% SOT “? IN the Uw ee ek oe OR Y * SL sP eS . Za ob 7s 7ee ee “ he ~ » Drama Club of Ogden Century Celebration Annual Breakfast - June 4, 2016 Ogden Golf & Country Club Bonnie Whitaker Welcome & Introduction Century Celebration Program 1916-2016 Bonnie Whitaker Drama Club Business Centennial Committee Co-Chairs: Geneva Peterson and JoD’Ann Dance Karen Bruestle Joyce Stillwell Pam Higginson Marge Taylor Bonnie King Myrene VanDyke Jolene Rausch Bonnie Whitaker Teresa Sanderson Jolene Zito Thursday, September 8, 2016 A7 Ruth H. Darrington February 23, 1926 ~ September 4, 2016 : ~~ ~ ( ee Our beautiful mother, grandmother and friend passed away on September 4, 2016. Ruth Arlene was born February 23, 1926, to loving parents, Aubrey and Grace Henderson. Ruth grew up in the First Presbyterian Church, where her parents were charter members and where she worshipped her entire life. She attended Ogden City Schools and graduated from Ogden High School in 1944. Ruth continued her education attending both Weber College and Utah State University. While enrolled at Utah State, she acted in numerous plays and even started a Children’s Theatre. » She started broadcasting on KLO radio as the Ve ~ “Story Lady.” She also performed in several prov fessional productions. While attending Utah State, Ruth met Kenneth Darrington. They got married soon after graduation. Kenny joined the armed services and the two traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Together, they had four wonderful children. Later, Ruth returned to Ogden to help her aging parents. She began teaching at Ogden High School. Collectively, she taught for 31 years. She made lifelong friends and was well liked and respected by her students. She retired in 1991. Ruth served as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and in several organizations including, Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Grand Matron for the State of Utah, Scottish Rite Learning Centers, P.E.O Local and State Chapters, the Emeritus Alumni Board of WSU and one of her favorites the R.O.D.E.Os (Retired Old Dames Eating Out). Ruth felt that everyone should contribute to their community and serve on a board in some capacity. Incidentally, she joked her tombstone should read, “Clubbed to Death,” for belonging to so many organizations. Although she had a busy calendar, family was always a priority and she treasured time together and adored her grandchildren. Ruth is survived by her four children: Dan (Jackie), Dixie (Shane) Post, Richard (Michelle), Tammy (Robbie) Hill; four srandchildren: Brent (Angela), Stabler (Haley) Hill, Aubrey and Jake; and three great-grandchildren: Zachary, Andrew and Kyleen. She cherished her relationship with her extended family, Kevin (Cheryl), Kris (Matt) Webster and Kelly (Rich) Prince and their beautiful families. The family would like to thank the Brighton Hospice Team for the compassionate care they took of their mother. A special thanks to D., Beth and RJ. A Viewing will be on Friday, September 9, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary. Friends may visit with the family prior to services from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment at Leavitt’s Mausoleum, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. Please send condolences to the family at: www.leavittsmortuary.com On April 21, 1917, the Drama Section of the Historical Society voted to separate from the Society and become an independent club. The name “The Drama Club of Ogden” was proposed and unanimously accepted. On May 19, 1917, due to the illness of Mrs. Morrell, Mrs. Philip Knisely became the President of The Drama ri Club of Ogden. } + } Bae = Many community performances were produced by The Drama Club for the people of Ogden. The Orpheum Theater hosted “Cricket on the Hearth’, “Jane”, “Pride of the Market”, and many more. These productions featured prominent members of the community such as Moroni Olesen and Ken Davidson in acting roles as well as other assignments as needed. Scenery and technical assistance were provided by Rell Thompson. a Fudty Se eee Pde On Saturday afternoon, September 16, 1916, the Dramatic Section of the Historical