Collection Summary
Information for Researchers
Administrative Information
Biographical Information
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection Summary
Collection Title: Ladies' Relief Society records
Date (inclusive): 1872-2007
Collection Number: BANC MSS 2010/247
Extent:
Number of containers: 6 cartons, 2 oversize folders, 1 box, 2 oversize boxes
Linear feet: 8
3 digital objects (3 images)
Repository: The Bancroft Library.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Fax: (510) 642-7589
Email: bancref@library.berkeley.edu
URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
Abstract: The Ladies' Relief Society's records document the Society's philanthropic work for needy women and children in Oakland, California
from 1872 to 2007. The records include meeting minutes of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board;
administrative files containing by-laws, articles of incorporation, annual reports; Board records contain lists of members,
committee members, and orphans as well as half-orphans; financial records and donations from outside sources; and files of
various projects of the Society, such as fundraisers, festivals, and daily activities of its members, along with files of
affiliated groups.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English
Physical Location: Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information
on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Information for Researchers
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head
of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The
Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright
owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See:
http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research
and educational purposes.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Ladies' Relief Society Records, BANC MSS 2010/247, The Bancroft Library, University of California,
Berkeley
Alternate Forms Available
Digital reproductions of selected items are available.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog
Ladies' Relief Society (Oakland, Calif.)--Archives
Charities--California--Oakland
Nursing homes--California--Oakland
Older women--Care--California--Oakland
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
The Ladies' Relief Society records were given to The Bancroft Library by Lynne Costain in 2010.
Accruals
No additions are expected.
System of Arrangement
Arranged to the container level.
Processing Information
Processed by Jamie Nguyen in 2011.
Biographical Information
The Ladies' Relief Society of Oakland, California was legally incorporated in 1872 to provide relief to thousands of women
and children who were homeless and destitute. To spread awareness of the Society and its needs, the women organized annual
festivals to raise funds and attract donors. By 1881, the Society had cared for 417 beneficiaries. It later implemented a
Home for Aged Women, a Children's Home, and a Nursery. In 1956, it was renamed the Matilda E. Brown Ladies' Home Society.
The Matilda E. Brown Home was closed in 2007.
Scope and Content of Collection
The bulk of the collection consists of series of meeting minutes of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory
Board. There are also administrative files containing by-laws, articles of incorporation, and annual reports; Board records
containing member lists, committee members, and lists of orphans/half-orphans; as well as financial records and donations
from outside sources. In addition, the collection also includes files of various projects of the Society, such as fundraisers,
festivals, and daily activities of its members, along with files of affiliated groups and other related organizations and
subjects. This collection consists of documents, photos and records from the beginning of the organization up until its decline.