Women's Literary Club records (Logan, Utah), 1927-1995

Overview of the Collection

Title
Women's Literary Club records (Logan, Utah)
Dates
1927-1995 (inclusive)
Quantity
3 boxes, (3 linear feet)
Collection Number
UUS_COLL MSS 254
Summary
This collection consists of the papers and records of the Women's Literary Club of Logan, Utah, for the years 1927-1995.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

On October 25, 1927, eight ladies met to discuss the formation of a book club. They decided the club would be named the Ladies' Literary Club. (In April of 1928, the club's name changed from the Ladies' Literary Club to the Women's Literary Club.) Its object would be to enhance the literary and social culture of its members. The only stipulation for club membership was that potential members had to have a particular interest in literature. Many of the members through the years were wives of Utah State University professors (such as Maria Ellsworth and Grace Arrington). Other members were wives of prominent public figures in Logan (Grace Baugh and Pearl Budge).

Limited to twenty-five members, the group met every other Wednesday, either at the Bluebird Restaurant or a member's home. In a typical meeting, a book would be reviewed by a member followed by a social hour. The books typically read by the Women's Literary Club were contemporary publications. The type of literature reviewed covered a variety of topics such as historical works and biographies of artists, writers, or other interesting people. In addition to book discussions, the club often would have musical performers or artists at their bimonthly meetings.

The Women's Literary Club also was particularly devoted to community service. Members of the club donated much of their time to the Red Cross during World War II. (Between 1943 and 1944, the club donated 420 hours to this group.) In addition, the club donated many books to public libraries. The Women's Literary Club remained active in both their literary pursuits and their community service through the mid-1990s.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection consists of the papers and records of the Women's Literary Club between the years of 1927-1995. (There is a gap in the minutes between 1978 and 1994.) Materials include revised constitutions, programs, membership rolls and histories, minutes from the individual meetings, and a scrapbook kept by the club. This collection is of particular interest because of the connection of many of the club's members to Utah State University and the community of Logan.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Women's Literary Club records (Logan, Utah), must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: Women's Literary Club records (Logan, Utah), USU_COLL MSS 254, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations: USU_COLL MSS 254, USUSCA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Minute books arranged chronologically.

Processing Note

Processed in March of 2000.

Acquisition Information

This collection was part of the papers donated in 1988 by S. George and Maria Ellsworth. George Ellsworth was a prominent history professor at Utah State University for many years. Maria Ellsworth was a leading member of the Women's Literary Club and kept the records of the club.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1 Revised Constitution 1935
1 2 Revised Constitution 1953
1 3 Revised Constitution 1956-1957
1 4 Programs 1935-1993
1 5 Membership rolls and histories 1929-1940
1 6 Membership rolls and histories 1940-1957
1 7 Minutes Record
(one volume)
1927-1935
1 8 Minutes Record
(one volume)
1934-1941
1 9 Minutes 1941-1942
1 10 Minutes 1942-1943
1 11 Minutes 1943-1944
1 12 Minutes 1944-1945
1 13 Minutes 1945-1946
1 14 Minutes 1946-1947
1 15 Minutes 1947-1948
1 16 Minutes 1948-1949
1 17 Minutes 1949-1950
2 1 Minutes 1950-1951
2 2 Minutes 1951-1952
2 3 Minutes 1952-1953
2 4 Minutes 1953-1954
2 5 Minutes 1954-1955
2 6 Minutes 1955-1956
2 7 Minutes 1956-1957
2 8 Minutes 1957-1958
2 9 Minutes 1958-1959
2 10 Minutes 1959-1960
2 11 Minutes 1960-1961
2 12 Minutes 1961-1962
2 13 Minutes 1963-1964
2 14 Minutes 1964-1965
2 15 Minutes 1965-1966
2 16 Minutes 1967-1968
2 17 Minutes 1968-1969
2 18 Minutes 1969-1970
2 19 Minutes 1970-1971
2 20 Minutes 1971-1972
2 21 Minutes 1972-1973
2 22 Minutes 1973-1974
2 23 Minutes 1974-1975
2 24 Minutes 1975-1976
2 25 Minutes 1976-1977
2 26 Minutes 1977-1978
2 27 Minutes 1994-1995
3 Scrapbook, "Book Review of the Dress Doctor": Styles of 1961 by Edith Head undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Women--Societies and clubs.
  • Women--Utah--Logan--Societies and clubs.