Society first met, with Mrs. Joseph Morrell presiding and Miss Inez Adams acting as chairperson. Officers were elected with Mrs. Morrell as Chairman, Miss Josephine Munk as Secretary-Treasurer, and Mrs. Frank K. Bartlett, Historian. Saturday afternoons were selected for meetings. The Constitution and By-laws were voted upon and accepted, with the purpose to be, “the united effort toward the study of drama to create a sympathy for the highest form of the dramatic art, creating a permanent taste for good drama and to obtain the best plays in our city.” Dues of $2.00 for both “active” and “honorary” members were established. The Misses Rich performed a musical number and refreshments were served. A second number by the girls was enjoyed by members, followed by a reading of “The Terrible Meek” done by Mr. Moroni Oleson. The meeting then adjourned until Saturday, September 30. Throughout the years, The Drama Club has served the Community of Ogden in both civic and cultural ways. In 1917, the club sponsored dramatic programs, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross. Members encouraged a community Summer Theater Program which eventually evolved into the Utah Musical Theater. shure STN Heth AIH Pa POM att OR From its very beginnings, The Drama Club of Ogden has been supported by the Ogden community. Its members have come from prominent families whose names are recognized throughout Ogden’s history. The Club has maintained its purpose to support drama and to create a sympathetic awareness of the dramatic arts in The Ogden community. ae tae seems (el ee Sap eS Bg cape NE EI SE CRP CR URES oF | | Spring has arrived, and with that we are experiencing a hot Real Estate market! Inventory is low and we have qualified buyer's waitingto purchase! If you have plans to sell there is no better time to see what your Ogden home could be worth! The Drama Club of Ogden was born on Saturday, September 16, 1916 as part of the Historical Society, but it was not given its current name until April 1917. The members consisted of a group of 22 young women who wanted to study the dramatic arts and music. Their goal was to foster an appreciation for the highest forms of dramatic expression. * The members were serious about the theater. In addition to studying other subjects, they studied Russian Theater, Italian Drama, Modern English, French, and Spanish Drama, Yiddish Playwrights, popular playwrights, Greek Theater, and Shakespeare. The group attended plays and lectures together in Ogden or surrounding communities. They stayed informed about the current plays on Broadway through magazines, newspapers, books, guest speakers, and personal visits of members. They also produced annual plays and sometimes operas. World War I was in full force. The club gave benefit performances and used the money they earned to make Red Cross donations, buy Liberty Bonds, and donate to the Furlough House Fund in France. They also gave books to the army, helped support a French War Orphan from 1917 to 1921 and sent a telegram to Congress in favor of a bill that gave rank to Army Nurses. 44 | FOCUSOGDEN The Great Depression began in 1929, but the ladies of the Drama Club continued their education in the dramatic arts. Among other things, they competed in the State Federation of Women’s Clubs annual playwriting competitions where they frequently won the Wattis Cup for first prize. They also donated money to worthy causes, gave clothing and necessities to those who needed it, worked with the Red Cross, planted trees in Lester Park in memory of club members who had died, and supported local cultural events. The U.S. entered World War II in December 1941, and the ladies of the Drama Club helped their community and country again. In May of 1942, secretary Minnie Moore Brown wrote in her minutes a brief summation of thoughts and events of the past year. “The War of Nerves had been troubling us even before actual war was declared on Japan and the Axis after Pearl Harbor, December 7. All winter no one has been able to throw offa feeling of dreadful anxiety which has made us restless and jittery. Added to this because of the country’s call, many of our members have