Wylie Book Review Club hostesses, from left, Judy Janecek, Mary Lange, Carmela Torres, Karla Warborg and Gerri Washington, gather at the September meeting where members celebrated the club’s 60th anniversary. Courtesy photo

What began in 1965 as an idea among friends has grown into a lasting tradition of camaraderie, culture and community. The Wylie Book Review Club recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of bringing together book lovers and sustaining one of the city’s oldest continuous organizations.

The milestone event, held Sept. 24 at the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library, featured table decorations and refreshments in the club’s colors of yellow and green, accented by its signature flower — the yellow rose. Guests enjoyed a musical program by Jackie Payne, a retired teacher, composer and songwriter from Princeton who performed classics such as “Thanks for the Memories” and “Moon River.”

The Wylie Book Review Club was founded in December 1965 by Callie Click and Rita Smith with 34 members. Their vision was to promote friendship and stimulate interest in books and literature — a mission that also led to the founding of the Wylie Public Library.

Donna Lewis, daughter of founding member Callie Click, said her mother helped launch the club after hearing about similar organizations in Dallas. 

“She thought Wylie needed one too,” Lewis said. “They [Smith and Click] actually invited people to join, and they met on the second floor of the bank building downtown.” 

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By Sonia Duggan | [email protected]