Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women records, 1959-2002

Overview of the Collection

Title
Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women records
Dates
1959-2002 (inclusive)
Quantity
3 boxes, (1 linear feet)
Collection Number
UUS_Coll MSS 352
Summary
The National League of Pen Women, established in 1897, was organized as a way for women to find mutual aid and advice for writing careers. The collection contains minutes, financial records, and other information about the organization.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The National League of American Pen Women was established in June of 1897 by Marian Longfellow O'Donoghue, who wrote for newspapers in Washington D.C. and Boston. Margaret Sullivan Burke and Anna Sanborn Hamilton, along with seventeen other women, established a group who at first were looking for "mutual aid, advice, and future development" for each other and their careers (quoted from The League Minutes, 26 June 1897). Artists and composers were also welcomed into the newly founded group.

Professional credentials were required for membership and the ladies determined that Pen Women should always be paid for their work. The association became The National League of American Pen Women in 1921 with thirty-five local branches in various states. Membership increased through the 20s and 30s. First ladies have traditionally been awarded honorary membership and on occasion have actively participated in League functions. Eleanor Roosevelt, a prolific writer, was an enthusiastic Pen Woman during her tenure in the White House and beyond.

In the ensuing years, writing competitions, art exhibitions, and special events showcased the works not only of League members, but aspiring artists, writers and musicians. Scholarships for students and mature women honing their craft have been hallmarks of League efforts.

The initial meeting of the new organization of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women was held September 19, 1957. Nine members were introduced. The branch was involved in hosting competitions throughout Cache County, Utah, and prided itself on being recognized for both major and minor works of its members. The Logan Branch was very active during its early years, however, membership dwindled during the latter portion of the 20th century, and eventually the branch was dissolved due to a lack of membership.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection contains minutes from the meetings of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, financial records, correspondence between members, newspaper clippings about members of the NLAPW, an application for membership, programs from various conferences, and local, state, and national rosters. Box 1 contains material relating directly to the Logan Branch, while Box 2 contains state and national level materials. Box three contains a scrapbook put together by members of the Logan Branch of the NLAPW.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women papers must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women records USU_Coll MSS 352, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations: USU_Coll MSS 352, USUSCA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

This collection is divided into three boxes with the first two based on either local,state, or national levels and the third box containing biographic sketches of Logan branch members.

Processing Note

Processed in November of 2010.

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated to USU Special Collections and Archives by Virginia C. Parker in 2002. Virginia Parker served as the last secretary-treasurer of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

Bibliography

The Pen Woman Historical Records 1957-, Utah State Special Collections and Archives,Coll MSS 352 Box 3 The National League of American Pen Women. "History of the League." National League of American Pen Women. http://www.americanpenwomen.org/history/history.cfm (accessed November 19, 2010)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1 Logan Branch Directories undated
1 2 Logan Branch Membership Rosters undated
1 3 Minutes from the Logan Branch of NLAPW meetings 1978-1998
1 4 Additional minutes from Branch Meetings undated
1 5 Financial Records of the Logan Branch undated
1 6 Sample works of Logan Branch members undated
1 7 Correspondence undated
1 8 Newspaper clippings identifiable by date undated
1 9 Newspaper clippings without a date of publication undated
1 10 Newspaper articles separated by donor undated
1 11 Press Releases undated
1 12 NLAPW application for Thaya Eggleston Gilmore undated
1 13 Awards Announcements undated
1 14 Tributes and Certificates undated
1 15 Member Achievements undated
1 16 Branch History 1986-1988
1 17 Scholarship Notifications undated
2 1 Utah State and Salt Lake City Branch Directories undated
2 2 Reports for the "Salt Tablet" undated
2 3 Issues of the "Salt Tablet" undated
2 4 State Convention Agendas undated
2 5 Mid-Administration Congress Programs 3 June 1987 - 8 June 1987
2 6 NLAPW Roster 1998-2000
2 7 NLAPW Roster 2000-2002
2 8 National Pamphlets undated
2 9 Issues of "The Pen Woman" undated
2 10 Assorted Programs undated
3 1 Contains scrapbook
Biographical sketches of 16 members of the Logan Branch, writings about the organization of the Logan Branch, photographs of members, and newspaper clippings from September 23, 1957 onward.
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Literature--Utah--Societies, etc.--History--Sources
  • Women authors, American--Utah--Directories
  • Women--Utah--Societies and clubs--History--Sources

Form or Genre Terms

  • Corporate minutes
  • Notes
  • scrapbooks