Ladies' Relief Society records, 1872-2007

Summary

Abstract:

The Ladies' Relief Society's records document the Society's philanthropic work for needy women and children in Oakland, California from 1872 to 2007. The records include meeting minutes of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board; administrative files containing by-laws, articles of incorporation, annual reports; Board records contain lists of members, committee members, and orphans as well as half-orphans; financial records and donations from outside sources; and files of various projects of the Society, such as fundraisers, festivals, and daily activities of its members, along with files of affiliated groups.

Extent:

Number of containers: 6 cartons, 2 oversize folders, 1 box, 2 oversize boxes Linear feet: 8 3 digital objects (3 images)

Language:

Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

The bulk of the collection consists of series of meeting minutes of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board. There are also administrative files containing by-laws, articles of incorporation, and annual reports; Board records containing member lists, committee members, and lists of orphans/half-orphans; as well as financial records and donations from outside sources. In addition, the collection also includes files of various projects of the Society, such as fundraisers, festivals, and daily activities of its members, along with files of affiliated groups and other related organizations and subjects. This collection consists of documents, photos and records from the beginning of the organization up until its decline.

Biographical / historical:

The Ladies' Relief Society of Oakland, California was legally incorporated in 1872 to provide relief to thousands of women and children who were homeless and destitute. To spread awareness of the Society and its needs, the women organized annual festivals to raise funds and attract donors. By 1881, the Society had cared for 417 beneficiaries. It later implemented a Home for Aged Women, a Children's Home, and a Nursery. In 1956, it was renamed the Matilda E. Brown Ladies' Home Society. The Matilda E. Brown Home was closed in 2007.

Acquisition information:

The Ladies' Relief Society records were given to The Bancroft Library by Lynne Costain in 2010.

Physical location:

Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

Website