History of Coterie in Newark</i>

History - Newark

History of Coterie in Newark
By Margaret Fortmiller and Ora Howland,
with 2001 update by Jeanne B. Frey

According to the history of Coterie (1900-1975) written by Mrs. Warner Landfield, a few ladies, wives of Masons, formed the club to meet Monday evenings while their husbands attended lodge. We have also heard the comment by Mrs. A. A. Young, perhaps legendary, that she was appalled at the ignorance of the women of Newark. In her desire to correct this deplorable situation, she invited a few ladies to her home on East Miller Street on the evening of November 13, 1940, to form a club whose purpose was for 'literary improvement and social enjoyment.' It was agreed to not limit the membership to wives of Masons.

At that meeting Miss Eva Beal acted as chairman. The following officers were elected: Mrs. A. A. Young, president, Mrs. Joseph Gilbert, Vice-president, Mrs. R. Spencer Post, secretary; Mrs. S. W. Coyne, treasurer. The president appointed Mrs. W. A. Landon, literary director; Mrs. Louis Fortmiller, assistant literary director; Mrs. J. W. Coppernoll, critic. It was agreed that a constitution was necessary and a committee composed of Mrs. J.H. Nicholoy, Mrs. Post and Miss Beal was appointed to draft one and report at the next meeting.

The second meeting heard the report of the constitution committee and, after some discussion accepted it. This limited membership to twenty, a practice still followed. At this second meeting the name for the group suggested by Mrs. Post was adopted and remained the Coterie Club.

For many years the programs were designed for serious consideration of a topic or topics chosen by vote from suggestions presented by a committee. At first the programs had as many as six parts. However, by vote on January 14, 1901, the office of critic, whose duty was to criticize grammar, pronunciation and facts, was abolished. Even so, intent was serious enough so that one year when the topic was CIVICS each member bought a textbook for the study to insure sufficient material for all sides of the topic. By 1939 programs had only two parts as is present practice. Book reviews and travelogues are popular.

Music played an important part in programs. The group included talented musicians who enriched the meetings. In addition, pupils of the music teachers who belonged and the children of members also contributed.

At the end of twenty years, Mrs. Young wrote: a The benefits derived from these years of study cannot be estimated. The studies of the masters in art, music and literature have been a source of untold pleasure and profit, while the study of countries and peoples must stand for a more liberal type of womanhood.'

Meeting night remained Monday until 1953 when it was changed to Thursday because there were so many good radio programs on Monday. In 1958 the year's schedule was changed so that meetings usually held on the first and third Thursday of the month from September to May with a break for Christmas. The year had been from October through March with a business meeting in the Spring.

During the whole history of Coterie, there have been special events...several theater parties in Rochester, dinners at various times, and at least one marsh-mallow roast. Now the usual practice is a Christmas dinner and gift exchange and a spring dinner at the country club. For several years the season has started with a picnic.

Celebrating the organization of Coterie is a recurring club activity at five and ten year intervals. Through newspaper clippings and secretaries' reports, we have records of special activities of this sort in the years 1920,1925, 1950 and 1970. These have been special gala affairs with varied special features.

In the beginning, club members were assessed 10 cents as money was needed. Then dues became $2.50 a year until World War I when it was voted to have dues of $1.00 and use the other $1.50 for the war effort. Dues have stayed at $1.00 and extra money, if needed has been raised by assessment. Money has been spent to support the Courtesy Committee and for a variety of projects in community and the world. During World War I, the group supported a French War Orphan for two years. During the depression, the club contributed to local welfare organizations and, for a number of years, it sent a Care package. In 1926 it gave 50 dollars to redecorate the public library. Somewhat later it also contributed to a Garden Club project.

At present honorary members are those who have withdrawn from active participation in the group, usually because they have moved away. During much of the early time of the club, people went in and out honorary membership as their circumstances demanded. There are instances of several changes in the membership status of an individual from active to honorary and back again, for instance, Mrs. Charles Robinson who held membership for more than fifty years.

Of active members, Ora Howland has been in for 29 years and there are six others who have been in for more than 15 years. Among honorary members: Edith Landfield has been in for 40 years, Gladys Sanderson for 34 years, Marion L'Amoreaux for 31 and four others for more than 20 years. Since the 1970 celebration, the membership has added Mrs. Ernest Wyche, Mrs. Gerald Frey, Mrs. Daniel Benedict, Mrs. Clifford Short, Mrs. Harold Catlin, Mrs. George Farrell, Miss Evelyn Fortmiller, Mrs. Roger Vanderbrook and Mrs. Donald Farmen. Death has removed Mrs. Russell Carpenter, Mrs. John Fortmiller, Miss Irene Quiri, Miss Evelyn Fortmiller, Mrs. Charles Burgess, and Mrs. Frank Munson.

Mrs. Wyche moved away and the following members became honorary members: Mrs. Edward Dixon, Mrs. Paul Crapsey, Mrs. Willis Sanderson. (Bringing honorary members up to date include: Mrs. Muriel Beach, Mrs. Dorothy French, Mrs. Helen Matthes, Mary Alice Short, Mrs. Alice Thomas and Muriel Welcher.

When Coterie celebrated its 75th anniversary, programs and activities were not yet arthritic. The enthusiasm and interest of the members help to keep it that way.

Current 2001 Coterie Members are Mrs. Eugene Ackert, Mrs. William Bartels, Mrs. Ray Baker, Mrs. Daniel Benedict, Mrs. Harold Catlin, Mrs. George Farrell, Miss Margaret Fortmiller, Mrs. Gerald Frey, Mrs. Will LeClaire, Mrs. Kenneth Robarge, and Mrs. William Sheetz.

Coterie Presidency requires a two-year term, Presidents for the last 29 years were: 1972-74 Virginia Munson, 74-76 Helen Kelley, 76-78 Dorothy Catlin, 78-80 Lettie Farrell, 81-82 Ruth Vanderbrook, 82-84 Pauline Burgess, 84-86 Alice Thomas, 86-88 Evelyn Fortmiller. 88-90 Jeanne Frey, 90-92 Edith Benedict, 92-94 Connie Baker, 94-96 Hilda Ackert, 96-98 Helen Matthes, 98-2000 Dorothy Bartles, 2000-02 Edith Benedict.

Secretaries through the years were; 1972-72 Ora Howland, 77-80 Connie Baker, 80-81 Hilda Ackert, 82-85 Helen Matthes, 86-2001 Carol Scheetz.

The monthly schedule system has remained the same, with the exception of fewer meetings during the winter months. First meeting in the Spring has been a picnic. Many times at the Burgess cottage, and in recent years at the Scheetz cottage. Annual programming ends with a catered Christmas Dinner held at the DAR house on High Street.

During Jeanne Frey's presidency, the ladies journeyed up to the Gables in Brighton, where two of the past members could join them: Marion L'Amoreaux and Muriel Beech.

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