Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Russian Community Center of Seattle records, 1952-2016
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Russian Community Center of Seattle
- Title
- Russian Community Center of Seattle records
- Dates
- 1952-2016 (inclusive)19522016
- Quantity
- 0.63 cubic feet (1 box and 1 oversize vertical file)
- Collection Number
- 6154 (Accession No. 6154-001)
- Summary
- Meeting minutes, membership logs, correspondence, programs, and ephemera of the Russian Community Center of Seattle, Washington, which preserves and promotes Russian culture
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
No restrictions on access.
- Languages
- English, Russian
Historical NoteReturn to Top
With the arrival of a large number of Russian immigrants to Seattle after World War II, an interest in Russian community life was renewed. In 1952, a group of new and longtime immigrants formed a club and, one year later, acquired a temporary hall which served as the Russian Community Center (RCC) for six years. In 1959, the club obtained the former Roycroft Theater on Seattle's Capitol Hill. The interior was remodeled from a motion picture theater into a ballroom/auditorium with a theater stage. The Center opened to the public on October 29, 1960.
Two Balalaika Orchestras were formed at the Russian Community Center as well as a theatrical group which staged countless productions, enhancing the cultural life of the community. In past years, the RCC has been home to a chess club, Russian art gallery, and puppet theater. Promoting Russian Culture has always been of primary importance to the RCC. Over the years the Executive Board and Ladies' Auxiliary have organized innumerable social events: concerts by local and visiting performing artists; annual crafts and food bazaars; spring, autumn, and New Year's balls; and children's talent shows.
The Russian Community Center celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a gala dinner, concert, and ball on November 13, 1977. An official program, prepared under the auspices of RCC President Boris K. Holm, described the early history of the club. On September 7, 2003, a festive dinner, concert, and anniversary ball commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Russian Community Center. The official program included an update to the club's history, highlighting events from its second 25 years. Moving into the 21st century, the Russian Community Center continues to fulfill its mission to preserve and promote Russian culture, while maintaining and upgrading its fine, vintage facility for the entire community.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Membership logs, correspondence, bingo sheets, the "Bulletin" publications, Board of Directors meeting minutes, anniversary programs, and event flyers and posters from the Russian Community Center of Seattle, spanning over 60 years.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Container(s) | Description | Dates |
---|---|---|
Box/Folder | ||
1/1 | Correspondence | 1992 |
1/2 | Membership Log | 1952-1964 |
1/3 | Membership Log | 1953-1955 |
1/4 | Bingo Games | 1953-1957 |
1/5 | Bulletin Publications | 1968-1969 |
1/6 | Board of Directors Meeting Minutes | 1961-2015 |
1/7 | Center Anniversary Programs | 1977, 2003 |
1/8-1/9 | Event Flyers | 1962-2017 |
1/10 | Meeting Minutes | 2006-2014 |
1/11 | Certificates of Incorporation | 1952-1997 |
VF:oversize | ||
OSVF0168 | 177th Tatiana's Day Informal Poster | 1932 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Community centers--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
- Russian Americans--Washington (State)--Seattle
Corporate Names
- Russian Community Center of Seattle--Archives