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)
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

Acquisition Information

Nikolai Bogdanoff (President of the Russian Community Center of Seattle), 2016-11-11; Carol Stonik, 2016

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