Uniontown Shakespeare Club spends 98 years studying bard’s culture, work
The Uniontown Shakespeare Club met recently to celebrate its 98th anniversary at the Once Upon A Time Tea Room on West Main Street, Uniontown. Mr. And Mrs. Gottlieb Schmidt and follow devotees of Shakespeare’s work chartered the club in 1905. Members were drawn together by their interest in the plays of the great bard.
Many of the elderly residents of town remember Schmidt’s visits to their schoolrooms, where he would give readings, often in costume and makeup, of one of the major characters.
Both teachers and students, who said Schmidt made Shakespeare come alive, appreciated his appearance at schools.
They received assistance from the Brownsville’s Shakespeare Club in guiding the organization and conduct of the group.
The Uniontown club selected as its motto “Tis the mind that makes the body rich.” The motto is still in place today. In 1905, the club colors were chosen as black and yellow, and the dues were set at $1. Today, the monthly dues are set at $5.
The club has encouraged the formation of Shakespeare and his works in schools and supports the annual Shakespeare Festival at Penn State Fayette Campus.
Members have placed numerous books in the Uniontown Public Library, all relating to Shakespeare time and culture and his works and commentaries.
Leah Ringer, who has served as the club president since 1988, has worked tirelessly to keep the club going. The club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2005.
Although in the beginning there were as many men as women in the club, Ringer said men have gradually dropped out until now it is strictly a female organization.