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Freedom Township Women's Club (Palo Alto County) records

 Collection
Identifier: IWA0383

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Scope and Contents

The Freedom Township Women's Club Records measure 21 linear inches and date from 1923 to 1998. They primarily consist of secretary's books (1948-1989) and scrapbooks (1923-1989). A history, as well as a few miscellaneous records, correspondence, and photographs complete this exemplary collection of a rural women's club from its inception in 1923 to its last meeting in 1989. The records illustrate typical social and cultural activities of farm women throughout this period.

The history of the Freedom Township Women's Club, written by long-time club member Dorothy Place in 1998, describes the major events of the club. The secretary's books include minutes, records of meetings from 1948 to 1989, and loose papers taken from the books.

A scrapbook for 1923 to 1948 was compiled for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the club. Photocopies of this scrapbook follow the originals. This and subsequent scrapbooks contain lists of elected officers, photographs, newspaper clippings, programs, project reports, plays, attendance records, the 1934 Swastika Club Cookbook, and other memorabilia.

Miscellaneous Farm Bureau papers (1960), correspondence from the fiftieth anniversary reunion tea (1973), 4-H Foundation honorary certificates (undated), and several loose photographs complete the club records. Many more photographs of club activities and members can be found in the scrapbooks.

Dates

  • Creation: 1923-1998

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The records are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

The Freedom Township Women's Club began in 1923 under the name "Swastika Club of Freedom Township," changing its name in 1942 to the "Freedom Township Women's Club." The early programs of this club demonstrate the influence of the newly formed Farm Bureau and the then-affiliated county extension programs. Club women heard presentations by extension agents on home economics skills such as food preservation, nutrition, sewing, and tailoring. The club's monthly meetings also provided township women with opportunities to socialize and work together for mutual goals. After mid-century, the programming more frequently included arts topics, craft projects, book reviews, and descriptions of international travel. The last meeting of the Freedom Township Women's Club was held June 2, 1989.

Extent

21.00 linear inches

Photographs in boxes 1-4. boxes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Social club founded in 1923. Presentations were given on food preservation, nutrition, sewing, and tailoring.

Method of Acquisition

The records (donor no. 547) were donated by Dorothy Place in 1998.

Related Materials

Dorothy Sprout Place memoir (IWA): "The War Years, 1938-1945: The Story of How World War II Shaped My Life." Autobiographical account composed by Dorothy Place from her diaries written during World War II.

Edith Sprout papers (IWA): "Memories." Published memoir of Mrs. Edith Sprout, charter member of Freedom Township Woman's Club.

Author
Doris Malkmus, 1999; Sharon M. Lake, 2008.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Iowa Women's Archives Repository

Contact:
100 Main Library
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City IA 52242 IaU
319-335-5068
319-335-5900 (Fax)