UUM_Ms0439.xml Inventory of the Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records Finding aid prepared by Karen Carver and Betsey Welland. J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections

2004 (last modified: 2019)
295 South 1500 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 special@library.utah.edu https://lib.utah.edu/collections/special-collections/index.php
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-05-23. Finding aid written in English. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City records Ladies' Literary Club (Salt Lake City, Utah) MS 0439 87.75 linear feet 78 boxes and 26 oversize boxes 1879-2019 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. English .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

 Ladies' Literary Club (Salt Lake City, Utah)--Records and correspondence Ladies' Literary Club (Salt Lake City, Utah). Clubhouse Charities--Utah--Salt Lake City--Records and correspondence Women in charitable work--Utah--Salt Lake City--Archives Public libraries--Utah--Salt Lake City Women--Utah--Salt Lake City--Societies and clubs--Archives Book clubs (Discussion groups)--Utah--Salt Lake City--Records and correspondence Literacy programs--Utah--Salt Lake City Book distribution programs Clubs and Societies Minutes (Records) Records (Documents) Business correspondence Yearbooks Annual reports Financial records Membership lists Programs (documents) Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.) Scrapbooks Charters and articles of incorporation Organizational materials and histories Constitution bylaws, and articles of incorporation 1880-2001 1 1-2

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

 History of Fifty Years: Ladies' Literary Club, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1877-1927 1927 1 3

This book was written by Katherine Barrette Parsons.

 "History of the Ladies' Literary Club for Years 1932-1937 circa 1937 1 4

This article was written by Rhea Willie.

 "Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City, Oldest Women's Club in The West Celebrates Its 100th Year" 1977 1 5

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

 "History of the Ladies' Literary Club of Salt Lake City. Oldest Women's Club in The West Celebrates Its 120th Year" 1997 1 6 General history notes 1 7 Club rules--house, press, etc. 1 8 Annual yearbooks Yearbooks 1891-1916 2 Yearbooks 1916-1930 3 Yearbooks 1930-1942 4 Yearbooks 1942-1953 5 Yearbooks 1953-1963 6 Yearbooks 1963-1970 7 Yearbooks 1970-1977 8 Yearbooks 1977-1983 9 Yearbooks 1983-1989 10 Yearbooks 1989-1995 11 Yearbooks 1995-2010 12 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.

