The Fortnightly Club’s met Oct. 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Cortland to consider its theme for the season: “Hobbies that Have Inspired Us.”
Marilyn DeLorenzo discussed the history of toys with moveable parts, especially wind-up toys. She shared her wind-up toy collection, showing members how turning the key stored energy in a coil, which was then released to let the toywalk, roll or clap.
The toys evolved from wood or fabric to the use of tin and plastic. Wind-up toys borrowed the mechanisms from clocks and music boxes.
Club members made their own wind-up creations using a rubber band, pencil and spool, releasing the energy in the wound rubber band to set the spool scooting across the floor.
Eastern Star meets Monday
The Order of the Eastern Star’s Cortland chapter will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Masonic Lodge on Route 13 in Cortlandville.
The meeting will include the Grand Chapter reports.
Lady officers will wear short colored dresses and gentlemen officers will wear dark suits. Michelle Welch will provide refreshments.
Chess Club meets Thursdays
The Cortland Chess Club meets 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at the Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St. All levels are welcome.
