Apr
5
Shakespeare Round Table highlights
April 5, 2011 | Leave a Comment
The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, directed by Rea McCain, 1921
April is not simply the month of rain that brings flowers in May; it’s the month to celebrate National Library Week (April 10-16), William Shakespeare’s birthday (observed on April 23), and Arbor Day (April 30). One group has related to all three of these events throughout Bowling Green’s history — The Shakespeare Round Table.
The Shakespeare Round Table is an organization for women interested in “a thorough study of the plays of William Shakespeare and related topics.” Founded in 1905 in Bowling Green, the Round Table started as an organization for women to come together and share not only their love of the great playwright, but also discuss his works in an intellectual, yet social, environment. Still in existence, members meet regularly, discussing the works of Shakespeare, presenting papers, and at times, even acting out the plays.
The Shakespeare Round Table made significant contributions to the founding of the Wood County District Public Library. In 1911, the Shakespeare Round Table focused on the need for a public library in Bowling Green and raised funds for one by hosting teas, socials, plays and bake sales. In 1914, they had enough money to rent out two rooms at the back of the Exchange Bank to use as a library. They purchased books and its members even volunteered there as staff. Over the years, this original effort evolved into the Wood County District Public Library.
Mrs. George Morris and Mrs. Clayton Kohl planting the Shakespeare memorial tree, 1967
The Round Table has also been involved with Bowling Green State University. In April of 1921, the group planted an English Elm in front of Moseley Hall to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday. Eighteen years later, the Shakespeare Round Table of Toledo donated a memorial tablet honoring Shakespeare placed next to the tree and “more than 300 members of Women’s Shakespeare clubs from five northwestern Ohio cities” arrived that day to commemorate the playwright’s birthday.
Unfortunately, the tree developed Dutch Elm disease and had to be cut down in the summer of 1967. Several months later, the tree was replaced by an English Pyramidal Oak, donated by Shakespeare Round Table member Mrs. Clayton Kohl. The president at the time, Mrs. George Morris, commented that “Shakespeare made numerous references to the oak.” The current whereabouts of the Shakespeare tablet and actual tree are unknown. *
The CAC has the papers of the Shakespeare Round Table, which includes minutes, scrapbooks, and other interesting documents. In addition, the CAC’s rare books holdings include a fine selection of works by and about William Shakespeare, including a folio from 1664. As a history major passionate about Elizabethan England, this find was very exciting! The Archives has a lot of history in its shelves and as a Student Archival Assistant, I’m always looking forward to finding it.
-Joan Eardly, Student Archival Assistant
SOURCES
For information regarding the Shakespeare Round Table Collection (MS 249), visit the finding aid online.
For more information on the Rare Books collection, contact Lee McLaird, our Curator of Rare Books.
For more information on the Wood County Library and its history, visit their website
For more on National Library Week and this year’s theme “Create Your Own Story” see the National Library Week website.
For more information on the university’s “Centennial Tree Planting” and the campus’ support from the Arbor Day Foundation, visit the website on Beautifying the campus.
And for more on William Shakespeare, visit your local library!
*Breaking News!
Our thanks go to Frank A. Schemenauer of the Biological Sciences Greenhouse for letting us know that the rock and tablet for the Shakespeare Tree is safely stored by Campus Facilities, awaiting a new tree dedication.