Rockford League of Women Voters Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-178

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the activities of the Rockford League of Women Voters from its founding in 1922 to the present. Included in Series I, is historical materials, by-laws, minutes of meetings, correspondence, and newsletters. Among the broad range of topics covered in the Series II are nuclear power, China, education, ERA, flood control, housing, and the status of women. Most of the files fall within the 1960-1985 time period. Series III contains scrapbooks spanning the years from 1922-1978. They are especially useful in documenting the League's activities before WW II. Series IV, Byron Nuclear Plant Intervention, along with the DAARE/SAFE Collection (RC 212), documents the League’s involvement in the joint plant intervention

Dates

created: 1922+
Other: Date acquired: 10/08/1985

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

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

Biographical or Historical Information

The Rockford League of Women Voters was founded April 22, 1922, two years after the state organization had been established. Among the Rockford Leagues's charter members were: Julia Lathrop, noted for her work on the Children's Bureau and the League of Nation's Commission; Mabel Ashton Johnson, the founder of the Visiting Nurses Association; and Kate O'Connor, a founder of the State League of Women Voters and coordinator of Illinois' welfare program for women and children. The Rockford League's first President was Mrs. William C. Free. Through a concentration on such topics as International Relations, Economic Welfare, Government Structure, Public Health, and Voter Services, the Rockford League pursues its purpose "...to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government." (By-laws, amended April 26, 1980). These efforts have involved the Rockford League in redevelopment projects, the push for a state constitutional convention, and a serious review of local government structure. In all their activities, the Rockford League of Women Voters remains politically nonpartisan.

Note written by

Extent

20.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is divided into four series: Organizational Records, Subject Files which are arranged alphabetically, Scrapbooks, and Byron Nuclear Plant Intervention.

Source of Acquisition

Lee Larson

Method of Acquisition

Lee Larson, President, donated the Rockford League of Women Voters Records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on October 8, 1985.

Accruals and Additions

Additional records were donated at a later date.

Related Materials

Series IV, Byron Nuclear Plant Intervention, along with the DAARE/SAFE Collection (RC 212), documents the League’s involvement in the joint plant intervention.