Sterling Chamber of Commerce Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-171

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Sterling Chamber of Commerce records, dating 1910-1982, are arranged into two series: Administrative Files and Subject Files. The Administrative Files include by-laws, membership information, financial records and a set of minutes from the Chamber’s predecessor (1910) to the present organization (1978). Also included in this series are files on certain programs, committees, and events, such as the annual All-levels Management Dinner and the Consumer Affairs Committee, which handled consumer complaints. The Subject Files, which detail the work of Chamber committees and programs, are organized into the following subseries: Community Development, Downtown Merchants, Economic Development, General Information, Public Affairs, and Scrapbooks and Newsletters. These files include records from the Respect for Law & Order Committee (1967-1973), The Sterling Merchants Association (1942-1964), and the Industrial Council (1948-1978).

Dates

created: 1910-1982
Other: Date acquired: 04/10/1984

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

In 1910 a group of Sterling businessmen organized the Merchant’s Association. Three years later, in 1913, the Sterling and Rock Falls Commercial Club was formed to support the free enterprise system, meet the political, social and economic needs of the community, and to provide for the community’s growth. The Merchant’s Association continued to function as a subordinate group within the Commercial Club. In 1916 the Commercial Club became the Association of Commerce which, by 1931, was the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber served both Sterling and Rock Falls until 1956, when a separate Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce was organized (researchers should consult RC 172 - Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Records for more information). During its years of service, the Chamber has accomplished many goals, including: reorganizing the Fire Department, establishing the Blackhawk Fire Training Center, building the Safety Park, forming the Unit School District, and advocating the Alderman-City Manager form of government. Today, through its programs and committees, the Chamber continues to pursue its original purposes for the development of Sterling.

Note written by

Extent

7.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The Sterling Chamber of Commerce records, dating 1910-1982, are arranged into two series: Administrative Files and Subject Files. The Subject Files, which detail the work of Chamber committees and programs, are organized into the following subseries: Community Development, Downtown Merchants, Economic Development, General Information, Public Affairs, and Scrapbooks and Newsletters.

Source of Acquisition

The Sterling Chamber of Commerce

Method of Acquisition

The Sterling Chamber of Commerce donated its records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on April 10, 1984.

Related Materials

Researchers should refer to the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Records (RC 172) and the Regional History Center’s Guide for additional collections of Chambers of Commerce records.