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

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

 Annual reports 1904-1916 29 Annual reports 1920-1934 30 Annual reports 1935-1950 31 Annual reports 1950-1957 32 Annual reports 1958-1963 33 Annual reports 1963-1977 34 Annual reports 1995-1996 2001-2009 35 Section materials Arts and Crafts Section Meeting minutes 1897-1983 36 1-7 Tresurer's reports 1999-2001 2004-2006 36 8-9 Installation of officers for the Art Junior Section 1998 36 10 Invitation to the Art Junior Section planning luncheon 36 11 Schedule and membership 36 12 Art inventory 1999 36 13 Browsing Section Meeting minutes 1900-1966 37 Meeting minutes 1969-1977 38 1 Browning Section Meeting minutes 1933-1938 38 2 Correspondence 1937-1938 38 3 Te Browning Society of Pasadena, booklets 1915-1931 38 4 The Bard and Age Study Club program 1907-1908 38 5 Civics-Parliamentary Law Section Meeting minutes 1957-1984 39 1-3 Schedule and membership 39 4 "Parliamentary Practice - A History" 39 5 Corresponding Secretary Correspondence 2001-2008 40 1-5 Note 40 6 Current Events-Current Literature Section Meeting minutes 1948-1979 41 Dancing Section Membership and finances 1935-1955 42 Drama and Music Section Meeting minutes 1937-1992 43 "Plan of Study on Musical History: Russian Music," Mrs. Frederick Schuyler Wardwell and Mrs. E. E. Hoyt 1911 44 1 Letter and treasurer's report 1963-1982 44 2 Household Economics Section Meeting minutes 1913-1918 45 Junior Section Meeting minutes 1937-1989 46 Readers/Literature Section Meeting minutes 1961-2007 47 1-5 Treasurer reports and ledgers 1988-2006 47 6-8 Seekers Literary Club yearbook 1952-1953 47 9 History-Tourist and Civic Affairs Section Meeting minutes 1954-1993 48 Membership materials Membership lists and rosters 1879-1929 1960s-2019 49 1-2 Membership proposals and acceptance letters 1977-2008 49 3 Election ballots and results 1966-1968 1992 undated 49 4 Resignations and general correspondence 1967 1994-2005 49 5 Obituaries and memorials 1966-2009 49 6 Guidelines for new members 49 7 Forms 49 8 Nametags 49 9 Notes 49 10 Membership dues correspondence 1995-1997 49 11 Membership cards 49A Membership cards 49B Correspondence General correspondence 1924-2008 50 1 Althea Oberg correspondence 1949-1992 50 2 Beverly Lund correpondence 1994-1997 50 3 Club stationary 50 4 Birthday breakfast events Programs 1915-2009 51 1-3 Report of the Breakfast Committee for the 90th birthday breakfast 1966-1967 51 4 Speeches 1984 51 5 Assessment of the 115th year 1991 51 6 Report of the president at the 117th birthday breakfast 1994 51 7 Invitation to the 121st birthday event 1998 51 8 125th birthday cookbook 2002 51 9 Binders Foyer binder 1992-1995 52 Foyer binder 1996-2004 53 Presidential binder of Lee Ashby 1996-1997 54 1 Presidential binder of Joan Tanner 1999-2000 54 2-3 Presidential binder of Betty Topalian 2000-2001 55 1-2 Presidential binder of Helen Taylor 2002-2003 55 3 Presidential binder of Laurel Hughes 2003-2004 55 4 Presidential binder of Kathryn Major 2004-2005 55 5 Presidential binder of Fay Knowlton 2005-2006 55 6 Presidential binder of Charmaine Bauer 2006-2007 55 7 Presidential binder of Kathryn Major 2007-2008 55 8 General club events and programs Event announcements, programs and invitations 1878-2008 56 1-2 "McCall's How to Plan a Club Program" 1953 56 3 "Blue Stockings Are Forever," program and draft 56 4 Student recital programs 1928-1997 56 5 KSL educational broadcasting schedule 56 6 Citizens' Conference on Hazaedous Waste grant program 1982 56 7 Donations and fundraising Charitable donations 1966-2006 57 1 Member donations 1997-2008 57 2 Hugh O'Brian donations 2000-2003 57 3 Personalized apron sales 57 4 Fall festival sales 57 5 Speeches and general notes Speeches and notes 1966-1986 58 1 Visiting club women and rentals 1898-1919 58 2 Notes 58 3 Club library and art collection List of books 59 1 Ledgers of books loaned 1901-1984 59 2-3 Art inventory 59 4 Building maintenance Club house custodian job outline 2008 60 1 Correspondence, landscaping 1965-1967 60 2 Correspondence, club house property taxes 1910-1982 60 3 Renovation booklets 60 4 House improvements 1996-1999 60 5 Walk-through energy audit 1979 60 6 Club house promotional materials 60 7 General Federation of Women's Clubs materials Ladies Literary Club roster 2000-2006 61 1 Correspondence and articles of incorporation 1984-1989 61 2 Applications 1999-2004 61 3 Salt Lake district officers 1992 61 4 Report of the Salt Lake district Utah Federation of Women's Clubs Meetings 1965-1966 61 5 Registration for the Western States conference 2006 61 6 "Home Life Development" 1992 61 7 "Living with Chemicals" 1992 61 8 "Build with Youth for a Better World" 61 9 "President's Child Safety Partnership," final report 1987 61 10 Women's State Legislative Council of Utah pamphlets 2001 61 11 General publications and news clippings Simone Ellis and Sydney Davis 62 1 "The Flag Code" 1975 62 2 Myrtle Gamette poetry 62 3 "Let's Install Correctly" 1959 62 4 "Let's Pamper Our Group Public Relations" 1959 62 5 "Masque of Dedication of the Community Chest of Salt Lake City" 1926 62 6 "National Soiety of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers: Constitution and Bylaws" 1978 62 7 "Publicity, Answers for Club Leaders" 1968 62 8 Ann Schultz, "Each Day is Precious" 62 9 "Souvenir di Pompei" 62 10 "The Twentieth Century Clubwoman: A Handbook for Organization Leaders" 1960 62 11 Washington and Lincoln Institute newsletters 1999-2000 62 12 Women's rights slogans 62 13 News clippings 1920-2005 63 General club materials 97th birthday breakfast speech by Mrs. J. Arthur Kearns 1974 64 1 "Dos and Don'ts for Presidents" 64 2 Guidelines of Yearbook Committee 1983-1985 64 3 Mary Hadfield materials 1992-1995 64 4 Ladies' Literay Club Newsletter 2008-2009 64 5 Meeting minutes guidelines 1992 64 6 "Our Garden of Dreams" 64 7 Portraits of LLC women 64 8 Dare Ramsay materials 2008-2011 64 9 Retrospective report 1952 64 10 Secretary responsibilities 64 11 Section lists 1890s-1920s 64 12 "Some Utah Women" 64 13

