About

In 1933, the moving force in organizing a federated music club in Stephenville was a group of young women who loved music. That was during the Great Depression, but this did not suppress the desires of the group to hear and perform good music.

The two women most responsible for encouraging Stephenville area residents to create a music club were Mrs. Robert Stramler and Mrs. W.J. Wisdom. Mrs. Stramler invited all who were interested in organizing a club to meet in her home. At that meeting, officers were elected and plans were made for the ensuing year.

In the fall of 1933, the club became affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs and continued with that body for over forty years. During those early years, the club supported National Federation projects, hosted several district conventions and sent delegates to other district and state conventions. The club won many awards at both the district and state levels with its outstanding yearbook. Good music was brought to the area by sponsoring concerts, and the club gave an annual scholarship to a music student at Tarleton State  University which it continues to award to the present date.

The club met every week. On holidays the club presented special programs or provided music to local churches and other organizations. A Christmas party and dinner for club members and their spouses was held every year as well as a musicale and tea for the close of the year to which the public was invited. Weekly programs usually included a guest artist with the club chorus assisting. In September, the club year was launched with a picnic for members and spouses. 

The club broke its affiliation with The National Federation of Music Clubs in 1975 due to the strict restrictions on programs, but continues the original goal of bringing people who share an interest in music together. Monthly meetings include a business session and musical program. The Program Director for each month presents interesting facts and background material related to the theme and introduces the performers. The hosting committee for that month coordinates and helps serve the covered dish luncheon which usually follows each program.

It has been the aim of the Stephenville Music Club in the past, as it will also be in the future, to express gratitude for the blessed legacy of music that is shared by all mankind. And as the club collect states, “…bring the spiritualizing force of music to the inner life of our nation.”