Louisa Lawton, James Lawton, Dr. Joe Lawton, Mrs. Coles Lawton, Marina Lomazov, and Coles Lawton Photos by Jim Covington

The Afternoon Music Club’s crescendo for its year–long centennial celebration was a vibrant performance by piano virtuoso Marina Lomazov at the Columbia Museum of Art. While the standing ovation continued, Nola Covington, who chaired the celebration committee, presented Lomazov with a bouquet of yellow roses.

Members, who had contributed talents, time, and other resources to the organization’s music–sharing mission that has spanned most of the 20th century gathered in the auditorium.

Members with the most seniority in the club joined with active charter members to contribute valued information to the organization’s history. Among members with the most seniority was Mrs. Joseph Lawton whose great aunt who had been a charter member.

Thelma Rast, president for most of the anniversary year, augmented the existing club history by making frequent trips to the South Caroliniana Library. Rast, Lenoir Rhyne College music professor emerita, has been involved with the music club in various capacities over the years. The earliest scholarship reference Rast found was Mrs. Ruth Hunt Woodruff, former principal of Dreher High School.

Standing: Martha Lever and Marina Lomazov. Seated: Susan Robinson, Cornelia Freeman, and Georgia Hart Mrs. Ruth Woodruff who performed at the October meeting was joined by Frances Carlisle Hester, who is still a member; Lila Ann Sullivan (Lanny) Palmer, who has rejoined the club; and Ann Barrington Hynds, a member of the Morning Music Club.

Margaret Beth Williamson assumed the club presidency in September.

Members of the Afternoon Music Club have taught and directed music in a myriad of capacities around Columbia, from private lessons to college–level teaching. Their love of music, as performers, instructors, and cultural advocates, has helped shape the quality of life in the Capital City.

Contrasting with the intimate performances given in members’ homes, the club often has participated in civic events. Cornelia Freeman recalled members sewing costumes for opera productions like The Marriage of Figaro that ran for eight nights straight at Town Theatre. Covington, as chair of the celebration committee, was supported by committee members Mary Ann Crews, Cornelia Freeman, and Marilyn Stradtman. Mrs. F. Marian Dwight of Bamberg, president of the SC Federation of Music Clubs, was a special guest at the celebration.

Nola Covington and Robert Van Doren