Center for Archival Collections

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

 Introduction

The records of the Gamma Chapter (local) Ohio Child Conservation League (OCCL) date from 1953 to 1965. The history of this charitable and social organization is reflected in minutes, financial records, correspondence, newspaper clippings, handbooks, pamphlets, newsletters, and programs.

The records were donated on December 30, 2004 to Bowling Green State University Library by Joanne C. Baker, Bowling Green, Ohio. Literary and property rights have been dedicated to the public and duplication is permitted for the purposes of preservation and scholarly research. The register was prepared by Marianne Ellen Hessel, a student in Hist. 6560 (Archives Administration) at Bowling Green State University, in May 2011.

 Agency Sketch

The O.C.C.L. was formed in 1918 with its stated purpose of "bringing about legislation to benefit Children in society." In 1920 leagues multiplied in the state and began forming federations. In 1955 the Gamma Chapter of the O.C.C.L. was formed and became part of the Northern District later that year. Gamma Chapter’s statement of purpose was voted on and approved in 1957 and is stated as, "to bring together those mothers interested in the development, guidance, and understanding of their children."

The first executive board of Gamma Chapter is as follows the president, Mrs. Claire (Norma) Nichols, the vice president, Mrs. Glen (Helen) Sharp, Secretary, Mrs. Norman (Donna) Woods, and the treasurer, Mrs. John (Donna) Knaggs.

 Scope and Content

The records of the Gamma Chapter O.C.C.L. reflect the history of this active service and social organization, its members, meetings, and programs from 1953 to 1965.

The minutes, financial records, correspondence, pamphlets, and handbooks reveal how the group was organized and attempted to educate themselves on matters concerning family and engaged in philanthropic work in the community. The focus of their activities was to enhance the community for the sake of children. The records reflect their religious and family-oriented approach to achieve that goal. The collection reflects to a lesser extent the group's political activity as they were guided by the state organization to support specific legislation.

Students of women's history will find the material useful, in addition to those who study small organization development.

Also included are the newsletters from the O.C.C.L. to members and districts, as well as the development of the O.C.C.L., and information regarding the Wood County Federation of O.C.C.L.

 Series Description

PROCEEDINGS

MEETING MINUTES
April 1953-1965
Arranged chronologically for the most part.
Contains minutes of 149 meetings of OCCL including information such as the kind of meeting (regular or special), meeting location and hostess name, reported action only (no adjectives or opinions), the left hand page is used for corrections, main motions included whether carried out or not (name of motion maker, name of mover of the amendment and the motion word for word). Also contained in the minutes are roll calls, committee formations and the treasurer’s report including total recipes, total disbursements, and balance on hand.

CORRESPONDENCE

GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
Incoming, 1957 – 1965, nd.
Arranged chronologically.
Contains information regarding OCCL donations, meeting invitation, a letter of a member’s resignation, and a note between Gamma Chapter OCCL leaders on trying to keep the Gamma Chapter OCCL together (undated).

REPORTS

GAMMA CHAPTER TREASURER’S REPORT
1961-1962
Arranged chronologically
Contains disbursements, receipts, dues, fundraising (example: clothing auction), petty cash, and balances.

GAMMA CHAPTER CONFERENCE REPORTS
1955, 1958, 1960 - 1965
Arranged chronologically
Contains questionnaires completed by Gamma Chapter regarding the past year’s speakers, meetings, and philanthropic work, etc.

SCRAPBOOKS AND SCRAPBOOK MATERIAL

NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS.
1964-1965, nd.
Arranged chronologically
Contains information on OCCL meetings, programs, members, and spring conference.

PRINTED MATERIAL

CERTIFICATES.
1942, 1971, nd.
Arranged chronologically
Certificates of achievement for Gamma Chapter, membership cards

NEWSLETTERS
1957-1965
Arranged chronologically
Contains state newsletters

PAMPHLETS (Handbooks)
Revised 1948, 1957
Arranged chronologically
Contains information on the goals and regulations of the OCCL and the rules that should guide the federations and leagues. Some guidelines presented pertain to motions, voting, nominations, and adjournment.

PAMPHLETS (Study guide)
1961
Contains program ideas for leaders in the OCCL.

PAMPHLETS (Sheet music)
No date
Contains sheet music and lyrics for the song "Hold the Fort".

PAMPHLETS (Your Loan Scholarship Fund)
1964

PROGRAMS
1962-1964, nd.
Contains information on the given program such as time, date, and location, speakers, and activities.

 Inventory

Box 1

Folder

1. Minutes for Gamma Chapter OCCL
2. Constitution for Gamma Chapter OCCL, 1961-1962, 1963-1964, not dated
3. Correspondence for Gamma Chapter OCCL, 1957-1965, not dated.
4. Conference Reports 1955, 1958, 1960-1965, certificates of achievement 1954, not dated.
5. Treasurers Report, 1961-1965
6. Yearbooks 1961-1965, Mother Daughter Tea program, not dated
7. Newspaper clippings, not dated
8. Meeting minutes for the Wood County Federation of the OCCL May 1955- April 1964, Executive Board Meeting minutes, February 1955-March 1965, Bowling Green Federation of OCCL Banquet program, May 1965
9. Newsletters from the OCCL (state) to members in the state, the northern district, and mothers and members, 1957-1960
10. Newsletters from the OCCL (state) to members in the state, the northern district, and mothers and members, 1961-1965
11. State convention and workshop minutes, programs, and blank registration form, 1962-1964
12. OCCL handbooks 1948, 1957, OCCL study guide "an idea book". OCCL "your loan scholarship fund" pamphlet, OCCL constitution, Financial report October 1962-September 1963, sheet music, not dated, book list for OCCL

Manuscripts by Subject | Women's Studies Collections