Introduction | Biographical Sketch | Scope and Content | Series Description | Inventory

Introduction

The papers of Ruth Park were donated and transferred to the Center for Archival Collections on December 12, 1990. The material, dating from 1916 to 1980, primarily documents her activities throughout her life with the Camp Fire Girls organization with membership cards, certificates, programs, and other printed material.

No restrictions exist on the research use of this collection and duplication is permitted for research purposes. The collection was arranged and described by Marilyn Levinson, Curator of Manuscripts in June 2004.

Biographical Sketch

Ruth Webb Park (Mrs. J.A. Park) and her daughter Mary Esther Park were a mother and daughter active in the Camp Fire Girls organization in the Columbus, Ohio area. Although not much information is available about them personally, from the material of the collection they were involved as a Camp Fire Girl and Guardian (Leader) from the early decades of the 20th century through to the Camp Fire Girls 70th anniversary in 1980.

Scope and Content

The material associated with Ruth Webb Park and her daughter, Mary Esther Park document the typical activities of the Camp Fire Girls organization on the level of both the participant and adult leader. While the collection is sparse in content it represents many of the facets of the organization goals emphasizing teamwork, health and social activities, and outdoor education, as typified by the organization "watchword" Wohelo, made up of the first letters of the words, "work", "health", and "love".

Series Description

PROCEEDINGS

MEMBERSHIP CARDS
1939, 1942, 1943
Camp Fire Girls membership cards of both Ruth Park and Mary Esther Park

CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS
1936
Constitution and bylaws of the Nichia Camp Fire, in the Columbus, Ohio area

CORRESPONDENCE

THANK YOU NOTE
1937
Letter written to Ruth Park from the Executive Director of the Columbus and Franklin County Camp Fire Council in thanks for work on the Jubilee Celebration

SUBJECT FILES

CAMP FIRE GIRLS HEALTH CHARTS
1941
Charts maintained by Mary Park for January and March, to record points earned in categories for Health Honor award in Camp Fire Girls

REPORTS

REPORTS - NICHIA CAMP FIRE
1937
Sheet outlining the activities for the year in summary form

PRINTED MATERIAL

CERTIFICATES
1916, 1917, 1940, 1980
Charter certificate for the Gitche Gumee Camp Fire of Lakewood, Ohio, and appointment certificate of Ruth Park as "Guardian of the Fire"; also, recognition certificates documenting her later involvement as a leader in the Camp Fire Girls. Some certificates oversized.

PROGRAMS
1938, 1940
Activity and party programs

CIRCULARS
1941
Activity guide for Camp Fire Girls' "Birthday Project" highlighting America's cultural heritage, including project suggestions, bibliography and resource list

BOOKLETS
Air Pictures
1915
Camp Fire booklet of Indian sign language

CAMP WYANDOT SONG BOOK
n.d.
Booklet put out by the Camp Fire Girls in Columbus, Ohio

YOUTH IS SUCH A LOVELY THING
Circa 1940
Camp Fire Girls promotional booklet

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS, INC.
1940
Printed report of National Camp Fire activities

MAGAZINES
Wohelo
1916-1919 (scattered)
Monthly magazine of the Camp Fire Girls

MAGAZINE OF NEW YORK FASHIONS AND NOVELTIES FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN
1915-1916
Sales catalog of Camp Fire themed clothing, supplies, and accessories, published by the Camp Fire Outfitting Company

NEW IDEAS FOR 1918
Sales catalog of Camp Fire themed clothing, supplies, and accessories, published by the Camp Fire Outfitting Company

BOOKS
Book of the Camp Fire Girls
1917, 1922, 1936
Various editions of the basic guide of the Camp Fire Girls

Inventory

Box 1

Folder

1. Membership cards, 1939, 1942, 1943
2. Constitution - Nichia Camp Fire, 1936
3. Thank you note, 1937
4. Health charts, 1941
5. Nichia Camp Fire Annual Report, 1937
6. Certificates, 1940, 1980
7. Activity and Party Programs, 1938, 1940
8. Treasure Trails, 1941
9. Air Pictures, 1915
10. Song books, n.d.
11. Youth is such a lovely thing, circa 1940
12. Camp Fire Girls Annual Report, 1940
13. Wohelo, 1916-1919
14. Magazine of New York Fashions (catalog), 1915-1916
15. New Ideas for 1918 (catalog), 1918
16. Book of the Camp Fire Girls, 1917, 1922, 1936

Oversize Certificates

1. Charter certificate for the Gitche Gumee Camp Fire of Lakewood, Ohio, 1916
2. Appointment certificate of Ruth Park as "Guardian of the Fire", 1917

Manuscripts by Subject | Women's Studies Collections