Newsletter of the

Society

Inside...

Other Newsletters

Return to home page

The Society met on May 23, 1997, in Baltimore, following its paper session at the American Literature Association conference. Darlene Unrue, president, opened the meeting at 4:10 p.m.

The first order of business was Dr. Unrue's report on the need for changes in the by-laws of the Society and the impracticality of making those changes in the way specified by the by-laws, i.e., through the calling of a special meeting. Charlotte Beck moved, and Jewel Brooker seconded, that the by-laws be suspended. The motion passed unanimously. Amendments will be circulated among members by mail, for a written ballot, perhaps along with the fall issue of the Society's newsletter. Prior to that time, a mailing will be sent to all persons who are or have been members, notifying them of their status with respect to payment of dues. The subsequent vote will then include only those who are members in good standing.

Beth Alvarez reported on the publication of the newsletter and asked people to send in items for inclusion. Specifically, she asked that people send information and comments regarding their teaching of Porter's work, so that a substantial piece on that topic can be developed. Alvarez also distributed copies of the present draft of the new guide to the Katherine Anne Porter Papers.

Janis Stout called attention to an item in the newsletter, announcing that a panel on Porter is being proposed for the 1998 meeting of the Society for the Study of Southern Literature, and invited submissions.

Following the business meeting there was a presentation by persons who had known Porter personally. Sharing their reminiscences were Clark Dobson, Academic Dean at George Mason University, and Sr. Kathleen Feeley, former president of the College of Notre Dame, currently Director of Special Education for the Baltimore City Public Schools. After the presentations, several of the members present gathered at a nearby restaurant to continue discussions informally.