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Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records, 1879-2019

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Ladies' Literary Club (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Title
Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records
Dates
1879-2019 (inclusive)
Quantity
87.75 linear feet, (78 boxes and 26 oversize boxes)
Collection Number
MS 0439
Summary
The Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records (1879-2019) contain club histories, correspondence, articles of incorporation, yearbooks, financial information, membership records, scrapbooks, and news clippings. A group of Utah women organized a small cultural club called the Blue Tea Club in 1875, of which the Ladies' Literary Club was an outgrowth.
Repository
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Carrying on the spirit of Sorosis, the pioneer women's club founded in New York in 1868, a group of Utah women organized a small strictly cultural club called the Blue Tea in 1875. This small club did not develop into the Ladies' Literary Club as is often believed, but rather the Ladies' Literary Club was an outgrowth of the Blue Tea Club.

The Blue Tea was an exclusive club that restricted membership to only the literary elite. However, there existed within this club a small group of women who felt there was a need in the isolated community for an unlimited club that would reach out to all women who desired intellectual experiences and companionship. As a result, in February of 1877, this small band of broad-minded women seceded from the Blue Tea Club, which now has the distinction of being the oldest women's club west of the Mississippi River.

In order to be in a position to transact business, the club incorporated under laws of the territory of Utah in 1882, and ten years later a notable milestone was reached when the group joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs.

The formal opening of the first clubhouse took place on 7 January 1898. Fifteen years later the group moved into its new clubhouse located on the old Brigham Street, now South Temple, where it continues to operate. From the beginning, the Ladies' Literary Club has offered the use of its clubhouse for charitable and educational causes, and it continues to be used for many community, civic, and social purposes. In 1976, the Ladies' Literary Club received a plaque designating their clubhouse as a Utah State Historical Landmark.

The main subject of study in the early years was history. Later, different sections were formed to satisfy the needs and interests of the members. At present, there are seven sections of study: Browning-Poetry, Arts and Arts & Crafts, Drama-Music, Civics-Parliamentary Law and Current Events, History-Tourism, and Junior and Readers.

From the beginning, the Ladies' Literary Club took an active interest in matters of community welfare, though its primary purpose lay in "literary pursuits and development of mental culture." Helping to bring about the first free public library was one of the first important community projects participated in by the club. Using the proceeds from a carnival fund-raiser, the club purchased two thousand books as a beginning to the library. The members also worked for the passage of the library bill, providing for support of the library by the city. Other projects include free kindergartens, high school art and music contests, scholarship funds, and the placing of art in public schools. The club remains active in community and civic affairs and is represented on the Women's State Legislative Council of Utah.

Mrs. J. C. Role, the first president, described the club, saying "As an infant the Club was most ambitious. We essayed great things--We were, indeed, a most precocious infant." After one hundred years of accomplishment, club historian Mrs. J. Bracken Lee described the club as "the grande dame of East South Temple."

History written by Allesen Peck, 1984.

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Content Description

The Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records (1879-2019) contain yearbooks, correspondence, financial information, membership records, news clippings, and club histories. The club has printed a small book each year giving a calendar of activities and listing current members. These yearbooks also contain information regarding the current financial position of the club. Club histories include Katherine Barrette Parsons' History of Fifty Years, Ladies' Literary Club (1927) and "Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City...Celebrates its 100th Year," written in the clubs centennial year (1977). Financial records include account books, bank statements, insurance documents, and financial reports.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Preferred Citation

Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Donated by the Ladies' Literary Club in 1984-2013.

Processing Note

Processed by Karen Carver in 2004.

The entire collection along with the addendum was processed by Betsey Welland in 2019.

Click here to read a statement on harmful language in library records.

Related Materials

Forms part of the Aileen H. Clyde 20th Century Women's Legacy Archives.

See also the Blue Tea Society minute book (ACCN 0159). A group of Utah women organized a small cultural club called the Blue Tea Club in 1875, of which the Ladies' Literary Club was an outgrowth.

Separated Materials

See also the Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City photograph collection (P0493) in the Multimedia Division of Special Collections.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Organizational materials and histories

    • Description: Constitution bylaws, and articles of incorporation

      These folders include revisions to the articles of incorporations throughout the years.

      Dates: 1880-2001
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1-2
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: History of Fifty Years: Ladies' Literary Club, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1877-1927

      This book was written by Katherine Barrette Parsons.

      Dates: 1927
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: "History of the Ladies' Literary Club for Years 1932-1937

      This article was written by Rhea Willie.

      Dates: circa 1937
      Container: Box 1, Folder 4
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: "Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City, Oldest Women's Club in The West Celebrates Its 100th Year"

      This article was written by Mrs. J. Bracken Lee.

