Jan Keeley presented the program “Quasquicentennial” to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Great Bend Progress Club at its meeting Jan. 10, 2022. However, it was really the 126th anniversary since the club was started in 1896. 

Progress Club did not meet in 2021 when the program was originally planned because of the COVID pandemic.

Jan had access to all of the club’s yearbooks starting in 1903 and most of the club’s minutes. She discussed how the club has changed over the years, and the changes reflected the changes of society and the changes to the roles of women in society. The purpose of the club was “mutual improvement and helpfulness.” Members originally met once a week and dressed very formally.

By World War II, women entered the workforce. The number of meetings was reduced. Styles have become more informal but the purpose of the club is still the same.

Nancy Schuetz will present a program on Women’s Suffrage at the Feb. 7 meeting. Co-hostesses will be Becky Dudrey and Jari Marietta.