Afton Township Women

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-229

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The materials in this collection partially document the history of the Afton Township Woman’s Club from 1919 to 1971. The collection is divided into two series. Series one includes club meeting minutes from 1924 to 1950 which document club projects, fundraisers and social activities. Series one also contains account books from 1942 to 1964, club directories from 1957 to 1971, bank statements, membership lists and dues, and detailed information on projects and charity work, along with a club songbook, club awards, correspondence, and scrapbooks and records of club programs. Series two contains publications and materials from the district, state, and national federations of women’s clubs.

Dates

created: 1919-1971
Other: Date acquired: 07/02/1997

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 Afton Township Woman’s Club of DeKalb County, Illinois, was founded in 1911. Records begin in 1919 with meeting minutes beginning in 1924. Meetings usually began by singing “America the Beautiful” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. After that business would be taken care of. Meetings usually concluded with a social hour, complete with entertainment and refreshments. Meetings were held at either the Afton Township Hall or a member’s home. Community projects, including a major renovation of the Township Hall, and charity work such as supporting the Fatherless Children of France were major aims of the club. The club belonged to the Twelfth District Federation of Illinois Women’s Clubs, which in turn was affiliated with state and national organizations. These organizations encouraged local as well as national and international support of groups in need, and the Afton club responded in kind.

Note written by

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Erlene Hulmes

Method of Acquisition

Erlene Hulmes of DeKalb, Illinois, donated the Afton Township Woman’s Club collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on July 2, 1997.