AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (LA CROSSE, WIS.). BOOKFELLOWS STUDY GROUP. RECORDS, 1935-1998.  0.6 cubic feet (2 archives boxes)

Abstract

Records of a study group of the La Crosse, Wis., chapter of the American Association of University Women, devoted to the study of literature and books who call themselves “Bookfellows” founded in 1935. Materials include by-laws (1945-1996), bibliographies, minute books (1935-1995), programs, and an historical scrapbook, covering 1935-1998.

Acc. No. 1998-9

Donated by Marian Ramlow for the Bookfellows, Sept. 1998; bibliographies 1938-1944 prepared by Lillie Borresen, Head Librarian, La Crosse Public Library and found in the library’s files.

Processed by Jaime Dechant, Jan. 1999.

History

The American Association of University Women’s “Bookfellows” study group was established in 1935 after Helen Dorset, a La Crosse resident from a pioneering family, recognized the need for a more scholarly book discussion group than had existed up to that time. The first meeting of the study group took place on November 20, 1935.

Bookfellows discuss “literature viewed as an expression of national and international thought.” Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday afternoons September through May.

A list of the presidents include the following women:

1935-1965 Helen Dorset
1965-1967 Jane Steele
1967-1969 Marian Ramlow
1969-1975 Mary Gundersen
1975-1987 Virginia Rolnick
1987-1993 Jean Noelke
1993-1996 Mitzi Carroll
1996-1998 Marilyn Hempstead
1998-1999 Mary Bugge

Scope and Content

Materials include a complete set of minutes 1935-1995, by-laws 1945-1996, programs, 1935-1993, and an historical scrapbook 1935-1998. The scrapbook includes photographs and some programs as well.