followed their families to other states, thus we have lost them for [a while] ... And so the year draws to a close. War and illness have battered us, but we are not downhearted.” ; : Just as they had done during World War I, the ladies worked with the Red Cross to present dramatic performances and donate the proceeds. However, fewer Drama Club meetings were held during 1942 and 1943 because the women were busy helping with the war effort. Many ladies worked in factories. Some became teachers in the schools or were Red Cross volunteers, and some rented rooms in their homes. The Post-War Years After the war ended in 1945, those who survived the conflict returned home again. The women of The 1960s Members began the 1960s by learning about famous, noteworthy actresses and their contributions to theater. Members of the club were also involved in the community’s original production All Faces West, written and arranged by Roland and Helen Parry, which starred famed opera star Igor Gorin as Brigham Young. Longtime club member Mrs. Eber F. Piers wrote the continuity for the show and many club members performed in it. the Drama Club continued their study of drama The club studied, listened to guest speakers, and saw performances. Their companionship burned three times: for them to watch Medea by Euripides and the musical Brigadoon. The club celebrated with newfound enthusiasm and dedication, but they had some setbacks. Their stored scenery was ¢ Scenery dating back to 1916 was stored in an army building. Army personnel thought it was trash and burned it. ¢ The scenery was then stored for a while by the Ogden Fourth ward, but a caretaker thought it was trash and burned it. « The club’s members made new scenery and stored it in a North Ogden garage. The garage was hit by lightning and, again, everything burned. Fortunately, the club received a generous donation to create the summer theater scenery and equipment they needed. with Weber State College made it possible its Golden Anniversary during an annual breakfast at the home of Mrs. Grant Southwick with special honors to surviving Charter Drama Club members, Mrs. Royal Eccles, Mrs. Clyde T. Greenwell, and Mrs. Joseph R. Morrell. The play Ever Young by Alice Gerstenberg was presented “with love to Minnie Moore Brown.” A special treat took place at the 1967 Christmas party at the Ivy House. Myrene Van Dyke, Geneva Peterson, and Beth Johnson sang Christmas melodies in red velvet dresses. Their children wore matching The club’s members continued to learn miniature outfits. They studied plays, performed, attended theater events, and heard lectures from theater professionals. Through the years the clubs historians filled the scrapbooks full of clippings and photos from the Ogden Standard Examiner's society page giving notice of the The 1970s about worldwide theater during the 1950s. club’s meetings, plays, and celebrations. The club celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1956, and Margaret Zitzman wrote the following: “We have been told that our club is unique in that we have devoted 40 years to the study of just one subject, the drama ... [A] fter 40 years, we may not walk [as] fast as [we once] did. Our hair may not be so black or golden, but mention the theater, and our eyes light up with the same old sparkle. At heart we are still just a group of stage-struck lasses.” dust (or an hou, we — WOYULY, We SOF Uy. let yesterday take cate Of LOmMoyour Members studied “The Many Masks of Theater.” They also studied comedy, revival theater, Broadway to Hollywood theater, contemporary theater, and theater in Utah. In August 1973, the Alumni Community Theater was established to encourage and provide opportunity for alumni and other community residents to participate in theater productions. The inaugural production of the group was Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, with Dr. Ron Ross as the guest director. The Alumni group also produced Angel Street with Geneva Peterson in the lead role of Mrs. Manningham and Hazel Robertson as director, and in 1978 The Music Man was presented with numerous members of the continued on page 46 Let's not waste a vowel Of Wor, Heyes