The Aurora Reading Club
of Pittsburgh
Organized in 1894
"Lifting as we climb"
Aurora's History
The period of the waning 19th century may be characterized as both troubling and transitional. For example, ideas about womanhood in a patriarchal society continued to follow the Victorian model despite the growing political activism among women across racial lines. Most institutions, such as churches, schools, and clubs, were separated and often unequal in resources. While certain Black businesses were among the most notable establishments in Pittsburgh and Old Allegheny, news of lynching continued to confront the realities of freedom for Negroes in American society. Moreover, the cultural uplift theory from slavery days persisted as the major strategy for Negro survival by both races. From these social realities and beliefs, the pioneers of Aurora fashioned their self-help program through special literacy clubs that could address both their personal and community’s unyielding agenda: the search for freedom and equality for people of color. The Aurora Club pre-dates sororities and the National Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, becoming the standard bearer of the slogan and the theme of most women’s social organizations at the turn of the 20th Century, “Lifting as We Climb.”
The idea for a reading club originated with Rachel Lovett Jones, who invited the other five to her home at 5 Wandless Street in the Hill District to share her ideas and develop a platform for her dream. Mrs. Jones was a Pittsburgher by birth and married William A. Jones. Having experienced the death of their young daughter, she devoted her life to one of service to women and girls in the community. She was described as a lady of small stature but sturdy in her visions about civic matters. Musically talented, she possessed a magnetic personality with matching energy levels, all qualities that contributed to her vitality and leadership. She was organizer and first president of the Home for Working Girls located on Francis Street. This was a shelter and bridge for young women coming in to the city in search of domestic or personal service jobs as typically available to Negro women at the turn of the century. Mrs. Jones was a charter member of the Home for Aged and Infirmed Colored Wom- en, which became Lemington Home. She served on numerous agency boards and was an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and choir. Thelma Lovette Morris, a current member, represents the fourth generation of the Lovett family in Aurora.
By 1897, the Club’s constitution was articulated, giving the official name as Aurora Reading Club, aptly symbolizing the dawning of a new era with hope for a new day at the turn of the 20th century.
The purpose was “to pursue a systematic course of study…for the mutual improvement of the members in literature, art, science and matters relating to vital interests of the day.” More women were invited to become members bringing the roster to 17. Notable among these new members were: Mesdames A.B. Stidum, Alice Writt, Mary Julia Small, Elizabeth Stevens Durham, Amanda Wallace, Clara Demmey, Georgine Pearce and Belle Pulpress to name a few. As the membership grew, so did family lines grow in Aurora, but more importantly, there was continuity of women with vision and leadership qualities to broaden Aurora’s horizons and impact on the wider community.
Although club meetings were held in the homes of members with lavish repasts, such gaiety did not detract from the seriousness and strict adherence to the club’s purpose. Members could not be passive recipients of music or poetry reading. Rather, lengthy debates and discussions were held with each member being responsible for developing and presenting a paper or book review on a matter of her choice. They drew upon the excellent literature from great ora- tors and activists of the day.
As the roll was called, each member recited a poem or quote from a favorite author. The role of “critic” was formalized on the agenda. The dynamic interaction was guided by selected themes for in- depth study during the program year and agreed upon quarterly. No topic was taboo. This was the historical period of great industrial growth, intellectual development and cultural awareness in Pittsburgh. Aurora members became frequent users of the Carnegie Library.
The Program Committee developed the activities for the year. They ranged from participating in the arts to taking trips and discussing matters of local, national and international importance. Across the nation, women’s groups similar to that of Aurora, were being formed.
Together, these groups created an informal network known as the National Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Founding member, Anna Posey represented Aurora at Federation meetings. Over the years, members have been blessed with talents in music, drama, creative writing and other artistic expressions. More often, the creative talents formed the programs for Aurora’s anniversary celebrations over its 100-year period. Several plays, authored by members, are found among the club archives. The club’s agenda progressed with the times and Caucasian women were invited to membership during the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout its his- tory, the club in collaboration with other groups has pushed open doors closed by segregation. Pride in these accomplishments continues to be felt and recounted across the generations.
There have been relatively few changes between the Aurora of yesteryear and of today. The Club’s Purpose and program thrust remain vibrantly the same. As before, lunch meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month and are hosted by members. Now, restaurants are the settings for the meetings. Additionally, there are Saturday meetings to accommodate the demanding schedules of members who are employed and have heavy personal and community commitments. The components of the meetings remain timely and members continue to share their expertise, alt- hough not as a requirement as noted in earlier days. Celebrating each fifth anniversary with friends has a long tradition in Aurora. While the number of planned public meetings has decreased, there has been an increase in the number of club projects to provide visibility to the community.
The latter third of the Club’s activities have been more directed to literacy matters. In 1971, a Memorial Book Fund was established to “extend the benefit of reading good books to remote and needy areas.” Examples of Aurora’s contributions include: Shipping books to Mississippi in 1971 as part of a national appeal following the untimely and violent death of Medgar Evers; donating books to the Selma Burke Art Center; providing annual scholarships and volunteer service to the Tolatr Academy, a private school for grades one to twelve; contributions to the Beginning With Books program, earmarked for the mobile units in the various public housing communities; contributions to Reading Is Fundamental; and donating books and supplies to Haitian refugees.
Beyond financial and book donations, there have been opportunities for hands-on experiences in vital community initiatives. With the new- er cultural focus in Pittsburgh, the Aurora Reading Club has accepted such challenges as being trained as docents to give school children tours of the Jacob Lawrence Art Exhibition at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust gallery; and volunteering for Goodwill’s Great Book Sale. There is abiding support for cultural and political events. One can find a floor tile carrying Aurora’s name among those who helped the Historical Society’s relocation to the Pittsburgh Strip District . In support of the Freedom Corner Monument, Aurora Reading Club purchased a brick. Above all, the literacy and reading components remain primary as the purpose directs, augmented by activities of community service for greater awareness and support.
Telling the story of Aurora’s remarkable history is not adequately done by words alone! Last year, a small History Committee was formed (Juanita A. Johnson, Doris L. Moody, and Mary H. Page, Chair) to plan for the 100th Anniversary celebration that resulted in an ex- tensive, artistically designed exhibit of photographs, artifacts, news- paper clippings and other original materials, that portray Aurora’s growth in membership over the years. Great support was generated among Aurora’s members and within the community in gathering materials. The process has served to strengthen the pride and close- ness toward those women of vision whom we honor today.
Each year reminds us that the Aurora Reading Club came into existence during the waning of the 19th century. Although some circumstances have changed, certain truths remain the same such as the fundamental needs for self-improvement, the support of others, community involvement and reading. We salute six women of vision whose dreams were stimulated by the social circumstances of their day. We celebrate all Aurora members who have nurtured their dreams through the first 100 years and beyond.