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A Guide to the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs Scrapbooks

Finding aid created by Stephanie Slota

University of Florida Smathers Libraries - Special and Area Studies Collections
December 2009


Descriptive Summary

Creator: Florida Federation of Women's Clubs
Title: Florida Federation of Women's Clubs Scrapbooks
Dates: 1951-1952
Abstract: These scrapbooks document the involvement of the Sorosis-Junior Sorosis of Orlando and the Woman's Club of Crestview in the "Build Freedom with Youth" contest during 1951-1952.
Extent: 4 Linear feet. 2 Scrapbooks.
Identification: MS 36
Language(s): English

Biographical/Historical Note

In 1951-1952 the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the Kroger Company sponsored a nationwide contest called "Build Freedom with Youth." The purpose of the contest was to get young people between the ages of 12 and 21 involved in community improvement through leadership roles. Members of Women's Clubs worked with young people in their communities during the planning and completion of projects that would result in civic betterment. There were about fifteen thousand Women's Clubs in the country in 1951, and all of them were able to participate in the contest for a chance to win one of three cash prizes and acknowledgment by the General Federation of Women's Clubs. First prize was $10,000.

The Woman's Club of Crestview belonged to the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs, which was first established in 1895. The Sorosis-Junior Sorosis of Orlando, which formed in 1893, joined the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs in 1912 and the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1915.

Source: "'Build Freedom With Youth' To Be Sponsored By GFWC", St. Petersburg Times Jan 22, 1951, pp 20.

Scope and Content

These scrapbooks document the involvement of two women's clubs in Florida in the "Build Freedom with Youth" contest during 1951-1952. One of the scrapbooks was created by the Sorosis-Junior Sorosis of Orlando, and the other scrapbook was created by the Woman's Club of Crestview. The scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings, original photographs, cutouts from publications, and correspondence arranged thematically. Both scrapbooks seem to be presentation copies for the contest. The scrapbook from the Sorosis-Junior Sorosis of Orlando is especially elaborate, with a table of contents, original ink illustrations, and artistic lettering. The scrapbooks provide insight about the cities of Orlando and Crestview in the early 1950s and the issues that the middle class women of the Women's Clubs of these cities wanted to portray. In both cases, the clubs made an effort to highlight cooperation between the white and black communities of Orlando and Crestview. Projects include improvements to schools, youth activities, clean up and beautification, and programs in safety for children. The scrapbooks also feature the contributions of other clubs and community organizations to these efforts.

Access or Use Restrictions

Access

The collection is open for research.

Related or Separated Material

There is additional published material on the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs in the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Florida Federation of Women's Clubs Scrapbooks, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Contents List

Box
1 Scrapbook: Build Freedom With Youth 1951- 1952, Sorosis, Junior Sorosis - Orlando, Florida
1 Scrapbook: Build Freedom With Youth 1951- 1952, The Woman's Club of Crestview, Florida

Selected Subjects and Access Terms

Crestview (Fla.) -- History
Florida Federation of Women's Clubs
Orlando (Fla.) -- History
Women -- Societies and clubs


For further information, please contact: Special Collections Access Services.

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