te wow; eye's to mes ese’s to uss and rege’sy our. continued from page 45 Drama Club in the cast and Dean a Reader's Theater. As Hazel Robertson Hurst as Harold Hill. explained in the president's report, the Reader's Theater was “well received During a regular club meeting on March 27, 1975, at 8:32 p.m., just by the club as well as the public in our after the new slate of officers had been read, the room began to shake because of a major earthquake. No damage was done. Hazel Robertson calmed members afterward by singing a beautiful vocal solo, “I Love the Moon.” She was accompanied by Carol Hurst. performances ... This relieved the pressure on our members and made them much more receptive to being in the productions.” The club continued welcoming guest lecturers, including the following: e Dr. Gordon and Sharon Allred. e Dr. James R. Wilson, President of Utah Musical Theater. In 1976, Fern Taylor introduced the Parlor Players. She recognized the need for a smaller group that could perform costumed plays in a space as small as a e Dr. Thomas Burton of Weber State. Dr. Burtons lecture was particularly memorable because he talked about Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales in full medieval costume with artifacts parlor. The Parlor Players would perform the same play many times during the year. In May of 1977 the group had performed on eight occasions with more bookings in the future, so in September of 1977 the club decided that the Parlor Players would provide the program for Guest Night performance featured a review-style presentation of Roland and Helen Parry's original Ogden musical, “All Faces West,’ in honor of the Utah the June Breakfast and would also be the Centennial Achievement Celebration. traveling production during the year. The 1980s Through the end of the decade and into the 1980s, the club continued to study the art of theater, appreciate the beauties of music, and nurture lasting friendships. The club celebrated its 70th birthday on November 20, 1986 at the Bertha Eccles Art Center with a musical program performed by several talented members and a one-act play. In 1989, the club hosted Nathan and Ruth Hale of the Hale Center Theater in Salt Lake City. The Hales presented skits featuring humorous incidents of an older couple. Then they related their experiences of living in the theater world and spoke about founding theaters in California, Salt Lake City, and Grover, Utah. The 1990s The 1990s brought change to the club. Since no one had time to memorize on the scale of earlier years, the club began 46 | FOCUSOGDEN from the period. In addition, the 1996 Entering the 21st Century Many of the womens clubs that were formed during the last century have disbanded because of lack of membership and interest. In contrast, the Drama Clubs membership has remained constant and in touch with the times. These modern members are extremely diverse in their interests and professions, but they continue to share a love for the theater. to its success. Mothers have passed their membership on to their daughters and The club ladies are concerned, as always, with the advancement of worthy causes in their granddaughters. the community, and they support several arts organizations with modest donations from dues. They address the types of problems that women have always faced: challenges with aging, illnesses, divorces, finances, family situations, and deaths. In addition, they deal with the necessary work that keeps the organization going. At the close of this review, imagine The club is thriving, and the traditions and legacies that have been developed through the decades have also been a key a room full of women, glasses held high, who have helped to continue this legacy of “dramatic arts and music,” and listen as they recite the Drama Club's traditional Christmas toast: Just for an hour, no worries, no sorrows, Let yesterday take care of tomorrow. Let's not waste a moment of now, Here's to you; here's to me; here's to us; and here's how. D Presidents of the Drama Club of Ogden 1916 1917 Mrs. Joseph R. Morrell Mrs. Phillip Warren Knisely 1918 Mrs. Joel E. Ricks 1919 1923 Mrs. Andrew T. Clark Miss Josephine