On Tuesday, April 7, several local book clubs gathered at the Kimberling Area Library Community Room for their annual spring luncheon. Each year, clubs around the area enjoy lunch together, a book swap, and a guest speaker, often a local author. The Idyll Time Book Club hosted this year’s luncheon, and guest speaker was Marilyn Michel Whetstone, sharing about her book, “Our Home in the Hills.”
Marilyn’s story is one of growing up in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, in the 1950s and 1960s, during a simpler time. She describes family gatherings, weekend fun at the area dance pavilion, and waterskiing Lake Taneycomo before the construction of Table Rock Dam rendered it too cold. Her family owned and operated guest cabins, hosting many summer visitors to what was then a thriving resort community. Her husband, David, was one of the “dam kids” whose family moved to the area for the Table Rock construction.
Marilyn taught English in Forsyth as part of her career, and now stays active with family and her many extended Michel family members. She also enjoys volunteering in the community, including the ministries of Bridge of Faith Church which is now located on her family’s former resort property.
As background for her writing, Whetstone’s presentation included historical information such as the importance of the White River, the arrival of railroads, the impact of “The Shepherd of the Hills,” and much more. Her book also includes vintage recipes from her childhood, and in a fun twist, Idyll Time club members prepared several of those for dessert at the luncheon. Find a copy of “Our Home in the Hills” on Amazon or at several locations around Branson, including the Centennial Museum.
Some of the book clubs in the area have been together for years, adding new members as people move to the area. Idyll Time formed in 1981. Other clubs represented at the luncheon were Newbee’s, Literary Ladies, Hawthorne, New Horizons, Bookworms and Dockside Readers. Their “recently read” lists include a variety of genres and interests. In chatting with attendees, many indicated their book club has helped them make friends and find other community connections who share their love of reading and learning.
Several club members volunteer at Kimberling Area Library would be happy to help prospective new members find a group that meets at a time and location convenient for them. Call the Library, 417-739-2525, for more information.
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