Lufkin Study Club Celebrates 95 Years of Literary Achievement
The Study Club of Lufkin has marked its 95th anniversary with a celebratory event held at The History Center in Diboll. Founded on May 3, 1930, the club has been a significant part of the community’s cultural landscape. The anniversary gathering was co-hosted by Jayne McCurry, the club’s president for 2024-2026, and member Elizabeth Mitchell.
Guests enjoyed refreshments based on recipes from a 2008 Lufkin Study Club cookbook, immersing themselves in the club’s rich culinary history. The celebration took place in the reading room of The History Center, where Jonathan Gerland, the executive director, and senior archivist Emily Hyatt shared insights into the history of the facility and its role in preserving local heritage.
The History Center houses a variety of historical materials, including documents from the Temple Company and Lufkin Industries, as well as archives from Diboll’s past. Outside, the gardens were alive with blooming flowers, hummingbirds, and butterflies, creating a picturesque setting for the event.
Hyatt showcased an impressive collection of documents related to The Study Club of Lufkin, including meeting minutes, roll books, book reviews, and photographs dating back to 1945. This collection serves as a testament to the club’s enduring legacy, which aims to “cultivate the social character and literary knowledge of women by studying and reviewing all forms of literature.”
The club was originally established at the home of Mrs. N. D. Shand and was sponsored by the Lufkin Historical and Literary Club. It became a federated member of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, specifically within the Third (Magnolia) District. Historical materials discussed during the event revealed that past fundraising efforts supported various interests, from classical music to education.
Currently, The Study Club is engaged in reading A Sandy County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, continuing its tradition of literary exploration.
In a related note, new member Mary Jane West recently joined the Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters, which held a luncheon in Lancaster on August 29, 2023. The term “Ancient Planter” refers to those who arrived in Virginia before June 1616, remained for three years, and paid their passage. Membership in this order is exclusive to descendants of these pioneering individuals. The club traces its lineage back to Captain Thomas Harris, an original land patent recipient from the Virginia Company.
Visitors interested in exploring more about the historical collections can access them online at the History Center’s website, thehistorycenteronline.com. Presently, the center features a display documenting Angelina County’s experiences during wartime, further enriching the community’s understanding of its past.
