Mary G. Pratt

is honored with a Medium Paver from The Turnip Club

    The Turnip Club was a forum for the exchange of ideas with an invited speaker. There was a pointed interest in politics, community problems, art and science, global issues, and human rights. Raw turnips from Vern's garden were passed in a bowl during the meeting and the name also came to mean "whoever turns up" to join us, although invitations from the members were necessary, with the Pratt's permission.

    Members brought food to share along with Vern's home-made wine enjoyed by all after the meetings. It all began in 1959 when Mary was confined to their home on S. Water St. because of an illness. Vern was recently retired from his position as head gardener for the Wichita Sedgwick County Court House grounds. They decided to invite friends and new acquaintances to meet with them every other Friday evening. Our group was an eclectic mix which included business friends, architects, politicians, lawyers, University professors, poets and just plain folks who had an interest in life. Ages ranged from the twenties to the eighties and many Friday nights, the Pratt living room walls bulged and resonated with vibrant articulate humanity.

    After Vern's death, Mary carried on for several years. When she died in 1996, she left a bequest in her will for the Turnip Club to continue. This we have done, meeting in members' homes, the Unitarian Church (Mary's church), or a public place. We miss the ambiance of that Water St. bungalow and the presence of Mary and Verne, but their spirits live on in our minds and hearts.

    Mary's illness started the Turnip Club and her bequest for its continuance makes her our heroine for shared ideas and independent thinking.