On February 14, 2013, the Pierian Study Club met at the home of Angela Smith, daughter-in-law of member, Sandy Smith. Co-hostesses for the meeting were Ann Allison, Gail Bruner, Vicki Stephenson, Jane Randolph, Geanne Taylor, Lousie Williams and Patricia Warren, Committee Chair. Other members present were Connie Adams, Hillary Adams, Brooke Bagley, Nicole Bagley, Donna Baker, Loy Nell Behrens, Ella Burton-Pavich, Sharon Clawson, Barbara Gilger, Kathleen Hawkins, Anita Miles, Martine Miller, Clione Rochat, Debbie Shahan, Linda Sloan, Sandy Smith, Martha Leigh Whitten, Anna Wilson, Bebe Faught, Nancy Bannister, Millie Burnham, and Betty Jo Miller.

As Mrs. Smith welcomed guests to her home, co-hostesses served cream cheese and olive finger sandwiches, fresh strawberries, chocolate truffles, lemon filled cake with fluffy white frosting, assorted nuts and a choice of red fruit punch and coffee to complete the serving. The hostess table was adorned with a red linen tablecloth with lace overlay, crystal punch bowl, and a variety of silver and crystal appointments.

Anita Miles, President, called the meeting to order. Kathleen Hawkins then led members in the Club Collect. Sharon Clawson, Yearbook Chair, then introduced Travis Herring from Lometa, Texas, former county agent of Coleman County, and author of the book, True Cowboy Stories. Mr. Herring shared several humorous stories from his book which highly entertained members and invoked shared memories of days gone by. He informed the club that his writings are based on stories told by his grandfather, W.J. Herring, as well as his grandmother, parents, and Uncle Rex Ivey of Lajitas, Texas, fame. Also included in Mr. Herring’s book are the experiences of colorful characters such as Mr. Bill Lewis, father of Sandra Baskin and known to many an old area cowboy, and Mr. Bill Pickett, who introduced bull dogging to rodeos some years ago.

Mr. Herring closed his presentation with his recollections of life on the farm and ranch during the depression years. Even though times were hard, according to Mr. Herring, people still managed to be hospitable and big hearted while at the same time frugal and conservative. He even recalled that during those tough times, his family still found time for little pranks and shared fun times. “Hard work,” he stated, “was just done without thinking and when new inventions came along like the tractor, what amazement it brought.” Mrs. Clawson, on behalf of the club members, then thanked Mr. Herring for his delightful presentation.

President Miles continued with the business section of the meeting by calling on Sandy Smith, club secretary, for roll call and the reading of the minutes. The minutes for the January meeting were approved as read.

Loy Nell Behrens, project chairman, reported items donated by members for the Dove Project would be delivered to the facility in the next few days. She thanked members for their donations and announced that volunteer application forms, provided by the Dove Project program, were available. Betty Joe Miller gave an update on club member, Mrs. Jocelyn McRorey, who has been ill for the past few months. Ms. Miles informed members of the upcoming First Baptist Church’s performance of The Jerusalem Encounter, to be presented on Easter Sunday.

With no other club reports to be made, or any unfinished business or new business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned. In closing, President Miles thanked Mrs. Angela Smith along with her co-hostesses for their time and preparations.

Mrs. Clawson then announced that the next meeting of the Pierian Study Club will be held on March 8th beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the San Saba High School Cafetorium for the annual presentation of the UIL One-Act Play. Hostesses for the meeting will be Loy Nell Behrens, Gail Bruner, Sharon Clawson, Sandy Smith, Rebecca Whitley, Patricia Warren, Louise Williams and Kathleen Hawkins, Committee Chair.