copies.

Agenda and Letter, Annual meeting 2010

Ruth Suckow Memorial Association




Dear Suckow Association Members:

As Memorial Day approaches, I hope you are also remembering our annual Suckow meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 12 at 10 a.m., at the Cedar Falls Public Library. Coffee and rolls await you—not to mention new (free) Suckow bookmarks for you and for you to take back to your local library, school, or historical society.

Suckow t-shirts and more elaborate (laminated) bookmarks will also be available for you to purchase (at very modest prices) for yourselves or for gifts for your favorite readers. So bring your checkbook or a bit of cash!

Attached is a draft of the agenda for our 10 a.m. Business Meeting. Don’t hesitate to send me other items that should be added. Directions to Cedar Falls and the Public Library are also included.

Read, too, Ruth’s fifth novel, The Kramer Girls (1929), which we will discuss in our inimitable fashion at 1 p.m. following lunch. George Day will lead us as he did so expertly last year in Earlville.

In the meantime, there is only 1 more thing to do: Contact me (via e-mail, phone, postcard, letter) if you wish to reserve a lunch for June 12 We need your reservation by Sunday, June 6, so enough food can be prepared. Lunches will be $10 and you can pay for it that day. As you’ll see on the next page, 3 lunch choices are available, so let me know your choice. If you’d prefer to stretch your legs for lunch, several restaurants await you on the Cedar Falls parkade just outside the Library door.

If you are unable to come to this year’s meeting, do send your annual membership dues to our Treasurer, Joanne Laxson. A year’s membership is $15 and you should make out the check to the “Ruth Suckow Memorial Association.” Mail your check to Joanne Laxson, PO Box 129; Earlville, IA 52041. (All others can renew their memberships that day—so bring cash or your checkbooks!)

Until Saturday, June 12—happy reading!



Barbara Lounsberry
President
E-mail: Lounsberry@gmail.com
Phone: 319-268-0502
Address: 2120 Tremont; Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Directions for those entering Cedar Falls from Highway 20 (east or west):

1) If you are driving west on Highway 20 (say from Earlville or Dubuque), take the first Cedar Falls exit. It will say “Highway 58” and “Industrial Park” and “George Wyth State Park.” This exit is to your right. Turn to your right off it, and stay on this road (Highway 58) for about 4 miles. You will go thru 3 stoplights (the first as you cross Ridgeway Ave.; the second as you cross Viking Road; and the third as you cross Greenhill Ave.). Look for the “18th Street Exit.” Exit there and at the end of the exit ramp turn left onto 18th Street. Continue on 18th Street (heading west) for about 2 blocks, and turn right on Main Street. Continue on Main Street for 12 blocks and you will see the Cedar Falls Public Library on your right (524 Main Street). You’ll see the parking lot in front. The library’s Conference Room is on the second floor. (You can take an elevator to the second floor if you wish.) Restrooms are also on the second floor.

2) If you are driving east on Highway 20 (from Des Moines, Hawarden, etc.), take the third (and last) Cedar Falls exit—saying “Highway 58,” “George Wyth State Park,” etc.—turn left at the end of the exit ramp; then follow the directions above.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lunch Order
(for those who wish to lunch at the Cedar Falls Library following our Business Meeting)


Three Choices

_____ Roast Beef Wrap, potato chips, baby carrots, chocolate chip cookie & beverage. $10

_____ Chicken Salad Sandwich on Homemade Kaiser Role, sun chips, seasonal fresh fruit,
chocolate chip cookie & beverage $10

_____ Smoked Turkey on a Pretzel Roll Sandwich, creamy potato salad, fruit cup,
chocolate chip cookie, & beverage. $10




Send Sandwich Preference to Barbara Lounsberry by Sunday, June 6 (the Caterer’s deadline). Payment can be made June 12 on site—cash or checks to “Barbara Lounsberry”.