      Dates: 1977
      Container: Box 1, Folder 5
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: "History of the Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City. Oldest Women's Club in The West Celebrates Its 120th Year"
      Dates: 1997
      Container: Box 1, Folder 6
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: General history notes
      Container: Box 1, Folder 7
      Location: Organizational materials and histories
    • Description: Club rules--house, press, etc.
      Container: Box 1, Folder 8
      Location: Organizational materials and histories

  • Annual yearbooks

    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1891-1916
      Container: Box 2
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1916-1930
      Container: Box 3
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1930-1942
      Container: Box 4
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1942-1953
      Container: Box 5
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1953-1963
      Container: Box 6
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1963-1970
      Container: Box 7
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1970-1977
      Container: Box 8
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1977-1983
      Container: Box 9
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1983-1989
      Container: Box 10
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1989-1995
      Container: Box 11
      Location: Annual yearbooks
    • Description: Yearbooks
      Dates: 1995-2010
      Container: Box 12
      Location: Annual yearbooks

  • Meeting minutes

    This series contains general meeting minutes, Board of Directors meeting minutes, and Executive Board meeting minutes. All minutes have been arranged according to year.

    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1879-1888
      Container: Box 13
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1894-1904
      Container: Box 14
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1902-1924
      Container: Box 15
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Oversize ledger with meeting minutes and reports
      Dates: 1913-1920
      Container: Box 15A
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1914-1932
      Container: Box 16
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1927-1939
      Container: Box 17
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1937-1938
      Container: Box 18
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1940-1945
      Container: Box 19
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1945-1950
      Container: Box 20
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1949-1954
      Container: Box 21
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1953-1956
      Container: Box 22
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1955-1961
      Container: Box 23
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1960-1968
      Container: Box 24
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1967-1988
      Container: Box 25
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1975-1983
      Container: Box 26
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1982-1999
      Container: Box 27
      Location: Meeting minutes
    • Description: Meeting minutes
      Dates: 1999-2010
      Container: Box 28
      Location: Meeting minutes

  • Club reports

    This series contains the annual club reports, which includes reports from various sections of the club.

    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1904-1916
      Container: Box 29
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1920-1934
      Container: Box 30
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1935-1950
      Container: Box 31
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1950-1957
      Container: Box 32
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1958-1963
      Container: Box 33
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1963-1977
      Container: Box 34
      Location: Club reports
    • Description: Annual reports
      Dates: 1995-1996; 2001-2009
      Container: Box 35
      Location: Club reports

  • Section materials

  • Membership materials

    • Description: Membership lists and rosters
      Dates: 1879-1929; 1960s-2019
      Container: Box 49, Folder 1-2
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Membership proposals and acceptance letters
      Dates: 1977-2008
      Container: Box 49, Folder 3
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Election ballots and results
      Dates: 1966-1968; 1992; undated
      Container: Box 49, Folder 4
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Resignations and general correspondence
      Dates: 1967; 1994-2005
      Container: Box 49, Folder 5
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Obituaries and memorials
      Dates: 1966-2009
      Container: Box 49, Folder 6
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Guidelines for new members
      Container: Box 49, Folder 7
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Forms
      Container: Box 49, Folder 8
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Nametags
      Container: Box 49, Folder 9
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Notes
      Container: Box 49, Folder 10
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Membership dues correspondence
      Dates: 1995-1997
      Container: Box 49, Folder 11
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Membership cards
      Container: Box 49A
      Location: Membership materials
    • Description: Membership cards
      Container: Box 49B
      Location: Membership materials

  • Correspondence

    • Description: General correspondence
      Dates: 1924-2008
      Container: Box 50, Folder 1
      Location: Correspondence
    • Description: Althea Oberg correspondence
      Dates: 1949-1992
      Container: Box 50, Folder 2
      Location: Correspondence
    • Description: Beverly Lund correpondence
      Dates: 1994-1997
      Container: Box 50, Folder 3
      Location: Correspondence
    • Description: Club stationary
      Container: Box 50, Folder 4
      Location: Correspondence

  • Birthday breakfast events

  • Binders

    • Description: Foyer binder
      Dates: 1992-1995
      Container: Box 52
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Foyer binder
      Dates: 1996-2004
      Container: Box 53
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Lee Ashby
      Dates: 1996-1997
      Container: Box 54, Folder 1
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Joan Tanner
      Dates: 1999-2000
      Container: Box 54, Folder 2-3
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Betty Topalian
      Dates: 2000-2001
      Container: Box 55, Folder 1-2
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Helen Taylor
      Dates: 2002-2003
      Container: Box 55, Folder 3
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Laurel Hughes
      Dates: 2003-2004
      Container: Box 55, Folder 4
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Kathryn Major
      Dates: 2004-2005
      Container: Box 55, Folder 5
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Fay Knowlton
      Dates: 2005-2006
      Container: Box 55, Folder 6
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Charmaine Bauer
      Dates: 2006-2007
      Container: Box 55, Folder 7
      Location: Binders
    • Description: Presidential binder of Kathryn Major
      Dates: 2007-2008
      Container: Box 55, Folder 8
      Location: Binders

