FARMER CITY - Nonie Peithmann can't remember when she joined the Shakespeare Club. She just knows she's been a member for more than 50 years.

Remarkably, the women's study club hasn't changed much, she said.

It's a little less formal and a little more relaxed, but it still educates and empowers women with knowledge.

Peithmann is amazed the local club, which originated in 1892, has survived. After all, a lot has happened in the last century, including two world wars and the Great Depression.

"We are proud that it's still alive," said Mary Lou Beggs, president of the Shakespeare Club and a member for 47 years.

Peithmann said the club was a chance for women who didn't have access to telephones, radios, TVs or higher education to get together and study a particular topic.

The topics have varied but tend to revolve around history, literature and current events. Earlier meetings covered subjects such as pottery making, radios and sewing.

More recently, topics have included travelogues from women who have been around the world and seen places like Antarctica and Brazil.

"It was never known as a social club for fun and games. It was for study," Beggs said.

There are no refreshments at the bimonthly meetings, but a healthy serving of knowledge is dished out. And that seems to keep the members coming back for more.

"It keeps my mind active. It's a learning experience," said Beggs.

There have been some minor changes in the way the club works. Nowadays, members meet at a library instead of another woman's home. And the number of members is kept at 25 rather than 30.

Some of the formalities have stuck. New members, for instance, are accepted only by invitation.

Peithmann was excited to get the invitation. "It was an honor to be asked," she said. "I was glad to be asked."

Although the programs are educational and entertaining, Peithman enjoys the friendships she's developed.

"It's a chance for me to meet my lady friends," she said.