Jolly Neighbors Club Records (Prophetstown)

Collection — Volume: 1-2

Identifier: RHC-RC-112

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Jolly Neighbors Club Records document the establishment and history of a local woman’s social organization formed to alleviate the isolation of rural life. A nearly complete set of minute books (1915-1980) details the business and social activities of each club meeting. Several program calendars and a program book supplement the minute books with lists of hostesses and activities for each meeting. Three scrapbooks contain photographs and newspaper announcements documenting picnics, card parties, and other social functions sponsored by the organization. Researchers should note that a club history and by-laws highlight the founding and purpose of the Jolly Neighbors Club. In addition, literature collected from the Illinois Federation of Woman’s Clubs contains information on the statewide activities of woman’s clubs in Illinois

Dates

created: 1915-1980
Other: Date acquired: 09/22/0198

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Jolly Neighbors Club was organized on May 20, 1915 by eight women from Prophetstown, Illinois. Mrs. Harry Lawrence, Mrs. H.B. Lyon, and Mrs. Arthur Glass served as president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer, respectively. The club formed to fulfill a need of local women to gather socially and partially lessen the loneliness characteristic of rural life. The group held their meetings in members’ homes or at the Prairie View School House. Meetings usually began with a treasurer’s report followed by an entertainment program such as demonstrations of cooking, recipe exchanges, interior decorating, antique collecting, or health presentations. In 1918, the Jolly Neighbors approved a constitution and by-laws complete with the club’s motto, “If you want a friend, be one.” The group joined the Illinois Federation of Woman’s Clubs in 1927, but ended its federation affiliation when membership declined in later years. During its sixty-five year history, the Jolly Neighbors Club sponsored various social activities such as picnics, ice cream socials, card parties, and lectures. The club also participated in community affairs, particularly with donations to the local orphanage and soldier’s home. Unfortunately, interest in the organization declined so low in the 1970's that the club disbanded in May 1980.

Note written by

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mrs. Leroy Gibson

Method of Acquisition

Mrs. Leroy Gibson, Prophetstown, Illinois donated the Jolly Neighbors Club Records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on September 22, 1980.

Related Materials

The Regional History Center holds several other collections related to Illinois woman’s organizations such as the American Association for University Women’s Club Records (RC 56), the DeKalb Women’s Club Records (RC 211), and the Rockford League of Women Voters (RC 178). Researchers interested in rural women’s history should see the Woodbury-Forsythe Diaries (RC 8).