1878
The Zodiac Club
The Zodiac Club was formed by a group of nine Lawrence women on Feb. 5, 1878, with the object of studying and discussing literature, art and other subjects of cultural interest. From 1978-1943, Zodiac Club met every Tuesday from October to May. Since 1943, meetings have been twice a month from September to May.
Membership includes a mix of town and university women. The number of active members is limited to 30, but the number of associate and life members is not limited. Each year, the club chooses a theme to study. In its early days, few women went to college, so the club provided a continuing education for its members. Generally, a guest speaker initiates the year’s topic at the first meeting in September, and at subsequent meetings, one or two members make presentations on different aspects. For example, a study of Italy included presentations on Italian authors, history, art, architecture, music, regional foods and other cultural aspects.
Zodiac has helped to build both the university and the community. One of the early members was Carrie Watson, the University of Kansas librarian from 1877-1921 for whom Watson Library was named. Nine other Zodiac members were married to KU professors or chancellors after whom buildings and auditoriums were named. Many others are now remembered with scholarships, professorships or rooms at KU named in their memory. In recognition of the part that Zodiac plays in the history of KU, the club minutes and other materials are stored in the archives of the Spencer Research Library. To help build the community Zodiac donates a children’s book to the Lawrence Public Library in memory of each member upon her death.
Topics studied have sometimes reflected interests of the time period. In 1967, Zodiac Club studied Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War; in 1972, the topic was “Woman” when the Equal Rights Amendment was proposed to Congress; and in 2004, the Lewis and Clark Trail was the topic of study during its 200th anniversary. Members discuss potential topics each January and select one in February.
During the past 40 years, the club has studied various parts of the world: Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Italy, Japan and Africa. Topics involving women have included Women Travelers and Adventurers, and Ethnic Women’s Voices in the Americas. Literary topics have included Science and Science Fiction, Nobel Laureates, Great Books, Biographies, Essayists, Plays, American Humorists, Elizabeth England, Short Stories Since 1945, Booker Prize Finalists and National Book Award Winners. Other topics have included Cities of the World, Kansas and the World in the 1870s and Vernacular Architecture.
Founders Day dinners are held every five years, the only time spouses are invited to a club activity. The 125th anniversary was observed in February 2003. The 130th anniversary will be observed in February 2008.
Step Sponsored By: Zodiac Club Members