Wendell L. Smith
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| The habitués of the peripatetic Wendell L.
Smith Memorial Round Table have carried on a tradition that has
helped to bridge the gap socially among many of the members of the old Chicago Press Club,
which folded in 1987.
The Round Table (which is actually rectangular in its current incarnation) is named for the late WGN-TV sportscaster and press club president. Wendell Smith earned a national reputation and was hailed for his undaunting efforts in helping to bring the first black ball-player, Jackie Robinson, into the major leagues. Smith was one of the most active presidents.
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He worked hard on club programs and was to be
seen daily at the club, even during his final illness.
He brought many positive changes to running the club and was admired by all, members and staff. Since his death in 1972, a group of press club members decided to form a Friday luncheon round table to which one and all were invited to eat and drink and discuss the issues of the day (and of days long past, as well!). When the Chicago Press Club closed in 1987, the tradition continued at various locations as a sort of moveable and very feisty feast. Since the founding of
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the IPCC in 1991, the Round Table has become the core around
which the IPCC revolves.
All are welcome to join in the lively art of discussion of things current, historical and often hysterical, every Wednesday or Friday around noon, and stay until... well, until they're all talked out. No invitation is required. Just show up, grab a chair and expect the unexpected. The only rule is that there are no rules in this anarchic amalgam of writers, scholars, storytellers, philosophers, individualists, moon shiners, snake oil salesmen and just plain folks. Drop in. Join the fun.
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