The University of Iowa Libraries

In October of 1892, nine women met in the Sioux City home of Mrs. W.A. Mills with the purpose of forming a reading club. The women chose to name their club after the American essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, because they admired his self-reliance, individualism, and creativity. They held meetings twice a month that consisted of lunch and a program on a selected topic. In addition to Emerson's essays they also studied countries around the world, historical figures, and other issues. Although in recent years the programs have taken a more social theme, the club's driving goal remains the pursuit of literary work, knowledge, and friendship.

The Emerson Study Club records date from 1966 to 1997 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The records include bylaws, histories, newspaper clippings about the club's 75th and 100th anniversaries, and handmade yearbooks which contain information on the club's programs and meetings as well as a list of members for that year.

Access: The records are open for research.

Use: Copyright has not been transferred to the University of Iowa.

Acquisition: The records were donated by Agnes Yanney (donor number 348) in 1996 and Roberta Pendleton (donor number 469 in 1997.

Preferred Citation: Emerson Study Club, Sioux City 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

This collection is indexed under the following subject terms.

Corporate Names:
Emerson Study Club (Sioux City, Iowa)

Dates:
20th century

Topics:
Clubs
Intellectual life

Geographic Names:
Sioux City (Iowa)

Genre/Form of Materials:
Archives
Administrative records
Yearbooks

Browse:
Women's Clubs and Organizations