Sycamore Business and Professional Women's Club Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-097

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records contained in this collection document the activities of the Sycamore Business and Professional Women’s Club from 1926-1978. Minute books and yearbooks provide the most comprehensive information on the club’s business affairs. Although the early minutes (1926-1955) have been lost, background information on these years can be found in the club historian’s notes. Researchers should note that nearly one-half of the collection contains complementary records which partially document the Illinois, National, and International Business and Professional Women’s Organizations.

Dates

created: 1926-1978
Other: Date acquired: 05/05/1980

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 Sycamore Business and Professional Women’s Club was sponsored by the Aurora BPW Club in 1926. A local attorney, Mary Hamsmith, presided as president over a group of 66 women during the first year. The Club’s objectives were to join together to elevate and promote the interests and standards of business and professional women in Sycamore. Throughout it’s long history, the Sycamore BPW Club has sponsored numerous service projects, held many fund raising affairs, and issued educational scholarships to young women in the area. The Club was instrumental in starting a Girl Scout Troop in 1960 and they have donated monies to the Sycamore Youth Recreation Committee, the Sycamore Rescue Squad, the Opportunity House, Sycamore Park and the Library over the years. Interspersed among these projects, the Club had informative programs presented by politicians and business individuals at their monthly meetings. Today, the Sycamore BPW Club continues to play an active and important role in women’s lives and in the life of the Sycamore community.

Note written by

Extent

1.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Donna Thurlby

Method of Acquisition

Donna Thurlby, President, donated the Sycamore Business and Professional Women’s Club Records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on May 5, 1980.

Related Materials

Researchers should note that nearly one-half of the collection contains complementary records which partially document the Illinois, National, and International Business and Professional Women’s Organizations.