Oberlin Woman's Club Records

The Oberlin Woman's Club was formed in 1901 "to bring together women interested in literary, artistic, scientific and philanthropic pursuits, with a view of rendering them helpful to each other and useful to society." The organization, which was dominated by faculty wives, immediately joined state and national federations of women's clubs. Internal departments were formed to address such interests as art, history, literature, home and garden, music, sociology, and social progress. In addition, committees were formed to focus on civic, school, and community‑welfare issues. Both members and nonmembers gave papers on civic and intellectual topics at general and departmental meetings. A number of organizations and projects were supported financially by the club, including but not limited to the Civic Improvement Society, beautification of the town, a cooking school, a Red Cross Woman's Auxiliary during World War I, a nursery school, medical and dental care for school children, music therapy for mentally challenged children, sale of articles made by the blind, adult education for women, clean city campaigns, and services for senior citizens and handicapped people. A major project undertaken by the club was the ownership and operation of a thrift shop, 1930‑1978; the profits from the sale of clothing and books were used for philanthropic purposes. The programs supported by its funds included scholarships for students, a mini-bus for elderly citizens, and a room at the Allen Memorial Hospital. In its last years the Thrift Shop earned over $4000 a year.

Club membership rose from 22 charter members to regularly well over 100. But by 1981 attendance at meetings reached only 20 to 30. As a result of the declining membership that was increasing in age, the group disbanded in 1981. This decision was further influenced by the existence of the functioning Oberlin Junior Women’s Club. Active members throughout the years included Alice C. Bunce, Jennie Huckins, Mrs. George Hubbard, Mrs. George Dudley, Sara Branigan, and Harriet Long.

In 1981, Harriet Long and Manette Swetland wrote a history of the eighty years of the organization, The History of the Oberlin Woman’s Club, 1901-1981. For this history, see Series VI Historical.

Sources consulted Roland M. Baumann, ed., Guide to the Women’s History Sources in the Oberlin College Archives (Oberlin: Oberlin College, 1990).

Note written by Marian Schlotterbeck.