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FISH Volunteers Records, 1969-1980

Overview of the Collection

Creator
FISH Volunteers Records
Title
FISH Volunteers Records
Dates
1969-1980 (inclusive)
Quantity
2 containers., (1 linear foot of shelf space.)
Collection Number
Cage 598
Summary
Financial records, correspondence, articles of incorporation and bylaws, and subject files relative to operation of a crisis line, a meals for invalids program, housing referral, and other social services.
Repository
Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research use.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Historical Note

In 1970 a group of Pullman women were inspired by a article in the January 1969 Readers' Digest entitled " A Friendly Neighbor Called Fish. This story documented a British church's effort to show neighborly concern via an auxiliary organization with the acronym FISH, an abbreviation for "For Immediate Sympathetic Help." The purpose of this association was to offer emergency assistance to anyone who needed a helping hand but did not know of any person to ask.

The Pullman group learned of other FISH groups in the United States, and decided to form a local association. They called for volunteers and found men, women, and high school and college students eager to help. Like all FISH volunteer groups, this organization began with the goal that the need for their services should disappear when other specialized groups assumed these tasks.

FISH volunteers spearheaded projects including meals-on-wheels for shut-ins, transportation for medical appointments, and a children's clothing exchange. It also helped indigent people by providing them with lodging and meals. The organization maintained a twenty-four hour telephone answering machine that referred callers to an on-duty volunteer who could assist them with their needs.

The Pullman FISH Volunteers disbanded in 1979 when the members saw their mission as completed. For example, a separate meals-on-wheels group existed and garnered support from a number of local churches. In addition, Pullman Child Welfare, initially a church-sponsored concern, took over many of the activities of the children's clothing exchange. Other groups maintained crisis telephone lines and looked after the needs of the infirm.

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Content Description

The records of the FISH Volunteers consist of checking account statements, financial reports, community resource directories, personal stories about FISH, local and international FISH newsletters, handbooks describing the FISH crisis line, and general correspondence.

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Use of the Collection

Preferred Citation

[Item Description]. Cage 598, FISH Volunteers Records . Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The folders are alphabetized and arranged as one series.

Acquisition Information

Washington State University acquired the FISH Volunteers records in 1984 (MS 84-46) through Suzanne Myklebust of Pullman.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

  • Description: Account Ledgers, Old National Bank
    Dates: 1970-1976; 1979
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: Account Statements, Old National Bank
    Dates: 1970-73
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Account Statements, Old National Bank
    Dates: 1974-76
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3
  • Description: Account Statements, Old National Bank
    Dates: 1977-79
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4
  • Description: Account Statements, General Telephone (GTE)
    Dates: 1973-77
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5
  • Description: Account Stubs, Old National Bank
    Dates: 1976-77
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Tax Exempt Status
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Correspondence--General
    Container: Box 1, Folder 8
  • Description: Crisis Information
    Container: Box 1, Folder 9
  • Description: Donation Receipts
    Dates: 1970-71
    Container: Box 1, Folder 10
  • Description: Duty Schedules
    Container: Box 1, Folder 11
  • Description: Expense Receipts
    Container: Box 1, Folder 12
  • Description: Financial Reports
    Container: Box 1, Folder 13
  • Description: Fish for help, by Martha Putnam
    Container: Box 1, Folder 14
  • Description: FISH for my People, by Robert Lee Howell
    Container: Box 1, Folder 15
  • Description: A Friendly Neighbor Called 'Fish', by Clarence W. Hall
    Container: Box 1, Folder 16
  • Description: The FISH International Newsletter
    Container: Box 1, Folder 17
  • Description: The FISH Newsletter, Pullman
    Container: Box 1, Folder 18
  • Description: The FISH of Spokane publications
    Container: Box 1, Folder 19
  • Description: High Street Center, Pullman
    Container: Box 2, Folder 20
  • Description: Informational Brochures of Service Organizations
    Container: Box 2, Folder 21
  • Description: KIWANIS Certificate of Appreciation for Evelyn Rodewald
    Container: Box 2, Folder 22
  • Description: Manual for Handling Telephone Calls at Crisis Clinic
    Container: Box 2, Folder 23
  • Description: Meeting Minutes
    Container: Box 2, Folder 24
  • Description: Membership Lists
    Container: Box 2, Folder 25
  • Description: Memorial Service for Dennyce S. Cass
    Dates: 1976
    Container: Box 2, Folder 26
  • Description: Ministers in Nearby Towns
    Container: Box 2, Folder 27
  • Description: National Center for Voluntary Action--information on funding sources
    Container: Box 2, Folder 28
  • Description: Newspaper Articles on FISH Volunteers
    Container: Box 2, Folder 29
  • Description: Organization of FISH, by Mrs. Kemble Stout
    Container: Box 2, Folder 30
  • Description: People Helpers, Whitman County Community Resource Directory
    Dates: August, 1977
    Container: Box 2, Folder 31
  • Description: Physically Impaired Student Services Program Annual Report
    Dates: 1976
    Container: Box 2, Folder 32
  • Description: Pullman from A to Z
    Container: Box 2, Folder 33
  • Description: Pullman Welfare Committee
    Container: Box 2, Folder 34
  • Description: Referral Case Files
    Container: Box 2, Folder 35
  • Description: Referral Directories and Lists
    Dates: 1970-1979
    Container: Box 2, Folder 36
  • Description: Release of Liability for Services Provided
    Container: Box 2, Folder 37
  • Description: Rubber Stamp: "FISH"
    Container: Box 2, Folder 38
  • Description: State of Washington Department of Public Assistance, Application and Guidelines
    Container: Box 2, Folder 39
  • Description: The Story of Fish, Fish International Brochure
    Container: Box 2, Folder 40
  • Description: Washington State Pharmaceutical Association Handbook
    Container: Box 2, Folder 41
  • Description: The Whitman, Asotin, Garfield County Volunteer Times
    Container: Box 2, Folder 42
  • Description: Whitman County Community Resource Directory
    Container: Box 2, Folder 43

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Social service --Washington (State)--Pullman
  • Volunteer workers in social service--Washington (State)--History

Corporate Names

  • FISH Volunteers (Pullman, Wash.) --Archives (creator)
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