Seaman Mrs. Eber FE Piers Mrs. Joseph E. Evans Mrs. Horace Nebeker 1924 Mrs. James H. DeVine 1925 1920 1921 1922 1928 Mrs. Elijah A. Larkin Mrs. Royal Eccles Mrs. Herman B. Way Mrs. Arthur D. Barber 1929 Mrs. Warren L. Wattis 1930 Mrs. Mark Brown Mrs. William Rice Kimball 1926 1927 1931 1932 Mrs. Lew Beason 1953 Mrs. Henry EF. Volker 1934 Miss Minnie Moore Brown 1935 Miss Dana Kelly 1936 Mrs. Adam Patterson, Jr. 1937 Mrs. R. B. Porter 1938 Mrs. Clyde T. Greenwell Mrs. Carlyle C. Eubank 1939 1940 Mrs. Darrell J. Greenwell 194] Mrs. S. Harold Evans Mrs. Arthur W. Grix Mrs. Royal Eccles Mrs. Joseph W. Brewer Mrs. A. H. Chambers Mrs. Larry P. Wright Mrs. Roland Perry 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 Mrs. Rich Johnston 1949 1960 Mrs. Richard B. Porter Mrs. Glen E. Harding Mrs. H. Clayton Carlson Mrs. Delbert B. Foulger Mrs. Thatcher Allred Mrs. Alice Pardoe West Mrs. FA. Taylor Mrs. Gerard Klomp Mrs. William G. Burdett Mrs. Harry S. Reed Miss Mary Woolley Mrs. C. Dixon Kapple 1961 Mrs. Vernal H. Johnson 1962 Mrs. Malcolm J. Pingree 1950 1951 E9DZ 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1963 Mrs. C. Charles Hetzel, Jr. 1964 Mrs. B. H. Plowgian 1965 Mrs. Paul Thatcher ( Mrs. William Van Dyke filled in due to illness) Mrs. John A. Lindquist Mrs. Victor C. Castlemain Mrs. Gordon T. Allred Mrs. Dean W. Hurst Mrs. John L. Piers Mrs. Maurice Richards Mrs. Glen F. Harding Mrs. Marvin J. Peterson Mrs. Emerson R. Douglas Mrs. G. H. Robertson Mrs. Leon G. Willie Dr. Gayle FE Gregersen Mrs. James R. Dance Mrs. John D. Newton Mrs. Vernal H. Johnson Mrs. Floyd A. Taylor Mrs. Edwin T. Anderson Mrs. Darrell G. Johnson Mrs. John Major Scowcroft Mrs. William Van Dyke Mrs. Glen FE. Harding Mrs. Boyd J. Farr Mrs. Ben H. Plowgian Ms. Marge Dene Taylor Mrs. John D. Newton Mrs. Dean Hurst Mrs. Glenn Robertson Mrs. Robert J. Stillwell Mrs. Mike King Mrs. James R. Dance Mrs. Dwight D. Krebs Mrs. Victor C. Castlemain Mrs. Gary Halverson Mrs. H. Jerry Gardner Mrs. Grant D. Robertson Mrs. Boyd J. Farr Mrs. William Van Dyke Mrs. John D. Newton Mrs. James R. Dance Mrs. Robert J. Stillwell Ms Marge Dene Taylor Mrs. Dwight D. Krebs Mrs. Mike King Mrs. Craig Nelson Mrs. Chad Zito Mrs. Kerry Tucker Mrs. Robert Higginson Mrs. Bruce Venable Mrs. Craig Bruestle Mrs. John W. Whitaker Mrs. Robert J. Stillwell FOOTWEAR Al AMER The AmeriCAN Building, 2030 Lincoln Ave, Ogden CLOTHING SPORT FACTORY OUTLET 801-624-7670 Monday - Saturday, ACCESSORIES 10am - 6pm MARKDOWNS START AT 40% OFF NEW PRODUCT ARRIVALS MONTHLY & yo.” +. «CUTOUT ThIS ad and receive 15% off. your next purchase ‘> WITH THIS AD -'| PER TABLE - SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BNLY 3:9PM er: ° BEFRIEND US FOR SALES INFO! .| AMER SPORTS FACTORY OUTLET ie ae *- I ae arcTERYX @ZD Please jaromne syynto mention sacomon this ad Life Simplifying Business Solutions Shared Private Office Professional Kaitlyn al y Offices Space Meeting Rooms Mail Service 24/7 Business Center Access Full Time Front Desk Reception Direct // 801.783.2888 ogden.ut @ officeevolution.com 5128 South 1900 West Roy, Utah 84067 (801)779-8000 www.jessiejeanscafe.com = Furnished AEE. SOU“, ep y Wa ¥h, ay, 4 “D EGY Wig WUT Gij | e ] Members of the Drama Club of Ogden Mrs. Joseph R. Morrell * Miss Inez Adams Miss Josephine Seaman * Mrs. Phillip W. Knisley * Mrs. Frank K. Bartlett Miss Dorothea Browning Miss Helen Bichsell Miss Bessie Callahan Miss Viola Clancy Miss Vivian Eccles Mrs. Frank Ellis (Honorary Member) Mrs. Joseph E. Evans * Miss Rachel Farley Miss June Farnsworth Miss Myra Grout Miss Esther Harris Miss Leanore Hinckley Miss Dana Kelly Miss Katherine McKay Miss Josephine Munk Mrs. T. Earl Pardoe Mrs. Eber EF Piers * Miss Louise Pierce Miss Oertel Rich Miss Cleone Rich Miss Pamela Spargo Mts. Fred Coffman Miss Gertrude Weatherby Miss Alberta Wright Miss Lillian Wright Miss Carrie Browning Miss Verna Bowman Miss Feril Hess Miss Ella O'Neil Miss Ida Anderson Miss Ann Overstreat__ ~ Miss Zelta Ballinger Miss Clara May Browning Miss Agnes Keane Mrs. Frank Fouts Mrs. Clyde Greenwell * Mrs. J. Orson Douglas Miss Genevieve Allison Miss Lila Eccles (Honorary) 1917 Mrs. George L. Abbot