E-mail: Lounsberry@gmail.com

Mail: 2120 Tremont
Cedar Falls, IA 50613-3939

Phone: 319-268-0502



Ruth Suckow Memorial Association

Annual Meeting

June 12, 2010

10:00 – Noon

Cedar Falls Public Library

Cedar Falls, Iowa


Agenda

I. Call to Order & Welcome

II. Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting – Sara McAlprin

III. Treasurer’s Report –Joanne Laxson

IV. New Suckow Merchandise: bookmarks & t-shirts

V. Newsletter Report – Bob McCown

VI. Birthplace Report – Mary Helgevold

VII. Suckow Park at Earlville – Terry Walters

VIII. Suckow Gravesite in Cedar Falls – Cherie Dargan

IX. Suckow Website – Cherie & Mike Dargan

X. Suckow Blog – Cherie Dargan

XI. Old Business
A. Current Board of Directors
B. Need to increase membership
C. Increasing Suckow visibility

XII. New Business
A. Next year’s meeting date (and text?)
B. Election of Officers
C. Other?


Noon: Luncheon

1:00 The Kramer Girls, Ruth’s fifth novel (1929): A Discussion led by Dr. George Day



2010 Hawarden Birthplace Report - Mary Helgevold

The Suckow House received a “Sneak Preview” during Hawarden’s 2009 Labor Day weekend celebration. It was a last minute decision to open the house to the public for a peak at our work thus far. The Earlville collection of Ruth’s belongings were on display plus a book collection and household items donated by the public. The visitors were bedazzled by the magnificent wood floors and the size of the house. Much more work needs to be done on woodwork, doors, etc., so it is an ongoing project.

RUTH SUCKOW PARK REPORT FOR 2010

THE PARK IS IN GOOD SHAPE FOR IT AGE. THE CITY OF EARLVILLE IS DOING A GOOD JOB OF MOWING AND TRIMMING THE SHRUBS. THE CITY WAS LOOKING JOBS FOR THERE PEOPLE THAT HAD TO DO COMMUNITY SERVICE SO WE HAD THEM PAINT THE TABLES IN THE SHELTER. WE PURCHASED TWO BURING BUSH SHRUBS TO REPLACE THE EVERGREENS AND HAD THEM PLANTED AS WILL.
WE ARE NOT ABLE TO KEEP FLYERS IN THE DISPLAY HOLDER BECAUSE OF THE KIDS AT PLAY. OTHER THEN THAT THE PARK LOOKS GOOD.

suckow birthplace 2009

Suckow Birthplace Report

2010 Hawarden Birthplace Report - Mary Helgevold

The Suckow House received a “Sneak Preview” during Hawarden’s 2009 Labor Day weekend celebration. It was a last minute decision to open the house to the public for a peak at our work thus far. The Earlville collection of Ruth’s belongings were on display plus a book collection and household items donated by the public. The visitors were bedazzled by the magnificent wood floors and the size of the house. Much more work needs to be done on woodwork, doors, etc., so it is an ongoing project.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Cherie's slide show from June 2010 trip to Hawarden

Peeking in the Windows of the Suckow Birth place




Mike and Cherie visit Hawarden

On our recent trip to the Black Hills, we decided to take a quick sidetrip to visit Ruth Suckow's birthplace, which is located in a little historic area called Calliope Village. We were only able to peek in the windows; it was not possible to contact our Ruth Suckow members in the area on such short notice. We walked around and took some photos, drove around the town, and found the library--and their collection of Suckow books.

Visit to Hawarden Public Library





Web Site Usage Stats

Recent visit to Suckow Birth Place

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Picture of Ruth Suckow

 
Posted by Picasa


Ruth Suckow, Grinnell College, 1914

This is Barbara's favorite picture of Ruth, because she says it makes Ruth look so ethereal. I am going to update our blog and use this picture now.

Decorating the Three Graves -- May 26, 2010



In what has become an annual ritual, President Barbara Lounsberry, Vice President Mike Dargan, and Webmaster Cherie Dargan visited the Suckow family graves. It was wonderful to now see Ferner's headstone in place, thanks to their niece Barbara Camamo. Finally, the mystery is solved. Ruth lies beween the two important men in her life: her father and her husband.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Suckow T Shirts and Bookmarks for sale!

