Guide to the Pioneer Women's Club Records 1972.8013
Finding aid prepared by History San Jose
History San Jose Research Library
09/22/2011
1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA, 95110
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
Note
This finding aid was created using Archivists Toolkit, based on an existing finding aid created in 2001.
Title: Pioneer Women’s Club Records
Identifier/Call Number: 1972.8013
Contributing Institution:
History San Jose Research Library
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.2 Linear feet
(6 books)
Date (inclusive): 1911-1940
Abstract: The Pioneer Women’s Club records document the activities of the club from its inception in 1911 to mid-1940. The records consist
of six books which records the monthly minutes of the club and total .2 linear feet in one box.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The records were donated in 1970 by Victor C. Pfeiffer, president of the Pfeiffer Electric Company.
The records were processed by History San Jose staff in 2001.
The Pioneer Women’s Club originated in the Pioneer District of San Jose. The district of Pioneer is west of the City of San
Jose and centered between the districts of Cambrian and Oak Grove. This club was organized by Mrs. Shumann, with the assistance
of the first six charter members, who all lived in the Pioneer District. These ladies were Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Millard, Mrs.
L. C. Isbell, Mrs. McAbee, Mrs. Rule, and Mrs. George Isbell. The club’s objective, as stated in Article II of its constitution,
was “to promote sociability and improvement of its members.” The first meeting was held on February 2, 1911 in the home of
Mrs. Shuman. At this first meeting the by-laws were established and the club colors of pink and green were chosen. Three committees
were created: the Standing Committee, the Sick Committee and the Committee on Good of the Order. The Standing Committee looked
after the business of the club. The Sick Committee visited the sick living within the community. The Committee on Good of
the Order was responsible for planning the entertainment at each meeting. These women developed one very unique practice.
The roll call became a way of sharing information in creative ways. As roll call was taken each member would recite a verse
from Proverbs, share a new recipe, or tell a joke; depending on what had been chosen for that meeting.
Meetings were held in members’ homes. A typical meeting would begin with either refreshments or club business. The women put
a lot of time and effort into the refreshments they would serve. Each luncheon or dinner would have elaborate decorations
based on a theme such as Halloween, Easter, or Valentine’s Day. They would have some type of planned entertainment. The entertainment
could be a game, music, or a reading from a popular magazine. After the refreshments the women would have a work session on
such things as quilting or hemming towels. The women always had an annual picnic at a chosen location in the area. Two locations
were Guadeloupe Creek and Greystone quarry. In later years it was held at Alum Rock Park.
The Pioneer Women’s Club had a very necessary community function. The women served the community in many ways. For those members
who had a death in their families, the women would send floral arrangements to the funeral. They put on parties for the community.
They did war relief work during the First World War. One member was the local chairman for the Red Cross Relief Fund.
As the years progressed the amount of members fluctuated. The Pioneer Women’s Club had many honorary members. The women who
moved away with their families became honorary members. At one meeting all the women decided that their husbands should be
honorary members of their club. The actual age of this club is unknown. There is no documentation on the ending date.
The Pfeiffer Electric Company has a long connection to the Pioneer Women’s Club. Three of the club’s members in the early
years were Mrs. C. Pfieffer, Miss Neta Pfieffer, and Miss Nellie Pfieffer.
The Pioneer Women’s Club records document the activities of the club from its inception in 1911 to mid-1940. The records consist
of six books which records the monthly minutes of the club and total .2 linear feet in one box. The first book contains the
Pioneer Women’s Club constitution, by-laws and years 1911 through June 1914. The five remaining books of minutes contain the
years June 1914 through June 1940.
Conditions Governing Access note
The records are open to the public for research by appointment.
Property rights reside with History San Jose. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact History San Jose
Research Library.
Pioneer Women's Club Records 1972-8013, History San Jose Research Library, San Jose, California 95112-2599
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Pfeiffer, Victor C.
minute books
San Jose (Calif.)
Women Societies and clubs