Priscilla Club, Records of

Series

Priscilla Club, Records of

• 1892-2007 (Creation)

Quantity: 1 – 12 ½ x 10 ½ blue/grey box
2 – 15 x 19 blue-grey boxes
2 – 12 x 13 buff boxes

Arrangement: Chronological within series

Background Note: The Priscilla Club was organized on November 9, 1892 at the home of Mrs. George Grinnell with seven members in attendance. The avowed purpose of the group was to engage in “fancy work and sociability”, and refreshments were limited to 2 salads and a liquid at 5 o’clock; hostesses who served more faced a fine of 25 cents. On November 29, 1899 Mrs. Johnson donated the money for the purchase of the gavel (Box #5). The group joined the State Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1900.

Almost from the date of its organization,, the Priscilla Club has been a motivating factor in the planning and development of library services in Grinnell, with emphasis on the children’s department. In 1900, the group donated the first new books to the Grinnell Free Library and, since the opening of Stewart Library in 1902, has continued to provide furnishings and books to enhance its collections. In 2007, the club held a silent auction to benefit the Drake Community Library. The club has also supported Grinnell College, Grinnell General Hospital, and AFS students as well as participating in relief work during WWI.

The Priscilla Club observed its 100th anniversary on May 5, 1992.

Donated by: Esther Bethel; Priscilla Club, Teresa McCall, President; Barb Lease

Name of Preparer: D. Lalonde
Date of Preparation: 7/13/2007; 3/28/2010; 2/22/2013