Student Life: Oberlin Peace Society Records

Collection

Identifier: RG 19-003-006-001

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records of the Oberlin Peace Society relate to the organization’s commitment to the study and pursuance of peace within the international community, 1930-1939. The membership records show that almost half of the student body at Oberlin in 1931 were members of the Peace Society. From the period 1930 to 1939, the records show that the Society and its members were involved in various activities to promote peace. The Peace Society sponsored conferences and lectures. Except for a 1947 War Day Demonstration held on the Oberlin College campus, the activity of the Peace Society had declined by 1940. The collection is divided into ten series.

Dates

Creation: 1930-1947, undated

Creator

Oberlin (College) Peace Society (Organization)

Administrative History

TIMELINE

Winter 1930: Causey Conferences and work by Political Science Professor Oscar Jaszi (d. 1957) stimulate discussion of international affairs among the student body. Two discussion groups are formed to encourage discourse on the issues that were addressed in the initial conferences.

February 26, 1930: 1200 members of the Oberlin community attend the founding meeting of the Oberlin Peace Society in Finney Chapel.

October 1931: 850 students, almost half of the student body, sign the membership pledge. The Society reaches its peak in membership.

December 12, 1931: The Society holds the World Court Conference at Oberlin College.

April 28 and 29, 1933: The Peace Society hosts the Ohio Intercollegiate Model Assembly of the League of Nations at Oberlin College.

Fall 1935: The Oberlin Peace Society hosts experts in international relations to discuss the problems of pacifism as well as realism. Noted speakers include Frederick J. Libby, Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Prevention of War; Phillip C. Nash, President of Toledo University; Thomas Kennedy, of the Friends Service Committee; and Devere Allen, editor of the No Frontier News Service.

November 4, 1935: The Society publishes its first bulletin.

March 1939: The “Living Museum of Peace” is established by the Peace Society. The information gathered is presented in the Peace Society Bulletin and pictorial exhibits are planned.

April 22, 1937: The Oberlin Peace Society sponsors "Fast Call," a student peace strike, Oberlin College.

April 21-22, 1938: The Oberlin Peace Society sponsors War Mobilization Day, Oberlin College.

1939: The Oberlin Peace Society holds the Oberlin Peace Senate, Oberlin College.

April 20, 1947: The Oberlin Peace Society sponsors the War Day Demonstration, Oberlin College.

Note – The official end date of the society could not be established.