Miss Ida Anderson Mts. James DeVine * Mrs. Ralph Emerson Miss Lillian Flygare Miss Josephine Seaman 1918 Mrs. Roland B. Ballantyne Mrs. George Barlow Miss Minnie Moore Brown * Mrs. Andrew T. Clark * Mrs. Claude Coray Mrs. Joseph M. Eccles Miss Harriet Farley Mrs. Vern Henry Miss Helen Hunter Mrs. William King Miss Dorothy McGaw Mrs. Joel E. Ricks * Mrs. Oscar Russell’ Miss Gladys Rich Mts. Joseph Scowcroft, Jr. Mrs. Henry FE. Volker * Mrs. Byron Whittemore Mrs. Herman B. Way * 1919 Miss Marianne Browning Miss Irene Crum Mrs. E. R. Dumke Mrs. Phillip Jackson Dix Mrs. Royal Eccles * Mrs. W. Rice Kimball * Mrs. Elyah A. Larkin * Miss Daisy Maginnis Mrs. Leslie H. Saville Miss Ellen Thomas Mrs. Arthur Woolley 1920 Mrs. Arthur D. Barber * Mrs. Frank K. Bartlett Mrs. H. A. Beauverd Mrs. Lew Beason * Miss Mary Fisher Miss Katherine Joyce Mrs. Horace Nebeker * Mrs. Gilbert Porter 1921 Mrs. James Abbott Mrs. Mark Brown * Mrs. L. L. Coray Miss Lenore Hinckley Mrs. J. E. Olsen Miss Gladys Rich 1922 Mrs. Thompson Corn Mrs. Carlyle Eubank * Miss Dana Kelley * Miss Lillian O’Neill Mrs. Arthur Wright Miss Elva Littlefield 1923 Miss Nell Driggs Miss Grace Matthews 1924 Mrs. W. J. Hillabrant Mrs. Samuel Powell Mrs. Junius Smart 1925 Mrs. Bryant Martineau 1926 Miss Eleanor Emmett Mrs. A. H. Aland Mrs. George Eccles 1927 Mrs. Frank M. Browning Miss Phyllis King Miss Geraldine O’Neill 1928 Mrs. M. E. Carson Mrs. Delbert B. Foulger * Mrs. A. W. Grix * Mrs. Warren L. Wattis * Mrs. S.H. Evans * 1929 Mrs. Ralph J. Peterson Mrs. H.S. Reed * 1930 Mrs. Dean R. Brimhall 1931 Mrs. Fred Froerer 1932 Mrs. Adam Patterson, Jr. * 1933 Mrs. George L. Abbott Miss Rosemary Barber Mrs. DarrellJ. Greenwell * 1934 Mrs. Paul Thatcher * 1935 Mrs. C. Dixon Kapple * Mrs. David S. Romney 1936 Miss Jeanette Morrell 1937 Mrs. Thatcher Allred * Mts. Joseph Brewer * Mrs. Roland Parry * Mrs. S. Dilworth Young 1939 Mrs. D. Jay Larson Mrs. I. Bruce McQuarrie Mrs. Arthur Perkins 1940 Mrs. Robert Bader Mrs. Merrill J. Bunnell 1941 Mrs. Richard C. Badger Mrs. G. Oscar Russell 1942 Mrs. A. H. Chambers * Mrs. Larry P. Wright * 1945 Mrs. S. Bertell Bunker Mrs. Glen FE. Harding * Mrs. Rich Johnston * Mrs. Francis G. Nicholas Mrs. Alice Pardoe West * 1947 Mts. L. Henry Zitzman 1948 Mrs. Clayton H. Carlson * Miss Carolyn Glasmann 1949 Mrs. Richard B. Porter * 1950 Mrs. Jay P. Bartlett 1952 Mrs. Floyd A. Taylor * Miss Mary Woolley * 1954 Mrs. William G. Burdett * Mrs. John G. Kelley Mrs. Malcolm Pingtree * Mrs. William D, VanDyke * 1955 Mrs. Gerard Klomp * 1956 ie oseee a Mrs. Fred Matthies Mrs. Arvel W. Porter 1957 Mrs. C. Charles Hetzel,Jr. * Mrs. Vernal H. Johnson * Mrs. B. H. Plowgian * Mrs. H. E. D. Redford 1958 Mrs. John Major Scowcroft * 1959 Mrs. Janet P. Ellis 1960 Mrs. J. Lee Sackett 1961 Mrs. Gordon T. Allred * Mrs. Leon G. Willie * Mts. John L. Piers * 1962 Mrs. John Richards (Froerer) * Mrs. John A. Lindquist * Mrs. Grant Southwick 1963 Mrs. Victor D. Castlemain * to 7] Charter Members 1916 Mrs. Darrell G. Johnson * Mrs. Marvin J. Peterson * 1964 Mrs. Emerson R. Douglas * Mrs. Dean W. Hurst * 1965 Mrs. James R. Dance * 1967 Mrs. 1969 Mrs. Mrs. 1971 Mrs. 1973 Maurice Richards * Edwin T. Anderson Glenn H. Robertson Glen W. Adams Mrs. John D. Newton * 1974 | Mrs. Robert T. Benson 1978 Miss Kathy Douglas 1979 Mrs. Dwight Krebs (Plowgian)* Miss Marge Dene Taylor * 1980 Mrs. Boyd Farr * Mrs. Alan Hall Mrs. L. H. Holbrook Mrs. Mike King * 1982 Mrs. Robert J. Stillwell * 1983 Mrs. Ruth Darrington 1984 Mrs. Jeff C. Flamm 1987 Mts. Craig Nelson * 1988 Mrs. John D. Eccles 1989 Mrs. Mark FE. Bischoff Mrs. James E. Terry 1993 Mrs. Steve F Johnson 1995 Mrs. Neil Crist (Robertson) * 1996 Mrs. H. Jerry Gardner * Mrs. Gary Halverson * Mts. Ted Nims Mrs. John Norvell Mrs. Kerry Tucker * 1997 Mrs. Breon Jacobs (Hawks) poeae 3 \' eRe . iia Mrs. Bruce Venable * 2000 Mrs. Robert Higginson * Mrs. Paul Thompson 2001 Ms. Pat Bean Mrs. Ralph Dunkley Mrs. Marjorie Luke Mrs. Chad Zito * Mrs. Barry Sanderson Mrs. Kent Petersen 2003 Mrs. Robert Hill Mrs. Kyle Magner Ms. Jolene Rausch 2004 Ms. Nell Heller 2005 Mrs. Travis Larsen 2006 Mrs. Craig Bruestle (Brookens) * Mts. David Rees 2007 Mrs. Mark