Skip to main content

Willamette University Town and Gown records

 Collection
Identifier: WUA018

Scope and Contents

The Town and Gown records consist of documents that date from 1921 to 1998 that detail the management of the group’s business. Included in the records are meeting minutes, reports of the treasurer, newspaper clippings, photographs, a scrapbook, thank you letters, and yearly programs as well as the constitution and by-laws. Particularly notable is the association between Town and Gown and the Willamette University Department of Music.

Dates

  • 1921-1998
  • Majority of material found within 1977-1998

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The majority of this collection is open to researchers. There is one folder in Series II that is restricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Library acts as “fair use” reproduction agent.

For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Biographical / Historical

Town and Gown was organized on October 24, 1921 under the name “Lausanne Hall Guild” to create a homelike atmosphere for the newly opened women’s dormitory, Lausanne Hall. In 1925 the name changed to “Town and Gown.” According to the group’s constitution, its new mission was “to promote a closer relationship between the faculty women of Willamette University and the women of the community interested in the welfare of the University.” In 1957 the group added to its objective the funding of “any student award, project or activity directly connected with Willamette University.” Throughout its years, the group became closely associated with the music program and would annually fund several small scholarships for music students. Town and Gown met six or seven times a year and meetings typically commenced with musical performances by Willamette students or faculty. Following the musical program, the group hosted a guest speaker, and the topics ranged widely from African-American women’s history to the United States’ federal tax structure. After conducting group business, the group adjourned for a tea time and social hour. The funds generated from the membership dues and the contributions made at the tea table were the basis for the music scholarships. Additionally, the group actively advocated for women by collaborating with the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Overview

The Town and Gown records consist of documents dating from 1921 to 1998 that detail the management of the group’s business. Included in the records are meeting minutes, treasurer reports, newspaper clippings, photographs, thank you letters, and yearly programs as well as the constitution and by-laws.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in three series. Series I contains the Legal Documents of the organization; Series II contains copies of the Minutes and Reports of the organization, covering the years 1977 to 1998; and Series III holds the compiled scrapbooks of Town and Gown.

Physical Location

Mark O. Hatfield Library

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Bobbie Aerni, 2009

Title
Guide to the Willamette University Town and Gown records, 1921-1998
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid processed by Amanda Strauss & Veronica Martinez.
Date
© 2010
Description rules
Dacs
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections Collection Descriptions

Contact:
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 United States