Hocken Digital Collections

Otago Women's Club : Records

Details

Reference NumberARC-0050CreatorOtago Women's ClubDescriptionThe collection includes executive minutes, correspondence, member lists, visitors' books, annual reports, a cash book, a suggestion book, various publications, photograph albums, and illustrated birthday invitations and programmes.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyThe foundation meeting of the Otago Women's Club was held on 10 June 1914. The club was formed to provide a forum where women interested in public, professional, scientific, literary or artistic work could associate. Mrs Lindo Ferguson was elected President, remaining in the position for the next thirty years. The club involved itself in community projects at all levels, from the poverty-stricken and unemployed to the 'At Homes' where distinguished guests to Dunedin city were entertained.
'Circles' were established as separate units with their own chairwoman, secretary-treausurer and committee. In 1915 the Public Service Circle was established, changing its name to the Civic and Home Economy Circle in 1925 and the Civic Circle in 1932. Other circles included the Arts and Craft Circle, the French Circle, the Play Reading Circle, the Literary Circle, the Poetry Circle, the Gardening Circle, the Bridge Circle, and the Motor Circle. Membership of the club peaked at a thousand in the 1930s but by 1990 there were only fifty members. The club closed in 1998.

Photograph

'Motor Circle. Otago Women's Club. Convalescent Children. 15-2-29'. Outing to Waitati Cottage.

Lady Ferguson and Sir Lindo Ferguson

Otago Women's Club dinner

'Motor Circle. Otago Women's Club. Convalescent Children. 15-2-29'. Outing to Waitati Cottage

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsWomen - Societies and clubs

Digital Collections

Hocken Digital Collections

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Otago Women's Club : Records

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