WomanShare records , 1974-1999

Overview of the Collection

Creator
WomanShare (Grants Pass, Or.)
Title
WomanShare records
Dates
1974-1999 (inclusive)
Quantity
21 linear feet, (22 containers )  :  10 manuscript boxes, 1 half-manuscript box, 4 flat boxes, 1 clamshell box, 4 small flat boxes
Collection Number
Coll 269
Summary
WomanShare is a woman's land and feminist retreat in Grants Pass, Oregon, established in 1974. Records document the management, membership, daily activities and workshops of the WomanShare community and include correspondence, reference files, financial and meeting records, journals, audio, video and visual material.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time. Collection includes sound recordings, moving images, and digital files to which access is restricted. Access to these materials is governed by repository policy and may require the production of listening or viewing copies. Researchers requiring access must notify Special Collections and University Archives in advance and pay fees for reproduction services as necessary.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

WomanShare is a woman's land and feminist retreat in Grants Pass, Oregon, established in 1974. WomanShare was built upon 23 acres of wooded private land and includes six women- built cabins, with one reserved for visitors, and a mainhouse. The WomanShare community combined feminist and sexual politics with country living activities and workshops. Membership varied from four to six members including Nelly, Dian, Sue Deevy, Billie Miracle, and Carol Newhouse.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Series I contains a small amount of outgoing correspondence and related notes from Billie Miracle and other members during 1987.

Series II is organized alphabetically by reference subject and includes articles, brochures, newsletters and flyers on WomanShare, directories and member lists, information on programs and policies, and writings by Billie Miracle and other members between 1988 and 1998.

Series III is composed of varied financial documents including accounts books (1978-1988), financial notes and receipts, kitty money reports and household accounts that members generated between 1974 -1999.

Series IV consists of meeting minutes and notes arranged by date from 1977 to 1995. Also included are meeting related documents such as sketches, ideas, inventory, member updates, finances, elections and scheduling.

Series V contains numerous message books and journals created by members, organized by date and which cover the years 1974 – 1999.

Series VI encompasses the work and production of the book Country Lesbians: The Story of The Womanshare Collective . Documents are organized by subject and include notes, correspondence, drafts, mock-ups, financial records and a published copy.

Series VII consists of audio and video recordings of WomanShare meetings, sharing circles, celebrations and interviews covering years 1974-1994.

Series IIX contains photographs and slides, most of which are undated; 1986 is the year most often documented. Photographs are organized by size (very small to 8x10) and include loose photographs and photo albums. Many photographs are unlabeled while most of the 80 slides are labeled by subject.

Series VII consists of audio and video recordings of WomanShare meetings, sharing circles, celebrations and interviews covering years 1974-1994.

Series IIX contains photographs and slides, most of which are undated; 1986 is the year most often documented. Photographs are organized by size (very small to 8x10) and include loose photographs and photo albums. Many photographs are unlabeled while most of the 80 slides are labeled by subject.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Communal living--Oregon
  • Feminists--Oregon
  • Lesbian community--Oregon
  • Lesbians--Oregon
  • Urban-rural migration--Oregon

Personal Names

  • Miracle, Billie

Corporate Names

  • WomanShare (Grants Pass, Or.)

Geographical Names

  • Grants Pass (Or.)
  • Oregon

Form or Genre Terms

  • Audiocassettes
  • Correspondence
  • Financial records
  • Photographs
  • Videocassettes