Description: Republican Women of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Chapter papers

Republican Women of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Chapter papers

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Author:	Republican Women of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Chapter) (Creator)
Collection:	Republican Women of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Chapter Papers
Collection Number:	3354
Format:	Manuscript
Language:	English
Subjects:	Lord, Lilias M. Clubs and Associations > 20th Century. Clubs and Associations > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia. Clubs and Associations > Political. Republican Party > Philadelphia > 20th Century. Women's History > Clubs and Organizations. Women's History > Pennsylvania > 20th century. Women's History > Political Activism > Pennsylvania > 20th century. Women's History > Political Activism > Philadelphia. Women's History > Politics > 20th century. Women > Clubs and associations > Philadelphia (Pa.) > 20th century. Women > Societies and clubs.
Online Access:	Link to finding aid

Physical Description:	36.8 Linear feet ; 59 boxes, 64 volumes, 11 flat files
Summary:	The Republican Women of Pennsylvania, Inc., was founded in Philadelphia in 1920 by a small group of civic-minded women who had worked on the Republican campaign for the presidential election. The foundational purpose of the organization was to educate women about political issues and encourage thoughtful political participation. The club was granted a charter by the state of Pennsylvania in 1922. Membership remained small but active in the early years, and the women were influential in bringing voting machines to the city of Philadelphia. In the years prior to World War II, the organization hosted distinguished political guests and organized political events, including three interstate Republican women’s conferences and two mock Republican Conventions. In 1941, the group purchased a building at 250 South 16th Street to use as a clubhouse. After the war, membership increased dramatically. Children’s groups were added in the 1960s, and a full calendar of social events coexisted with political activities. The women raised funds for charitable and political causes through the annual Holiday Market and other events. In 1978, the club received a federal exemption from income tax as a social club, which precluded donations to political campaigns. The group began a terminal decline in membership, mirroring the general decline of women’s clubs in the United States. In 1993, the clubhouse was sold, and the group rented space from the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. In 1997, an agreement was made with the Union League and the Abraham Lincoln Foundation for the use of a suite until the group disbanded around 2014. The collection includes extensive administrative and financial records, as well as scrapbooks and photographs documenting the club's activities.

Physical Description:

36.8 Linear feet ; 59 boxes, 64 volumes, 11 flat files

Summary:

The Republican Women of Pennsylvania, Inc., was founded in Philadelphia in 1920 by a small group of civic-minded women who had worked on the Republican campaign for the presidential election. The foundational purpose of the organization was to educate women about political issues and encourage thoughtful political participation. The club was granted a charter by the state of Pennsylvania in 1922. Membership remained small but active in the early years, and the women were influential in bringing voting machines to the city of Philadelphia. In the years prior to World War II, the organization hosted distinguished political guests and organized political events, including three interstate Republican women’s conferences and two mock Republican Conventions. In 1941, the group purchased a building at 250 South 16th Street to use as a clubhouse. After the war, membership increased dramatically. Children’s groups were added in the 1960s, and a full calendar of social events coexisted with political activities. The women raised funds for charitable and political causes through the annual Holiday Market and other events. In 1978, the club received a federal exemption from income tax as a social club, which precluded donations to political campaigns. The group began a terminal decline in membership, mirroring the general decline of women’s clubs in the United States. In 1993, the clubhouse was sold, and the group rented space from the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. In 1997, an agreement was made with the Union League and the Abraham Lincoln Foundation for the use of a suite until the group disbanded around 2014. The collection includes extensive administrative and financial records, as well as scrapbooks and photographs documenting the club's activities.

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