We discussed the idea of getting some T shirts and bookmarks made to help promote the Ruth Suckow Memorial Society. They will be available the day of the Annual Meeting: as soon as possible, I will post more details here, in terms of prices, colors, and sizes.

We will also have some free Suckow bookmarks.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

How to Join the Ruth Suckow Memorial Society

As we approach our annual meeting, we sometimes have guests join us for the afternoon discussion of our book. As noted, you are welcome to reserve a lunch and join us for socializing over lunch. However, you MUST contact Barbara Lounsberry, our group's President

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Ruth Suckow Memorial Society, you can do so by bringing a check for $15 (the amount of our annual membership fees), made out to the "Ruth Suckow Memorial Association." Our treasurer, Joanne Laxson, will be there for the annual meeting.

If you are unable to attend, but want to become a member or renew your membership, send your check to Joanne Laxson
P. O. Box 129
Earlville, IA 52041

The Kramer Girls



In case you haven't read the book, the Kramer Girls is about three sisters--Georgie, Annie and Rose--living in a small town in Iowa. Their mother is an invalid, their father is busy with his business and almost absent for much of the book, and the two oldest daughters have cared for the house and raised Rose since she was a young girl. Rose, the baby, is a pretty girl with brown eyes and hair, a little on the plump side: she is an intelligent girl and has many hopes and dreams. Her older sisters are protective of her, and do their best to see that she has the opportunities they were denied, due to their mother's illness.

Many of the themes seen in other Suckow stories are seen in this book as well. Join us for a lively discussion of the book, led by retired UNI Professor Dr. George Day.

Directions to the Cedar Falls Library



1) If you are driving WEST on Highway 20, take the first Cedar Falls exit (it will say Highway 58 and Industrial Park and George Wyth State Park). This exit is to your right. Turn to your right off the exit and stay on this road (Highway 58) for about 4 miles. You will go through 3 stoplights (the first as you corss Ridgeway Ave., the second as you cross Viking Road, and the third as you cross Greenhill Road).

Look for the 18th Street exit. Exit there and turn left from the exit onto 18th Street. Continue on 18th Street (heading west) for about 2 blocks, and turn right on Main Street. Continue on Main Street for 12 blocks and you will see the Cedar Falls Public Library on your right (524 Main Street). You will see the parking lot in front. The library's Conference room is on the second floor; there is an elevator located near the Circulation Desk, which is right inside the front door. Restrooms are located on both the first and second floors.

2) If you are driving EAST on Highway 20 (from Des Moines Hawarden, etc.), take the third (and last) Cedar Falls exit--saying Highway 58, George Wyth State Park. Turn left at the exit and follow the directions above.

Announcement: Annual Meeting June 12, Cedar Falls Library




The annual meeting of the Ruth Suckow Memorial Association is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Cedar Falls Public Library.

Here is an overview of the Agenda for the day. There will be a business meeting from 10:00 to 12:00.

At noon, we will have our lunch.

At 1:00 we will discuss the book for this year: The Kramer Girls (1929). This is Ruth's fifth book. Dr. George Day will lead our discussion.

If you are interested in joining us for the day, and would like to eat lunch, here are your choices:

1) Roast beef wrap, potato chips, baby carrots, chocolate chip cookie and beverage, $10

2) Chicken salad sandwhich on homemade Kaiser roll, sun chips, seasonal fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookie and beverage, $10

3) Smoked turkey on a Pretzel roll sandwhich, creamy potato salad, fruit cup, chocolate chip cookie and beverage, $10

Payment can be made that day; however, you need to get your order made by Sunday, June 6 (the deadline for the caterer).
Email: lounsberry@gmail.com
Phone: 319-268-0502

You can also mail a check to Barbara Lounsberry, our Suckow Society President
2120 Tremont
Cedar Falls, IA 50613-3939

Or, you may submit your request on line and either mail your check or pay at the meeting.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Reflecting on Ruth's legacy

My Community College literature class just finished reading and discussing Suckow's short story, A Rural Community, last week. In spite of all of the changes to our society from the 1920s, when this was written, I find that my students can still relate to the characters in the story.

Search This Blog