Seward Magazine Club

The Seward Magazine Club is reportedly the oldest social organization in the City. We were recently asked the date when we became members and for Elaine and I, it was November 5th, 1992. This picture was taken at the 2000 Christmas Party. Historic records indicate that the Club originated in 1898. The City population was about 1,600. The Seward County Courthouse was constructed at this same time at a cost of $87,225. The Club began when businessmen got together regularly for coffee. They would share and discuss articles from various magazines to which they subscribed. Eventually the men decided to form a club for regular evening meetings, including their wives. Meetings were scheduled from 8:00-10:00pm on the first and third Thursday of the month beginning in September and recessing for the summer in May. There were specific rules that were established for achieving new members which are still followed. Other archaic customs are still followed including men and women having lunch at separate tables. Some changes have been made, such as meeting only once a month, but it is still a very viable organization for achieving social and educational benefits.