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Utopian Literary Club records

 Collection
Identifier: aarl96-010

Scope and Content Note

The collection is approximately 5 linear feet. The collection contains documents that includes club activities, meeting anouncements, programs and minutes, press releases, newspaper articles, financial records, handbook and constitution updates, biographical sketches of members and speakers, annual yearbooks and programs from the annual Party For Friends events. There are also photographs of members and pictures from various club events.

Dates

  • 1919-1986

Creator

Restrictions of Access

There are no restrictions on the research use of this collection.

Restrictions on Use

Prior permission from the Research Library must be obtained in writing before any portion of this collection can be published or reproduced.

Historical Sketch

The Utopian Literary Club was founded in Atlanta, GA in 1916 by a group of friends having similar interests in literature and art, sculpture and painting, and current developments who wanted to keep alive these interests and keep abreast of changing times. The object of the club is "to encourage and promote congenial fellowship among members by providing facilities and occasions conducive to the stimulation of mental growth." The club holds meetings the third Thursday of each month for the months of September through May.

The Constitution of the Utopian Literary Club states that the membership shall be limited to twenty-five active members. Since its founding, the Club has hosted musical programs, literary programs, invited speakers to address the group on various topics of current interest, and hosted plays. In some years, themes were selected by the Club's Program Committee to which the entire year's activities were devoted. Members presented original papers on specific topics. The Club also donates money to charitable organizations and publishes a year book each year listing the current and former members.

In March, 1996 the organization celebrated its 80th anniversary with a party and decided to donate its records to the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History. In May, 1996, the records were officially donated to the library as a part of the Library's Inaugural Annie L. McPheeters Lecture Series. Mrs. McPheeters, the first African-American professional librarian in the Atlanta Public Library system, was a lifelong member of the Utopian Literary Club. In April of 2016, the organization celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Extent

5 Linear feet

Language

English

Overview

The collection contains documents that includes club activities, meeting anouncements, programs and minutes, press releases, newspaper articles, financial records, handbook and constitution updates, biographical sketches of members and speakers, annual yearbooks and programs from the annual Party For Friends events. There are also photographs of members and pictures from various club events.

Series

Arranged by type.

Processing Information

Processed by Monique Brown. Completed May 2022

Title
Inventory of the Utopian Literary Club Records aarl96-010 aarl96-010
Author
Finding aid prepared by Finding aid prepared by Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
Date
2004 September 15
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History Repository

Contact:
101 Auburn Avenue NE
Atlanta GA 30303
404-613-4032