Commonwealth Club To Hold Regular Dances in Wilson, Beginning April 30, 1919

From the editorial page of The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Saturday, April 5, 1919

In an interview with Mr. F.D. Swindell, president of the Commonwealth Club today, we learn that the club proposes to take a leading part in the social life of the town in this new after-the-war era. Mr. Swindell tells us that the entertainment committee at a recent meeting has decided to try regular monthly dances during the year, beginning with the evening of April 30^th, and between times to intersperse short informal hops. An excellent orchestra has been engaged for the first dance, which dance will take place immediately following the Daughters of the Confederacy on the 30^th.

Mr. Swindell explained that the club had in days gone by been an excellent and attractive means of bringing the people together socially and that it was the idea of the management to enlarge this function of the club during the present year.

In referring to the restrictions placed upon attendance at dances he stated that the Board of Governors had decided to strictly enforce its rule that only club members, the sons of Club members who were themselves too young to join the club, and out of the county guests of club members should be admitted to the club rooms during the social functions and at other times. During the war years when the young people were permitted to have dances in the club rooms, this restriction was not enforced, but now under changed conditions it is deemed wise to confine the privilege of the Club rooms as above outlined.

He says that at present there is a campaign on foot to secure the return to the club of many former members who have resigned and that for a short while these members will be admitted to membership simply upon resumption of dues. After the campaign is over old members desiring to join will be required to pay the initiation fee just as new members. Up to the present he says that many of the old members have taken advantage of the opportunity and a large number have given their names to Mr. C.T. Harriss, the secretary.

A contract for repainting the club and doing over the walls has been given and it is hoped that much of this work will be completed before the opening dance.