Naisbitt Mrs. Mark Poole 2008 Mrs. John W. Whitaker * 2010 Mrs. Luis Adams 2012 Mts. Mark Silvester Ms. Charyol Wilcox 2013 Mrs. Mike Stevens 2014 Mrs. Chris McGarry Mrs. Douglas Yonemura 2015 Mts. Donald L. Wilhelm * Past President ad BRIANA SCROGGINS/Standard-Examiner Susan Wilhelm of Layton, left, played the part of “George” as Jolene Zito of Roy plays G Ga bige's mom, “Mrs. Gibbs,” during the Drama Club of Ogden's April meeting at the home of Geneva Peterson in Farmington on Thurse@ y. The cast read “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. The Drama Club of Ogden is having it centennial year as a club this year. Wilhelr# has been a member of the Drama Club of Ogden for six months; Zito has been a member since 2003. Club has had a theatrical presence in Ogden for a century By MARK theaters began popping up throughout SAAL northern Standard-Examiner staff t-might be the oldest Utah club [vor never heard of. The Drama Club of Ogden turns 100 this year, celebrating a century of socializing, service and — above all else — supporting the dramatic arts. : The all-female organization, originally called the Dramatic Section of the Historical Society, was formed Sept. 16, 1916, by a group of women seeking a creative outlet for their artistic passions, as well as to ensure that performance arts like theater, music and dance remained alive. The following year, the group changed its name to Drama Club of Ogden. For much of that history, the club was visible in the community, offering Second-generation club member Myrene Van Dyke of South Ogden listens to the cast Thursday in Farmington. dramatic and musical performances and helping to establish community theater at the college and elsewhere. It was also involved.in fundraising and other charitable projects in the area. In recent decades, as community Utah, the club has done fewer and fewer public performances. Today, the Drama Club functions primarily as a sort of.study group, with members studying plays and playwrights, and presenting dramatic readings at its monthly meetings. Although it no longer does any fundraisingto speak of, the group does occasionally donate‘trioney to worthy | causes here and there, according to club member Teresa Sanderson. JoD’Ann Dance, of Riverdale, says she’s proud to have been a member of the club for more than half of its life — 52 years. She joined in 1964, and both her mother and sister have been members. ! See DRAMA, Page 5A ; Stal Saturday, April 30, 2016 5A = 9. v rea a age ERNE Drama “Tf our resei arch is right, we’re the ones continu- ously running club in the State,” she said. “At the very least, we’re one of the Geneva Peterson reads a small role during the Drama Club of Ogden's April meeting at her Farmington home on Thursday. longest.” Currently, the Drama Club of Ogden has between 35 and 40 active members. Participation in the club is by invitation only; new pee must be nominated by a current member, 1 be n voted on by entire group The club’s the group’s centennial. At 91, Myrene Van Dyke is the oldest and longest actively involved member of the club. Her mother was a charter member; Myrene Van Dyke was invited to join in 1954. “T think it’s helped keep me young,” the Ogden woman says. “Keeping active in something, it keeps you from aging.” Van Dyke says she’s always loved drama; she majored in theater — witha minor in music — back in college. “T don’t know what I thought I was going to do with it,” she says of her decree. “I ended up being a secretary.” Van Dyke’s daughter, Bonnie King, is also a member of the club, and Van Dyke says they’re thinking about nominating King’s daughter to join the group, the first adviser was Moroni Olsen, an Ogden-born Broadway actor who appeared in several Hollywood movies but may be best known for his voice as the Magic Mirror in Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and as St. Joseph in “I 1 Wonderful Life.” [nits heyday, the women of the club performed throughout north- ern Utah. ‘They had every full houses night,” said Sander: son, who’s been a member Any place of the club for 20 years. They were working all over this town. that had a ace. most of were they there Like