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The Study Hour Club was
founded on October 3, 1933 when 16 women met in the home of
Elizabeth English under the leadership of Bessie Marsh with
the intent of forming a group to focus on reading, studying,
reviewing and discussing books, current events and topics f
interest which might enhance the cultural and mental
development of the participants. The group adopted the name
“The Study Hour Club” and selected as its motto “Strive to
Excel.”
Over the years, the Club’s
programs grew to include debates, forums with political
candidates in election years, informative talks by directors
of social service agencies concerning their work in the
community. Creative and intellectual pursuits and interests
also continued.
The Club observes Black
History Month each year and, in recent years, the Club has
held concerts featuring outstanding young women from the
Toledo who are pursuing advanced musical degrees – young
women who were presented honoraria.
Also in recent years,
programs have included book reviews of notable
African-American authors, tours of area exhibits, a variety
of program topics. The Club has collaborated with local
sororities and fraternities in its community involvement
activities.
When the Club began, 85
years ago, members “were doing studies about what black
people were about,” says Kim Penn, club president. “They
were trying to put a positive spin and making people
understand our importance.” As the years and decades
passed, the Club has evolved into a more community-oriented
organization by not only conducting such activities as book
discussions but also supporting the arts and creative
activities within the community.
The Club’s activities
include Quiz Bowls featuring students from Scott and Rogers
high schools, senior citizens’ issues, physical and mental
health concerns, black doll exhibits, Kwanzaa presentations
and Homeland Security issues.
Study Hour Club has a
membership of 35 and continues to seek and share goals of
self-awareness, self-expression and cultural fulfillment.
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