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.

 Treasurer's responsibilites 64 14 "Women Who Have Made a Difference" 1995-1996 64 15 Financial materials Treasurer reports and statements 1907-1980 65 Treasurer reports and statements 1983-2002 66 Treasurer reports and statements 2002-2006 67 Treasurer reports and statements 2006-2010 68 A-Z Auditor's reports 1913-1972 69 1 Balance sheets 1967-1980 69 2 Bank books 1953-1980 69 3 Bank statements 1960s-1980s 69 4-6 Bills paid 1963 69 7-8 Budgets 1972-2006 69 9 Cash disbursements 1985-1986 69 10 Cash receipts 1985-1986 69 11 Check stubs 1918-1974 70 Check stubs 1975-2004 71 Contents of deposit box 1965 72 1 Contributions 2001-2002 72 2 Edward MacDowell Association 1930s 72 3 Finance Committee 1967-2002 72 4 Insurance Policies 1950s-1980s 72 5-6 Investments 1966-2006 73 1 Receipt books 1901-2001 73 2-4 Receipts 1981-1982 73 5 Taxes 1950s-1960s 73 6 Taxes and insurance 1984-1985 73 7 Tax exempt status 1927-2002 74 Treasurer's stubs 1979-1981 75 Ledgers Ledgers 1883-1923 76 Ledgers 1924-1972 77 Ledgers 1974-1987 78 Oversize ledgers 1913-1930 79 Oversize ledgers 1930s-1950s 80 Oversize ledger 1960-1963 81 Oversize ledger 1990s-2000s 82 Scrapbooks Scrapbook 1926-1927 83 Diamond breakfast scrapbook 1952 84 Scrapbook 1967-1968 85 Scrapbook 1970-1971 86 Scrapbook 1971-1972 87 Scrapbook 1973-1974 88 Centennial scrapbook, 1877-1977 1977 89 Scrapbook 1978-1979 90

President was Mrs. Floyd M. Oberle.

 Scrapbook 1979-1980 91

President was Mrs. Roland Stucki.

 Scrapbook 1982-1983 92

President was Mrs. Josephine M. Kipp.

 Scrapbook 1986-1987 93

President was Mrs. O. J. Johnson.

 109th anniversary scrapbook 1986 94 Scrapbook 1988-1989 95

President was Mrs. Lon Logan.

 Scrapbook 1989-1990 96

President was Mrs. Mary Jane Hair.

 Scrapbook 1993-1994 97

President was Mrs. Mary Hadfield.

 Scrapbook 1994-1995 98

President was Mrs. Eudora Zarr.

 Scrapbook 1995-1996 99

President was Midge Memmott.

 Scrapbook 1997-1998 100

President was Lou Ann Carstensen.

 Scrapbook 1998-1999 101

President was Eileen Christensen.

 Scrapbook 1998-1999 102

President was Eileen Christensen.

 Heritage and preservation scrapbook 1976 103

Prepared by Ethel Louise Bowers.

 Oversize materials General materials 1945-2014 104

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.