National Association of Women in Construction, Des Moines Chapter scrapbook

Collection

Identifier: IWA0644

Staff Only
Please navigate to collection organization to place requests.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one scrapbook, which measures 1 linear inch and dates from 1961 to 1964. The scrapbook is chronologically arranged, and contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, brochures, photographs, and other documents relating to the history and goals of the Des Moines Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. The correspondence among various women in construction-related firms details the initial stages of forming the Chapter. The newspaper clippings and photographs document important moments in the Chapter's history, including the many social events sponsored by the club. Also included are photocopies of official documents such as the standard bylaws of the organization. An architectural plan decorates the cover, and is reproduced throughout the scrapbook.

Dates

Creation: 1961-1964

Creator

National Association of Women in Construction. Des Moines Chapter (Organization)

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 National Association of Women in Construction provides a forum in which women who are employed or own businesses in the construction industry can "exchange ideas and enjoy stimulating programs." The Des Moines Chapter was chartered in July of 1963, with the stated objectives of bringing together women in construction to encourage cooperation and better understanding among them, and "to promote fellowship and goodwill among members of the organization." Mrs. Maryjo Welch, secretary in the Paul A. Walters engineering firm, was elected the chapter's first president.

Most of the original dues-paying members worked in the support staffs of various architectural, engineering and contracting firms. They attended club meetings once a month, in which guest speakers who were industry professionals spoke or screened short films educating the women about the latest developments in the industry. The club also organized dinners, luncheons, cocktail parties, and other social activities. Officers of the club attended out-of-state conventions sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction. The club also organized short workshops on technical topics, with the idea that "the more we know about it, the more valuable we are to our bosses."