Just over a century ago this week in September 1924, the residents of Libertyville were enjoying the simple pleasures of small-town community life, as evidenced by a charming newspaper column from the era. The local news reveals a close-knit community where neighbors knew each other’s comings and goings, and social gatherings were the highlights of weekly life.
Perhaps the most delightful entry from that week was about the “Laugh-A-Lot Club,” which held their 1st meeting in almost a year at the home of Mrs. Roscoe Riggs on Thursday. The club’s name alone speaks to the spirit of the times – a group dedicated to bringing joy and laughter to their community during an era when such simple pleasures were cherished.
The meeting featured “an elaborate 4-course dinner served by the hostess, each one bringing a dish of some thing,” creating what we would recognize today as a potluck-style gathering. The newspaper noted that “a grand time was had by all present and they hoped to meet again soon,” capturing the genuine warmth and fellowship that characterized these social clubs.
The newspaper carefully documented the attendees of the Laugh-A-Lot Club meeting, reflecting the importance placed on social participation in small-town life. Those present included Mrs. H. D. Davis, Mrs. Carl Riggs, Mrs. Pearson of Fairfield, Mrs. Gilbert Swanson of Ottumwa, Mrs. Bert Cleachy, Mrs. R. R. Colton, Mrs. Elder, Mrs. Yost, Mrs. Lester Burnaugh, and Mrs. Raymond Swanson.
The diverse representation from nearby communities like Fairfield and Ottumwa shows how these social clubs served as bridges between neighboring towns, fostering relationships across the broader Jefferson County area.
The Laugh-A-Lot Club, with its focus on joy and community gathering, represents the enduring human need for connection and shared experiences. While our methods of staying connected have evolved dramatically over the past century, the fundamental desire for community fellowship that brought these Libertyville residents together remains as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.
These historical glimpses remind us that the foundations of strong communities – neighbor helping neighbor, celebrating milestones together, and maintaining connections across distances – have remained constant throughout Jefferson County’s rich history.
Also, perhaps it’s time for someone in Jefferson County to revive the spirit of the Laugh-A-Lot Club. The recipe seems simple enough: good food, good company, and a commitment to finding reasons to smile together. It wouldn’t hurt to have some more laughs in today’s world, and Mrs. Roscoe Riggs and her friends from 1924 might just have had the right idea all along.
Thank you to Jake and Jason with the Carnegie Historical Museum for helping me highlight our county with glimpses into the past every week. Look forward to hearing more about our history every Monday on the radio at 104.3 KRKN at 9 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, with a news and sports broadcast. Articles will be made available either on Monday or Tuesday. Also, thank you to NewspaperArchive for allowing us to post the newspaper clippings for these. Both of their support is greatly appreciated. Here are both of their links:
NewspaperArchive 1700s – 2025 | NewspaperArchive
