Wednesday Review Club
Killeen, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized by twelve charter members in September 1906, this organization was originally known as the Ladies Literary Society of Killeen. The name was changed one month later to the Wednesday Review Club. Pursuing studies in American and international history and literature, club members have met on a regular basis for generations. The club has also provided civic leadership in Killeen with such projects as establishing one of the first lending libraries in town and donating books and other materials to local public schools. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Twelve women founded the Ladies Literary Society of Killeen in September 1906, renaming it the Wednesday Review Club a month later and devoting themselves to the study of history and literature. Beyond their reading, the members became civic leaders, helping establish one of the town's first lending libraries and donating books to local schools. Their weekly meetings have continued across generations of Killeen women.
Why it matters
Women's study clubs like this one were engines of early civic culture, quietly building the libraries and schools of small-town America when women were still barred from many public roles.
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