WOODVILLE &045; Formed in 1909 and named for the Port Gibson native whose use of dialect in his poems and essays won critical acclaim in the 1870s, the Irwin Russell Club remains a vibrant source of intellectual and social enjoyment for women in Woodville.

&uot;It’s exciting because each member tries to do their very best for each monthly meeting,&uot; said long-standing member Susie Morris Martens.

The history of the club, which began with 14 members, has been a fascinating adventure for Martens, who joined the organization after marrying in 1935.

&uot;I’ve always been interested in hearing about how things were in the beginning,&uot; Martens said.

The group’s motto, ‘Que sais-je,’ which translates from French as ‘What do I know?’ is a clear indicator of the intent of its founders, Mrs. D.C. Bramlette, Mrs. Robert Lewis, Mrs. C.G. McGehee and Mrs. W. P.S. Ventress.

&uot;They wanted it to be strictly for intellectual purposes,&uot; said Martens, who recalled the rigorous requirements of the club in earlier years.

&uot;When I first started, you had to answer roll call at meetings with a current events presentation. I was scared to death that first time,&uot; Martens said.

The activities of the organization have been documented from the beginning in customized yearbooks and programs.

Among those records is a hand- painted club monogram pin &045; one of those given by a hostess to fellow members at a meeting in 1911.

Then, adherence to guidelines was mandated. Any member who failed to properly respond to the program faced a possible fine of 50 cents.

Today’s organization is perhaps not as demanding, although many of the original by-laws are still followed strictly.

New members are nominated and voted into the organization in May of each year.

Three negative votes serve to defeat any prospective member’s nomination.

Club officers are also elected in May and begin work on the next yearbook by appointing the hostesses and program chairmen and scheduling the monthly meetings, which start in September.

The group does not meet during the summer months.

In addition to book reviews and featured speakers, the programs offer members an opportunity to enjoy social gatherings.

&uot;We try to limit our membership to 22.

It’s hard to entertain for more than that,&uot; said Martens, adding that the group now has 20 members.

&uot;I have really enjoyed my time in the Irwin Russell Club.

It’s something that we could always look forward to attending, and something that you could learn from,&uot; Martens said.