Finding Aid to the Sequoia Club Records
Finding aid prepared by Kim Nguyen
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
2011
Title: Sequoia Club Records
Date (inclusive): 1906-1983
Date (bulk): (bulk 1924-1969)
Collection Identifier: SFH 58
Creator:
Sequoia Club
Physical Description:
1 carton, 2 flat boxes
(3.0 cubic ft.)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: Chiefly minutes, membership and financial records, and a scrapbook; together with a small amount of ephemera, bulletins, and
clippings documenting the Sequoia Club's activities from its founding in 1892.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
Access
The collection is open for research. Please call the San Francisco History Center for hours and information at 415-557-4567.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Sequoia Club Records (SFH 58), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Provenance
Gift of Clara Nelson, April 1996.
Conservation Note
During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples
remain.
Historical note
The Sequoia Club was one of the oldest social clubs in San Francisco, founded in 1892 by seven or eight wives of Bohemian
Club members who wanted to meet together with their husbands to appreciate the arts. At that time, only artists and writers
were allowed; later, a wider range of associates were permitted to join, opening the Club to men and women with interests
and achievements in the creative arts, music, drama, and science. The Sequoia Club was governed by four officers and five
directors. Notable officers and members of the Club included: Senator James D. Phelan, Gertrude Atherton, Mrs. Fremont Older,
Evelyn Wells, Tommy Noonan, Ethel Cotton, Mrs. F. H. Colburn, and Arthur Chamberlin. Other prominent artists were A. C. Best,
Ethel Wickes, Charles Henry Grant, Maynard Dixon, James Holden, Emerson Lewis, Percy Grey, and Lee Bates. The purpose of the
Club was to promote cultural advancement, social activities, and friendship. Meetings were held each Thursday evening at the
California Club Rooms, 1750 Clay Street. Activities included formal dances, lectures, motion pictures, drama and short plays,
art and floral exhibits, annual picnics, golf tournaments, card parties, costume balls, and special dinners and dances.
Scope and Contents
Chiefly minutes, membership and financial records, and a scrapbook; together with a small amount of ephemera, bulletins, and
clippings documenting the Sequoia Club's activities from its founding in 1892. The scrapbook (1906-1962) contains mostly bulletins
and clippings, with a few photographs, ephemera, and some minutes.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged by type of record, then chronologically within each type.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Clubs--California--San Francisco.
San Francisco (Calif.)--Social life and customs
Box 1, Folder 8
Membership Rosters,
1939-1983
Box 1, Folder 9
Membership Cards, A-L,
1921-1983
Box 1, Folder 10
Membership Card, M-Z,
1921-1982
Box 1, Folder 11
Guest and Member Book,
1956-1957
Box 1, Folder 13
Membership Applications and Letterhead,
undated
Box 1, Folder 14
Bulletins and Ephemera,
1930-1983
Box 1, Folder 15
Events Notebook,
1960-1961
Box 1, Folder 16
Financial Records (Cash Book),
1931-1933
Box 1, Folder 17
Financial Records (Pass Book),
1931-1960
Box 1, Folder 18
Financial Records (Cash Book),
1942-1943
Box 1, Folder 19
Financial Records (Ledger),
1944-1960
