Guide to the WI Federation of Women's Clubs 9th District Records,​ 1917-​2000

Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs. 9th District: Records, 1917-2000

Summary Information

Title: Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs. 9th District: Records

Inclusive Dates: 1917-2000

Creator: Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs. 9th District

Call Number: Eau Claire Mss AI

Quantity: 5.5 c.f. (12 archives boxes and 2 flat boxes) and 176 photographs (photocopies)

Repository:
Housed at the Area Research Center, William D. McIntyre Library, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Library-Archives Division

Archival Locations:

UW-Eau Claire McIntyre Library/Eau Claire Area Research Ctr.

Abstract:
Records of the regional organization of local affiliates of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in eleven north central Wisconsin counties (Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, and Trempealeau). Included are club histories, yearbooks, annual reports, correspondence, scrapbooks, minutes of meetings, news clippings, treasurer's reports, and other records concerning the clubs' civic and cultural activities. Also included are photographs of members of the Glenwood City club illustrating a 1986 workshop and photographs of the 1987 and 1990 conventions.

Language: English

Search Terms

Subject Terms

o Women—Wisconsin—Societies and clubs

Biography/History

The Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs (WFWC), an affiliate of the national General Federation of Women's Clubs, was organized in Milwaukee in October 1896, incorporating 63 existing clubs in ten districts. The counties of Barron, Buffalo,

Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix and Trempealeau compose the Ninth District. Each district elects executive officers who meet in formal session at least once each year to direct the work of the district's clubs. Annually each club reports its activities to the district president who in turn reports to the state president. A convention of the entire membership gathers each spring. In 1974, 9th District local club affiliates numbered 193.

Since its organization, the WFWC has promoted civic awareness and responsibility as well as cultural enrichment of individual members. The clubs of the 9th District have established and supported local libraries; sponsored educational loan funds, the Helen Mears Art Contest, and the Theodora Youmans Citizenship Award; conducted Trees for Tomorrow conservation workshops and scholarship programs, and established the Federation Forest; helped purchase the site of the territorial capitol building in Belmont, and aided in the restoration of it and of the first Supreme Court building. Other areas of activity include home life, health and safety, and public and international affairs.

Scope and Content Note

This collection is arranged in two sections and contains a number of local club documents that may be of interest to the researcher. Part 1 consists of records transferred to the Archives in 1977; these date 1934-1974. Part 2 consists of records transferred in 1990 and in 2001; these date 1917-2000.

In PART 1, correspondence and financial records are minimal, but there are nearly complete series of annual club reports, minutes of meetings, club histories, and convention registration lists. Extensive files of club yearbooks, directories and project materials complete the documentation of club activities. The records are arranged chronologically or by subject within nine categories: Correspondence, Registration Lists, Minutes, Annual Reports, Project Reference Files, Histories, Yearbooks and Programs, Publications, and Scrapbooks.

Registration Lists and Minutes reveal district-wide administration and activities, while Annual Reports of club presidents to the district president describe noteworthy local programs and projects. Also listed are officers, membership figures, and the contributions of each club to charitable causes. Departmental reports describe specific cultural and community activities of local clubs.

The Project Reference Files contain handbooks, notes, and miscellany describing suggested programs for community service and cultural enrichment. These materials were distributed by the state organization to local club officers.

The histories and yearly programs of local clubs are detailed in the files of Histories and Yearbook And Programs. A history of the 9th District, compiled in 1976, is present, as are typewritten histories of many local clubs from inception to the 1960s. Yearbook And Programs, 1970-1974, present annual lists of officers and members and schedules of

meetings and projects for individual clubs.

A fragmentary series of Publications include printed directories of officers and members, a state federation handbook (1956-1958), a booklet containing resolutions of the general federation (to 1972), and scattered convention programs; while notes, correspondence, clippings, and memorabilia are found in the Scrapbooks.

Records in PART 2 include award certificates, correspondence, membership directories, minutes of meetings, scrapbooks, news clippings, annual reports, photographs of the 1990 state convention, and miscellaneous records of member clubs such as clippings, histories, and a scrapbook of photographs compiled by the Glenwood City Woman's Club showing members at meetings and other club activities.

Administrative/Restriction Information

Acquisition Information

Presented by the 9th District via Barbara Larson, Whitehall, Wisconsin, 1977, and via Mrs. Donald Nielsen, Bloomer, Wisconsin, 1990 and 2001. Accession Number: M77- 347; M91-125; M2001-167

Processing Information

Processed by Menzi Behrnd, 1978; Sally Jacobs, 1998; and Amy Rommel, 2001.

Contents List

Ninth district, Alma Center, Altoona, Annis Creek, Augusta, Barron, Black River Falls, Blair, Bloomer, Boyd, Brunswick

Fairchild, Glenwood City, Granton, Hixton, Hudson, Hudson Prairie, LaFayette, Loyal, Lucas, Menomonie, Merrillan, Millston, New Auburn, New Richmond, Rice Lake, St. Joseph, Springdale, Thorp, Wheeler, Whithall, Woodmohr

Fairchild, Glenwood City, Granton, Hudson, HudsonPrairie, Ladies Benefit, LaFayette, Loyal, Lucas, 

Box 7-8

History

Cadott Women's Club, Clippings, and Agenda, 1985-1988