Administrative Information | Search Terms | Background Note | Scope and Contents Note | Arrangement | PDF of Finding Aid
 

COLLECTION SUMMARY

Title:     American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch records                        

Dates:     1935-1993 (bulk 1954-1993)

Creator:     American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch

Physical Description:     1.26 linear feet—3 containers, 6 photographs

Collection number:     MA 15

Language:     Collection material in English.

Repository:     South Dakota State University Archives, Hilton M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Abstract:     Collection is composed of official records of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch’s activities, including reports, minutes, newsletters, programs, bylaws and correspondence. None of the series is complete.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Provenance:    This collection was donated to the archives in February 1998 by Nancy J. Marshall and Mary Kraljic, on behalf of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch.

Access Restrictions:     This collection is open to research without restriction. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Copyright Status:     Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives. Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this finding aid.

It is the responsibility of anyone reproducing material to determine the copyright holders and obtain permission from them if necessary. Archives staff will provide available copyright information on request. Please note that most collections, especially those received before 1997, may not have complete information on file. (Revised 15 SEP 2003)

Preferred Citation:     [Identification of item]. American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch records, MA 15, South Dakota State University Archives, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Processing Information:    This collection was processed by Crystal J. Gamradt on 20 July 1998 with revisions on June 25, 2008 (cjg).

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the subject guide. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

Names:

• Volstorff, Vivian V., 1912-2002.

• Young, Gertrude Stickney, 1883-1965.

Subjects:

• American Association of University Women. Brookings Branch.

• Women—South Dakota—Brookings—Societies and clubs.

• Women college graduates—South Dakota—Brookings.

BACKGROUND NOTE

In 1931, with 37 members, the Brookings Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) came into being under the presidency of Miss Gertrude Young.  However, it was not until 1950, after much effort on the part of the members, that the national group granted current and retroactive membership to all women holding degrees from SDSC.

Throughout the years, activities have been many and varied.  One of the first programs was the promotion of a kindergarten.  The branch operated and supported a private kindergarten in the basement of the city library from 1932 until 1941 when it was incorporated into the public school system.  During World War II, the branch was active in projects to aid the war effort.  Members helped distribute gas and sugar rationing cards, did Red Cross work and aided in salvaging materials such as paper and tin cans.  Over the years, contributions to the National Fellowship Fund have been made regularly with the branch earning the money through many projects including bridge benefits, style shows, benefit movies, and through the selling of maps, engagement pads, books, calendars, and note cards.

Scholarship and fellowship programs have been of vital concern over the years.  A small fellowship to a State College girl in the junior class started the local program.  In 1962, the program was replaced with one that awarded a scholarship to a senior in high school and one to an incoming senior at South Dakota State College.  In 1964, after the death of Miss Gertrude Young, the names of the local scholarships were changed to the Gertrude Young - AAUW Scholarships to honor the memory of the first president of the Brookings branch.

Over the years, study groups were developed and became more and important.  In 1954, three groups - child study, money management, and international relations - joined two established groups - music and crafts.  In 1963-64, a new structure was imposed on the study approach.  The groups since then have centered in four interests areas - community problems, cultural interests, education and world problems.  Many action programs have been the result of these study groups and other special concerns of the members.  Some of these have been supporting educational television, promoting books and magazines distributed in foreign countries, and a resolution proposing a room for retarded and emotionally handicapped children in local school systems.  Study groups have also concerned themselves with problems in urban space, consumer education, innovations and crises in education and values in society, science and the arts.  Interest has also centered on the legislative process, particularly in the areas of education and women's rights.

SCOPE and CONTENTS NOTE

This collection is composed of official records of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch’s activities, including reports, minutes, newsletters, programs, bylaws and correspondence. None of the series is complete.

The Administrative series is composed of annual reports, bylaws, financial and fund raising reports, minutes and suggestions for the president.  The Minutes include minutes from regular meetings and executive board meetings.  These also include member lists and reports of some projects that were worked on. 

The General series is composed of accreditation material, clippings, correspondence, items from projects and study groups, a history of the Brookings branch, and a scrapbook.  The history of the Brookings branch include information on how the branch was started in Brookings and includes biographies of Vivian Volstorff, a member who was instrumental in getting the branch accredited and Gertrude Stickney Young, the group's first president.  The material identified as scrapbook, was found in a scrapbook, which was dismantled for preservation purposes. 

The Newsletters are composed of various newsletters published by the Brookings Branch over the years. 

The Programs are composed of programs for events that the Brookings Branch sponsored over the years. 

ARRANGEMENT of the RECORDS

The American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch Records is arranged into four series: Administrative, general, newsletters, and programs.

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order within each series.  The Programs series is arranged chronologically.

SERIES 1:      Administrative 

Box 1.

Box 2.

SERIES 2:      General

Box 2.

SERIES 3:      Newsletters

Box 2.

Box 3.

SERIES 4:      Programs

Box 3.

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