Finitimi Society Records
Scope and Contents
The records of the Finitimi Society document the weekly meetings of the Society , as well as the social aspect of the group. The collection consist of by-laws, 1906, four volumes of minutes (1902-1923), memorial notes on deceased members and a few letters from members (i.e., thank yous from members for flowers and get well notes received from other Society members), 1910-26. The memorials and correspondence illustrate that the members of the Finitimi Society formed close friendships with one another.
Although the purpose of the Finitimi Society, as stated in its constitution, was to meet to discuss “Parliamentary Law,” the minutes of meetings provide only general comments about the group’s activities.
Dates
- Creation: 1902-1926
Creator
- Finitimi Society (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted
Administrative History
The purpose of this Oberlin women’s literary and social club, limited to 20 members, was “the study of Parliamentary Law, or other subjects of interest, and to interest ourselves in the Questions of the day.” At each meeting members responded to role call with quotations from famous people. Active members included Emma Mason, Martha H. Sperry, Emma A. Haylor, and Emily H. Lyman. Many were also members of Pansy Chapter #34, the Oberlin chapter of Order of the Eastern Star, founded in 1894 as the women’s auxiliary to the Masons.
The activities of the Finitimi Society illustrated the growing interest on the part of women in politics and civic affairs in the early years of the twentieth century in Oberlin. The records in this collection document the period from 1902 to 1926.
Sources consulted
Roland M. Baumann, editor, Guide to Women’s History Sources in the Oberlin College Archives (Oberlin, OH: Oberlin College, 1990).
See also The Oberlin Tribune, November 11, 1904.
Note written by Marian Schlotterbeck.
Extent
0.20 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Method of Acquisition
There is no record relating to the acquisition of the Finitimi Society collection.
Accruals and Additions
Accession No: No accession record exists.
Genre / Form
- Title
- Finitimi Society Records Finding Guide
- Author
- Marian Schlotterbeck
- Date
- 05/01/2003
- Description rules
- Rules for Archival Description
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Oberlin College Archives Repository
420 Mudd Center
148 West College Street
Oberlin OH 44074-1532 US
440-775-8014
440-775-8016 (Fax)
archive@oberlin.edu