The University of Iowa Libraries

Access: The records are open for research.

Use: Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to The University of Iowa.

Acquisition: The records (donor no. 601) were donated by Frances Graham in 2000.

Preferred Citation: Willing Workers Club (Fayette County, Iowa) records, Iowa Women's Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City.

Repository:	Iowa Women's Archives
Address:	100 Main Library University of Iowa Libraries Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone:	319-335-5068
Curator:	Kären Mason
Email:	lib-women@uiowa.edu
Website:	http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/iwa

The Willing Workers Club of Fayette County met for the first time October 3, 1918 at the home of Kate Ostrander. The group was initially formed as a Red Cross sewing club to sew and knit garments for soldiers serving overseas in World War I. The club also donated clothes, blankets, quilts, and food to needy families and orphanages during the Depression.

Club meetings were a major social event for the women where they could work together to help the community, accomplish goals, socialize, cultivate new hobbies, learn and study about other cultures and countries, and share common interests such as sewing, cooking, and gardening. The women also held events for club and community members such as bake sales, picnics, fundraisers, Christmas parties, baby showers, and bridal showers.

The Willing Workers Club records measure 10 linear inches and date from 1918 to 1987. They consist of minutes of meetings, annual programs, a club history and constitution, and club financial records. The history of the Willing Workers Club describes the major events that formed and changed the group through the years. Newspaper clippings, photographs, maps, obituaries, and correspondence can also be found in the History folder. The record books and minute books contain meeting agendas and topics, roll calls, and membership lists.

This collection is indexed under the following subject terms.

Geographic Names:
United States -- Iowa -- Fayette County

Browse:
Rural and Farm Women
Women's Clubs and Organizations