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Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women records

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_Coll MSS 352

Scope and Contents

This collection contains minutes from the meetings of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, financial records, correspondence between members, newspaper clippings about members of the NLAPW, an application for membership, programs from various conferences, and local, state, and national rosters. Box 1 contains material relating directly to the Logan Branch, while Box 2 contains state and national level materials. Box three contains a scrapbook put together by members of the Logan Branch of the NLAPW.

Dates

  • 1959-2002

Language of Materials

Material in English

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women papers must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.

Historical Note

The National League of American Pen Women was established in June of 1897 by Marian Longfellow O'Donoghue, who wrote for newspapers in Washington D.C. and Boston. Margaret Sullivan Burke and Anna Sanborn Hamilton, along with seventeen other women, established a group who at first were looking for "mutual aid, advice, and future development" for each other and their careers (quoted from The League Minutes, 26 June 1897). Artists and composers were also welcomed into the newly founded group.

Professional credentials were required for membership and the ladies determined that Pen Women should always be paid for their work. The association became The National League of American Pen Women in 1921 with thirty-five local branches in various states. Membership increased through the 20s and 30s. First ladies have traditionally been awarded honorary membership and on occasion have actively participated in League functions. Eleanor Roosevelt, a prolific writer, was an enthusiastic Pen Woman during her tenure in the White House and beyond.

In the ensuing years, writing competitions, art exhibitions, and special events showcased the works not only of League members, but aspiring artists, writers and musicians. Scholarships for students and mature women honing their craft have been hallmarks of League efforts.

The initial meeting of the new organization of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women was held September 19, 1957. Nine members were introduced. The branch was involved in hosting competitions throughout Cache County, Utah, and prided itself on being recognized for both major and minor works of its members. The Logan Branch was very active during its early years, however, membership dwindled during the latter portion of the 20th century, and eventually the branch was dissolved due to a lack of membership.

Extent

3 boxes (1 linear feet)

Abstract

The National League of Pen Women, established in 1897, was organized as a way for women to find mutual aid and advice for writing careers. The collection contains minutes, financial records, and other information about the organization.

Arrangement

This collection is divided into three boxes with the first two based on either local,state, or national levels and the third box containing biographic sketches of Logan branch members.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated to USU Special Collections and Archives by Virginia C. Parker in 2002. Virginia Parker served as the last secretary-treasurer of the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

Source:

  • The Pen Woman Historical Records 1957-, Utah State Special Collections and Archives,Coll MSS 352 Box 3
  • The National League of American Pen Women. "History of the League." National League of American Pen Women. http://www.americanpenwomen.org/history/history.cfm (accessed November 19, 2010)

Processing Information

Processed in November of 2010.

Title
Guide to the Logan Branch of the National League of American Pen Women records 1959-2002
Author
Finding aid/Register created by Patrick Bodily
Date
©2011
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs (Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd Edition)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Revision Statements

  • 2009: Template information was updated to reflect Archives West best practice guidelines.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)