DeKalb County Fine Arts Association Collection

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-205

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The majority of the collection documents the involvement of the Association in the creation of the Ellwood House as a museum. The DeKalb County Fine Arts Association Collection dates from 1961 to 1979 and consists of by-laws, correspondence, and meeting minutes. The collection is by no means complete but will give the researcher background information regarding the formation of the Ellwood House as well as other activities of the Association.

Dates

created: 1961-1979
Other: Date acquired: 09/20/1991

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 DeKalb County Fine Arts Association's purpose was to promote the fine arts in DeKalb County; to assist in making available to all citizens of DeKalb County additional oppor- tunities for the cultivation and enjoyment of the arts; to support worthy programs of other organizations and functions; and, in general, to contribute in every practicable way to the furtherance and appreciation of the arts. The Fine Arts Association was instrumental in the formation of the Ellwood House as a museum. In November 1964, the Ellwood House was deeded to the DeKalb Park District. On July 1, 1965, the actual transfer of the property from the Ellwood Family to the DeKalb Park District Board took place. The DeKalb County Fine Arts Association Board and the DeKalb Park District Board signed an agreement on September 2, 1965, leaving the Ellwood House residence to the Association for ten years for use as a museum. The Association worked with the Ellwood House Board until October 3, 1967, when it was voted unanimously to permit the separation of the Board from the Association. Not until August 21, 1969, were legal papers signed that transferred the lease of the Ellwood House from the DeKalb County Fine Arts Association to the Ellwood House Board.

Note written by

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Sarah Marie Davis and Ralph Bowen

Method of Acquisition

Sarah Marie Davis, former librarian at Northern Illinois University, donated the DeKalb County Fine Arts Association Collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on September 20, 1991. Previous records were donated through the auspices of Ralph Bowen, Professor of History at Northern Illinois University.