  • General club events and programs

  • Donations and fundraising

  • Speeches and general notes

  • Club library and art collection

  • Building maintenance

    • Description: Club house custodian job outline
      Dates: 2008
      Container: Box 60, Folder 1
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: Correspondence, landscaping
      Dates: 1965-1967
      Container: Box 60, Folder 2
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: Correspondence, club house property taxes
      Dates: 1910-1982
      Container: Box 60, Folder 3
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: Renovation booklets
      Container: Box 60, Folder 4
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: House improvements
      Dates: 1996-1999
      Container: Box 60, Folder 5
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: Walk-through energy audit
      Dates: 1979
      Container: Box 60, Folder 6
      Location: Building maintenance
    • Description: Club house promotional materials
      Container: Box 60, Folder 7
      Location: Building maintenance

  • General Federation of Women's Clubs materials

  • General publications and news clippings

  • General club materials

    • Description: 97th birthday breakfast speech by Mrs. J. Arthur Kearns
      Dates: 1974
      Container: Box 64, Folder 1
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: "Dos and Don'ts for Presidents"
      Container: Box 64, Folder 2
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Guidelines of Yearbook Committee
      Dates: 1983-1985
      Container: Box 64, Folder 3
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Mary Hadfield materials
      Dates: 1992-1995
      Container: Box 64, Folder 4
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Ladies' Literay Club Newsletter
      Dates: 2008-2009
      Container: Box 64, Folder 5
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Meeting minutes guidelines
      Dates: 1992
      Container: Box 64, Folder 6
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: "Our Garden of Dreams"
      Container: Box 64, Folder 7
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Portraits of LLC women
      Container: Box 64, Folder 8
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Dare Ramsay materials
      Dates: 2008-2011
      Container: Box 64, Folder 9
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Retrospective report
      Dates: 1952
      Container: Box 64, Folder 10
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Secretary responsibilities
      Container: Box 64, Folder 11
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Section lists
      Dates: 1890s-1920s
      Container: Box 64, Folder 12
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: "Some Utah Women"

      Contains a typescript biographical sketch of Jennie Anderson Froiseth, one of the original members of the Blue-Stocking Tea Club. Includes brief life sketches of Jeannette Hollister Ferry, Mrs. T. B. H. Stenhouse, Matilda Work Martin, Eliza Kirtley Royle, and Helen Sprague.

      Container: Box 64, Folder 13
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: Treasurer's responsibilites
      Container: Box 64, Folder 14
      Location: General club materials
    • Description: "Women Who Have Made a Difference"
      Dates: 1995-1996
      Container: Box 64, Folder 15
      Location: General club materials

  • Financial materials

  • Scrapbooks

    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1926-1927
      Container: Box 83
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Diamond breakfast scrapbook
      Dates: 1952
      Container: Box 84
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1967-1968
      Container: Box 85
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1970-1971
      Container: Box 86
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1971-1972
      Container: Box 87
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1973-1974
      Container: Box 88
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Centennial scrapbook, 1877-1977
      Dates: 1977
      Container: Box 89
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Floyd M. Oberle.

      Dates: 1978-1979
      Container: Box 90
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Roland Stucki.

      Dates: 1979-1980
      Container: Box 91
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Josephine M. Kipp.

      Dates: 1982-1983
      Container: Box 92
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. O. J. Johnson.

      Dates: 1986-1987
      Container: Box 93
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: 109th anniversary scrapbook
      Dates: 1986
      Container: Box 94
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Lon Logan.

      Dates: 1988-1989
      Container: Box 95
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Mary Jane Hair.

      Dates: 1989-1990
      Container: Box 96
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Mary Hadfield.

      Dates: 1993-1994
      Container: Box 97
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Mrs. Eudora Zarr.

      Dates: 1994-1995
      Container: Box 98
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Midge Memmott.

      Dates: 1995-1996
      Container: Box 99
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Lou Ann Carstensen.

      Dates: 1997-1998
      Container: Box 100
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Eileen Christensen.

      Dates: 1998-1999
      Container: Box 101
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Scrapbook

      President was Eileen Christensen.

      Dates: 1998-1999
      Container: Box 102
      Location: Scrapbooks
    • Description: Heritage and preservation scrapbook

      Prepared by Ethel Louise Bowers.

      Dates: 1976
      Container: Box 103
      Location: Scrapbooks

  • Oversize materials

    • Description: General materials

      This box contains tote bags; postcards; a CD of the Furgis house plans by architect Ed Dreier; architecture plans for the building located at 850 East South Temple; and awards and certificates.

      Dates: 1945-2014
      Container: Box 104
      Location: Oversize materials

Finding aid prepared by Karen Carver and Betsey Welland.
2004 (last modified: 2019)

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