Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Ladies Reading Circle
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1882-
History
The Ladies Reading Circle was founded in 1882 as the first women's literary club in Grinnell, Iowa [c.f. Magoun Club, Ms.01.11]. The purpose of the club was "to gain an intelligent understanding of the world achievements, and its problems, through the study of its history, literature, science, and arts." Before changing its name to the Historical and Literary Club in 1894, the club was called the Historical Circle, the Literary Circle, and the Historical and Literary Circle. Founding members included Lynda Haworth MacDonald, Emily Timmerman Hanlin, Joanna Harris Haines, Mrs. M.G. Phillips, and Mrs. H.K. Snider. The club was a member of the Iowa Federation of Women's Clubs.