Introduction | Agency History | Scope and Content | Series Description | Order of Microfilming

Introduction

The records of the Sorosis Club of Defiance, Ohio, (1894-1977) were loaned to the Center for Archival Collections, Bowling Green State University, for microfilming in April 1982. The collection was transferred by Jill Gates Smith, Women's Studies Archives Project Agent, Center for Archival Collections, with the cooperation of Mrs. Rita Meier, Defiance, Ohio.

The records of this organization consist of secretary books which contain minutes, membership and financial records, and annual reports, and handwritten tributes to members who have died. Literary and property rights of the microfilm edition have been dedicated to the public. The collection was processed and the register drafted by Jill Gates Smith in July 1982.

Agency History

Mrs. Henry Seither of Defiance, Ohio, invited "eighteen ladies" to her home on October 24, 1894, to discuss the formation of a literary club. As stated in the approved Constitution, "The object of this club shall be mental culture." Thus, the Sorosis Club of Defiance began and continues to meet alternate Mondays in the homes of its twenty-five members. Initially, the subjects of each yearly program were to be varied with "attention given to modern and living authors." The scope of study expanded but each meeting included a review of a book pertinent to the topic at hand.

In 1910, the Club took the initiative in forming a city Federation of Women's Clubs, "the object being civic improvement." In recent years, Sorosis has made an annual contribution to the Red Cross and the United Fund. The club's focus does continue to remain on "mental culture."

Scope and Content

The minute books of the Sorosis Club, Defiance, Ohio, provide details on the subjects studied by the members and illustrate the club's emphasis on authors and literary work. Constitutions and bylaws with amendments are incorporated within the minutes as well as end of the year annual reports. Financial and membership records also are located in the minute books.

Handwritten tributes to members who have died are either recorded separately or reproduced in the minute books. Of interest are written notes in the margins of the minute books which were made by current members collecting information for an anniversary celebration.

These records provide a detailed look at local women organizing to further their education and to actively become involved in community affairs. The collection complements and expands the numerous holdings of local and regional women's clubs records held at the CAC and obtained through the Women's Studies Archives Project.

Series Description

PROCEEDINGS

MINUTES
October 24, 1894-April 18, 1977.
Arranged chronologically
Includes constitution, bylaws, amendments, membership attendance, annual report, financial report, corresponding news items, program agendas.

CONSTITUTION OF SOROSIS
n.d.
Printed and handwritten version of constitution written in minute books.

PRINTED MATERIAL

CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP
May 7, 1896.
Membership in the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

PROGRAM
October 24, 1923, and October 22, 1937
Program for anniversary luncheon

LITERARY PRODUCTIONS

TRIBUTES
1946, 1948, n.d.
Handwritten tributes to deceased members.

Order of Microfilming

1. Minutes, October 24, 1894-July 7, 1897
2. Minutes, October 4, 1897-June 3, 1901
3. Minutes, October 7, 1901-May 30, 1906
4. Minutes, October 1, 1906-May 2, 1910
5. Minutes, October 10, 1910-May 7, 1917
6. Minutes, October 8, 1917-May 2, 1921
7. Minutes, October 3, 1921-September 21, 1923
8. Minutes, October 1, 1923-May 3, 1926
9. Minutes, October 4, 1926-May 18, 1931
10. Minutes, October 5, 1931-April 29, 1925
11. Minutes, October 7, 1935-May 1, 1939
12. Minutes, October 2, 1939-May 26, 1943
13. Minutes, October 4, 1943-April 18, 1949
14. Minutes, October 10, 1949-May 11, 1959
15. Minutes, October 12, 1959-November 1967
16. Minutes, October 2, 1967-April 18, 1977
17. Certificate of Membership, May 7, 1896
18. Constitution, bylaws, n.d.
19. Program, October 24, 1923, October 22, 1937
20. Literary Productions, 1946, 1948, n.d.

Manuscripts by Subject | Women's Studies Collections