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Introduction | Agency History | Scope and Content | Series Description | Order of Microfilming
Introduction
The records of the Port Clinton Literary and Social Club (1881-1980) were loaned to the Center for Archival Collections, Bowling
Green State University, for microfilming in June 1981. The collection was transferred by Ann Bowers, Curator of Manuscripts,
Center for Archival Collections, with the cooperation of Mary Jane Zeis, Port Clinton, Ohio.
The records of this organization consist of minutes, programs, membership rolls, correspondence, literary productions, and
news clippings. Literary and property rights of the microfilm edition have been dedicated to the public. The collection was
processed and the register drafted by Ann Bowers in June 1981.
Agency History
The Ladies Social Club was formed in Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1881 for the "mutual improvement" of its members and to "aid the
poor of the village." In reaction to their husband's secret lodge meetings, these women created a secret initiation ritual
and designated the officers with such names as the "Superb Expounder," the "Assistant Expounder," and the "Guard." From the
beginning, these women enjoyed a few hours of social interaction each month with an anti-gossip rule being strictly enforced.
Later these ritualistic trappings were dropped and study topics were introduced along with a name change--the Port Clinton
Literary and Social Club. Study topics included the history and literature of various countries, U.S. History, the Bible,
and American biography and humor, as well as the reading of various literary works.
Civic projects also were undertaken by this Club including the establishment of a public drinking fountain (1895), a public
restroom (1910), and the public library (1908). The Club also was instrumental in organizing a sister literary group in Oak
Harbor (1882) and the Lakeside Federation of Women's Clubs (1894). Today this organization could well be the oldest literary
society still in existence in the State of Ohio. Histories of the Club written by members are included in the collection and
provide much detail on its early years.
Scope and Content
The records of the Port Clinton Literary and Social Club (1881-1980) provide a complete history of the establishment and operation
of this organization. The minutes (1881-1973) include information on programs held, officers elected, rules enforced, civic
projects undertaken, and new members initiated. Histories of the Club written by members between 1893 and 1939 provide interesting
and delightful insights into the rationale behind organizing the Club and its yearly activities.
The correspondence (1889-1980) illustrates the strong ties of the Club with its sister organization in Oak Harbor and with
former members who have moved away from Port Clinton. The annual programs, as well as papers, a poem, and a speech written
by members for programs, provide information on the types of programs held and topics studied throughout the Club's long history.
A few scattered news clippings (1891-1980) complete the collection and again provide information on programs and projects.
Series Description
PROCEEDINGS
MINUTES January 19, 1881-May 16, 1973. Arranged chronologically Includes members present, business conducted and votes taken, election of officers, programs, discussions, books read, new
members received, financial reports, tributes to deceased members. Also contain dues records.
PRESIDENT'S BOOK 1891-1906. Arranged chronologically Contains constitution and by-laws, order of exercise, membership list, oath of office, standing rules.
ROLL BOOK 1923-1959. Arranged chronologically Contains members names, dues paid, and dates with financial reporting (listing of expenses and receipts) in back.
CONSTITUTION/BY-LAWS 1938, 1950, n.d. Arranged chronologically Contains rules by which club governed and revisions.
CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDENCE 1889-1980, n.d. (scattered) Arranged chronologically Contains reports from Oak Harbor Club, letters from members who have moved.
LITERARY PRODUCTIONS
HISTORIES 1893-1939 (scattered) Arranged chronologically Contains histories of club written by members.
PAPERS 1902, 1930, 1931, 1934, n.d. Arranged by title. Papers, a poem, and a speech given by members at club meetings.
PRINTED MATERIALS
ANNUAL PROGRAMS 1891-1980. Arranged chronologically Printed program of year's activities, officers, and programs.
SCRAPBOOKS, SCRAPBOOK MATERIALS
NEWS CLIPPINGS 1891-1980 (scattered) Clippings on programs held by Club.
TRAVEL DIARIES 1914, 1926. Arranged chronologically Contains daily journals of her trips to Italy and Alaska
SCRAPBOOK ca. 1910-1920. No specific arrangement. Contains newspaper and magazine clippings and photographs concerning primarily friends and family and their activities.
Order of Microfilming
Roll 1
- Minutes, January 19, 1881-December 20, 1882
- Minutes, January 17, 1883-January 21, 1891
- Minutes, January 21, 1891-July 1902
- Minutes, September 1902-May 1908
- Minutes, June 1, 1908-June 15, 1916
- Minutes, August 16, 1916-June 20, 1923
- Minutes, September 19, 1923-June 20, 1945
- Minutes, September 19, 1945-December 16, 1959 (to June 1956)
Roll 2
- Minutes, September 19, 1945-December 16, 1959 (beginning June 1956)
- Minutes, January 20, 1960-May 16, 1973
- President's book, 1891-1906
- Roll Book, 1923-1959
- Constitutions and by-laws, 1938, 1950, n.d.
- Club song, n.d.
- Correspondence, 1889-1980, n.d. (scattered)
- Biographical Sketch of deceased member, Mrs. Buzzell, n.d.
- Histories of the Port Clinton Literary and Social Club, 1893-1941 (scattered)
- "A History of the Churches of Port Clinton," Mrs. Frank Mackey, 1934
- "Lewis and Clark Expedition," Mrs. Marshall, 1930
- Poem about the club, n.d.
- Port Clinton Library--historical background, April 4, 1944
- Speech of M. G. Sloan, July 16, 1902
- "Women of the Old Testament," Mrs. C. S. Wheaton, February 18, 1931
- Annual Programs, 1891-1980
- News clippings, 1891-1980 (scattered)
Manuscripts by Subject | Women's Studies Collections
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