Guide to the East Palo Alto Women's Club Records
SJSU Library Special Collections & Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
Phone: (408) 808-2062
Fax: (408) 808-2063
Email: special.collections@sjsu.edu
URL: http://library.sjsu.edu/sjsu-special-collections/sjsu-special-collections-and-archives
© 2011
Trustees of the California State University. All rights reserved.
Guide to the East Palo Alto Women's Club Records
Collection number: MSS-2010-02-18
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
Phone: (408) 808-2062
Fax: (408) 808-2063
Email: special.collections@sjsu.edu
URL: http://library.sjsu.edu/sjsu-special-collections/sjsu-special-collections-and-archives
- Processed by:
- Kimberly Koshiyama
- Date Completed:
- 2011
- Encoded by:
- Kimberly Koshiyama
© 2011 Trustees of the California State University. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: East Palo Alto Women's Club Records
Dates: 1917-1995
Bulk Dates: 1922-1955
Collection number: MSS-2010-02-18
Creator:
San Jose State University
Collection Size:
3 boxes,
3.75 linear feet
Abstract: The East Palo Alto Women's Club Records consists of administrative records and artifacts documenting the club's activities
from 1917-1995 (bulk 1920-1955). The collection contents include standard organizational formats such as minute record books,
community service records, the organization's constitutions and by-laws, district and state reports published between 1917-1995,
scrapbooks and news clippings, and certificates and awards. In addition to the printed materials the collection includes a
wooden gavel and a workable seal stamp used by the organization.
This collection is arranged into one series I: Administrative Records and Artifacts, 1917-1995 (bulk 1920-1955).
Physical location: Vault 1, Range 19A
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
The collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright has not been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections &
Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to
the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections
& Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the
copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply to digital
reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Preferred Citation
Guide to the East Palo Alto Women's Club Records, MSS-2010-02-18, San José State University Library Special Collections &
Archives.
Processing Information
Preliminary processing by Kimberly Koshiyama. Processing completed by Kimberly Koshiyama. EAD encoding by Kimberly Koshiyama.
Organizational History
The East Palo Alto Women's Club Records document the history and accomplishments of the organization from 1917-1995 (bulk
dates 1922-1955). Starting in 1893 as the Mother's Club, they formally incorporated on June 20, 1894 as the Woman's Club of
Palo Alto with 24 members. The main objectives of the Club focused on self-improvement, mutual aide, and community work. During
their formative years, club women played a significant role in city government through fund-raising efforts and demands for
municipal services. Between the years 1893-1896, the club founded the first reading room and library in the city, and they
contributed to the founding of the first elementary school.
Prior to California women receiving the vote in 1911, Palo Alto Club women proposed two sewer bonds and they worked to beautify
the city with trees. Following the suffrage victory, the Club expanded its membership and focused on civic and philanthropic
activities, as well as organized a variety of educational and cultural events. The club provided a social outlet for club
members through a variety of programs, including plays and musical celebrations. Today the club continues to provide leadership
in philanthropy and is affiliated with the State and National Federation of Women's Clubs.
Scope and Content of Collection
The East Palo Alto Women's Club Records consists of administrative records and artifacts documenting the club's activities
from 1917-1995 (bulk 1920-1955). The collection contents include standard organizational formats such as minute record books,
community service records, the organization's constitutions and by-laws, district and state reports published between 1917-1995,
scrapbooks and news clippings, and certificates and awards. In addition to the printed materials the collection includes a
wooden gavel and a workable seal stamp used by the organization.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into one series I: Administrative Records and Artifacts, 1917-1995 (bulk 1920-1955).
Subject Headings
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Women -- Societies and clubs
Women's rights -- California -- San Francisco Bay Area
Women's rights -- United States -- History -- 20th century
East Palo Alto Women's Club -- 20th century
Women's clubs -- San Francisco Bay Area
Bibliography
http://www.womansclubofpaloalto.org/wcpa/History.html
Collection Contents
Series I
Administrative Records and Artifacts
1917-1995, 1922-1955
Physical Description: 3 boxes
Series Scope and Content Summary
The East Palo Alto Women's Club Records document the history of the organization from their early formation as a "Mother’s
Club" to become an official branch of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GWFC). Women's clubs across the United States
influenced local, state, and national politics long before women were granted full voting rights nationally. The Palo Alto
Women's Club records provide an interesting view of the activism of women in the South Bay during the formative years of the
club and after. Typical organizational records of this kind, the collection includes information concerning the annual budgets,
memberships and officer lists, the club charter, constitution and by-laws, as well as scrapbooks that document club events.
Arrangement
The administrative records are arranged chronologically and by subject.
Box 1
Administrative Records
1917-1991
Folders 1-2
Community service
1956-1958
Folder 3
Citizen of the year
1956-1958
Folder 4
Miscellaneous events
1956-1957
Folder 8
Scrapbook/Newspaper clippings
1947-1956
Folder 14
District/state reports on Americanism
1952-1972
Box 2
Constitutions, by-laws and meeting minutes
1922-1995
Folder 16-17
Constitutions and by-laws
1925-1970
Folder 18-26
Meeting minutes
1917-1971
Box 3
Gavel and Seal Stamp
undated
