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.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

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.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

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.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

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

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

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.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

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

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

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)