About fifty years ago, in the vibrant community of Newmarket, a group of young women sought enrichment in their lives. Emerging from the Canadian Federation of University Women, five neighbors came together to form a book club, igniting a lifelong passion for reading and connection.
Starting with Margaret Laurence’s “The Stone Angel”, this small group began meeting monthly, not just to discuss literature, but to weave a tapestry of friendship and support that has endured through the decades. “It evolved into much more than that,” recalls Sandra Davis, one of the group’s founding members. “The bond we forged has withstood the test of time.”
The Beginnings of a Legacy
The original members were all neighbors in a newer part of Newmarket, who met during walks with their babies, preschool pickups, and tennis matches. As they navigated the challenges of motherhood and careers, they sought “adult conversation and intellectual stimulation.” Their book club quickly became a sanctuary, a space for meaningful discussion and genuine connection.
Pam Cornelius, a member for the past decade, highlights the joy of those gatherings. “It was the anticipation of a night out,” she shares. “Going out with women, leaving the kids at home—it was really fun.” Over the years, the club has grown into a tight-knit community of women who have read hundreds of books while supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
An Informal Approach
Lacking a formal name, the club has thrived through word of mouth, consistently maintaining a small membership of twelve or fewer. Meetings typically take place at members’ homes, where they discuss the chosen book and share updates from their lives. “It might be the most unorganized book club you’ll ever see,” Davis chuckles, emphasizing the group’s laid-back style.
Member Marie Coulter attributes the club’s longevity to this flexibility. “A lot of things have happened, and a lot of lives changed—good changes, bad changes,” she notes. “We’ve sort of seen each other through them all.”
Deep Bonds Beyond Books
The friendships formed within the club run deep. As member Beth Bright states, “I could call these women in the middle of the night. These are really, really good friends with interesting points of view.” The group’s emotional support has proven invaluable through life’s challenges, reinforcing the notion that their connections extend far beyond literary discussions.
Every decade, the club gathers for a big anniversary celebration. Five years ago, after the passing of long-time member Helen Bradstock, the group wrote a memoir chronicling their history. This endeavor, led by member Christine Jones, was a way to ensure their shared experiences would be preserved. “I feel a deep gratitude to all of my book club friends,” Jones reflected in the memoir.
As the Newmarket book club celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of literature and friendship. While they may be an informal gathering, the impact of their meetings is profound, nurturing both the mind and the heart. The women in this club not only cherish the books they read but the lives they’ve shared, illustrating that sometimes, the best stories are the ones woven through friendship and community.
