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| Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections Pullman, WA 99164-5610 USA (509) 335-6691 Inquiries |
Cage 541
Young Women's Christian Association
Records, 1906-1980
| Back to Finding Aids | |
| Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections Pullman, WA 99164-5610 USA (509) 335-6691 Inquiries |
Cage 541
Young Women's Christian Association
Records, 1906-1980
The records of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) were acquired by the Washington State University Libraries in May of 1987. The records were arranged and described by Lisa Bassett during June-July, 1987.
ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
The YWCA of Washington State College was established in 1895. It provided the women of the college a place to worship, held bible classes, and located housing and employment. It also served as a social organization that participated with the YMCA of Washington State College. A popular social event in the 1910s-1930s were the conferences held at Seabeck, Washington. Topics at Seabeck focused on issues of the YWCA and the YMCA of the Pacific Northwest.
During the 1940s, the chapter concentrated on global issues; the YWCA had plans to send care packages overseas, although the lack of funds prohibited such action. In the 1950's and 1960's the organization studied politics and world relations, presenting programs on various subjects including the war in Vietnam and the democratic system. In 1969 the YWCA adopted the imperative of "the elimination of racism." During the 1970's and the 1980's the YWCA offered more projects on cultural awareness in the United States.
Membership grew steadily throughout the years, peaking in 1954 with 711 members. By 1972 the membership had dropped to 219 members. The student body provided sole support for the YWCA until 1917 when the University partially funded the secretary's position. Other assistance came from the Helen A. Fuller Endowment Fund, established by Fuller in 1929. Presently, the United Way provides 75% of the YWCA's budget.
ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION
These records are organized into six series: Business, Correspondence, Financial, Miscellaneous, Newspapers, Projects. All papers are arranged chronologically within each series. The bulk of material centers on the minutes and annual reports.
The Business series contains the advisory board and cabinet minutes, and the annual reports. The annual reports discussed points that were significant to that year, (i.e. 1931- the Brides Parade and the Helen A. Fuller Endowment fund).
The Correspondence series contains letters concerning wages for employees and hiring requirements, letters from politicians, letters from President Holland, National Board announcements, personal letters and letters on the YWCA-YMCA split.
The Financial series contains annual reports and fund raising outcomes.
The Miscellaneous series contains information on the Business Committee, the Constitutions and By-Laws, Membership Lists, and national and local chapter descriptions.
The Newspaper series encompasses articles from 1913 to 1964, primarily from The Evergreen.
The Project series includes information on the programs established from 1973 to 1980, as well as information on the YWCA Centennial, conferences, political discussions the Student Christian Movement, and the Summer Migration Project.
CONTAINER LIST