the other members of the club sande plished c al rectol p VIN i T acto di LUCE U ears ( ‘ | " Sanders kid Ogden Layton resident native Sdl m ie is the NI 4 wal ‘Ing 1d | night es Starand othng at 4, Bal neve \ithoug rol ost ¥ people h r heard 4 . le} O39 SO {) or | " { ¢ 4 ~ Dave eC} dar | )WIT h i i den 4 | will hol] Oth anni. Tala l] Lat rsa try Club. The private affair 1a ne OIf a year aX e\ iil ] KICK elebrating left, of PIE HOMINe, of promoting the dramatic and musical arts. “T hope I’ll be looking down, smiling and applauding and saying ‘Go, girls, go0!’” she said. “It would be fantastic to see this group thrive for another 100 years.’ Sanderson can easily see that happening. She believes there will alway bea place in the community for telling great stories — and that’s what the Drama Club of Ogden is all about. “Tnere’s nothing oreater than storytellers » Sander son said. “That’s what we all are at heart.” Contact Mark Saal at the same kind of background,” she said. “All the dition aliv e, making time For Karen Bruestle, of th Ogden, it’s the oroun’s rieh history that are other drama eroups, or clubs, aiticra but they can’t claim to have olays the pert of “Emily” as Jolene Rausch, of Bountiful, plays Er nily's Fathe l during the Drama Club of Ogden S April Nee ting at t the thome € of Geneva Peterson in Farmington on Thursday. "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder The Drama Club of Ogden is having it centennial year as a club this year. envi member of the Drama Club of Ogden for one year and Raus sch has been a member for 14 years. things it went through, and they kept it going.” Bruestle is currently the head of the voice area in too. “Tt’s been especially fun, Weber State University’s department of performing first with my mom, and arts. She was invited to join then with my daughter,” the club about 10 years ago. Van Dyke says. The current president of Geneva Peterson was inthe group, Bonnie Whivited to join the group in taker, is also one of the the early 1960s. The Farmnewer members of the ington woman calls the club. She’s been with the club the highlight of her eroup just eight years. life. “This club has gone “Tt’s one of the best through two world wars things I ever did, besides and two conflicts,” the marrying my husband,” Farmington woman said. she said. “I’d give up althink it’s important to kee 4 most anything else for it.” artsa living thing. The Now 86, Peterson more we get busy in our wouldn’t miss a single daily lives, we don’t appreDrama Club meeting. ciate the arts. This club “Tt’s an opportunity to helps us pass that appreciaexpress yourself, which is tion along.” something we don’t always Whitaker says members get the opportunity to do in have tried to keep the club life,” Peterson said. “I had as traditional as possible. a biggs family seven chilThey have a parliamentardren — and those seven children came in 10 years. I ian, and the club follows Robert’s Rules of Order. di dn’t have the opportunity “We’re keeping the trao do many plays at that Chere tory Karen Yonemura, 801-625-4272, it in- teresting,” W hitaker sald. “This club is like a little = of living history.” Vhat will the next cen tury bring for the club? Bruestle S the groupga its missio continues Ww "td or msaal@standard.net. Follow him on Twitter at @Saalman. Like him on Facebook at facebook.com/ SEMarkSaal. Z has beena ORGANIZED 1916 Drama Club of Ogden Presents: A Century Celebration ‘One hundred years of Drama Club Saturday June 4, 2016 11:00 am Ogden Golf and Country Club Program will start promptly at 11:00 a.m., but come early to see all the beautiful displays and listen to the beautiful music. A delicious lunch will follow the program. Cost is $ 25.00 a person (guests are invited). RSVP Karen Bruestle (801-643-4840) or Bonnie Whitaker (801-447-3595 or 801-809-9217) by May 25, 2016 with names and # of guests. ( If you haven't already done so) *Special thanks to: Geneva Peterson, JoD’ann Dance , Bonnie and Michael King, Teresa Sanderson, Jolene Zito, Jolene Rausch, Karen Bruestle, Joyce Stillwell, Myrene VanDyke, Marge Taylor, Bonnie Whitaker and Pam Higginson. This will be an event you don't want to miss !