L to R standing: Phyllis Mikeal, Libby Church, Ann Hoeing, Ann Bowman, Mary Gussie Jessel, Frances Jeffcoat, Jeannette Gardner, Jo Ann Corbett, Dorothy Huse. Seated: Ardis Dalrymple, Mary Caldwell, Jean Sampson, Fern Spalt and Gladys Tyler.

Columbia’s newness never wore off for this enthusiastic group. When their three years as members of the Newcomers Club was up, they didn’t want to quit. To keep their friendships going and their discoveries of the city’s assets and resources advancing, they formed a new club.

Settlers was the name they chose 30 years ago this fall to convey they were now Columbians by choice more so than chance. In those three decades they have traveled together, learned together, dined and lunched together, and continue to explore what Columbia has to offer.

Ann Hinds, Jackie Aull, Ruth Howell, Audray Schurr, Jean Rendleman, Ann McCullough, and Ardis Dalrymple Last week they gathered for a celebratory luncheon at the Fort Jackson NCO Club.

Charter members were seated at a special table and were recognized warmly during the noon meal. Past presidents were also recognized. Everyone at the luncheon received a souvenir to mark the occasion. Dessert was an over-sized cake iced with wishes for the next 30 years.

The highlight of the occasion was an audio-visual presentation created by Ardis Dalrymple underscoring members’ activities over the 30 years. “Thirty Years of Memories” brought to life some of clippings from the club’s burgeoning scrapbook.

Over the years the group has toured the State House and Savannah. They have played bridge together and created craft projects together. They have been entertained by a mime and by the singing Christmas tree in Charlotte.

They have seen Wyatt paintings at the Greenville County Museum of Art, and they’ve been entertained at Workshop Theatre. They have shared their views on books and been visited by authors. They have hosted wine and cheese parties and fashion shows.

The anniversary luncheon was a time of reunion because the committee planning the event made every effort to contact all those who had been part of the club over the last three decades.

If you would like to make contact with this organization, contact Dalrymple at 782-6569.