Records of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Northwestern University Chapter

The Northwestern University YWCA records document the activities and operation of the organization. The collection fills one archival box, one small and two large drop front boxes and spans the years 1901-1962, with the bulk of the records dating between 1940 and 1950. The records consist of a variety of formats of books and scrapbooks, falling into two categories: Histories and Records, and Scrapbooks.

Contents have been retained in the original format whenever possible. Some of the scrapbooks are in fragile condition, due to the quality of the paper on which items were mounted. In a few of the scrapbooks the items have come off their pages. In these cases, contents of the book have been placed in an archival folder. Each book and scrapbook retains the title and date label placed on it by the YWCA.

Histories and Records are comprised of five bound volumes which include Minutes of the Advisory Committee and Cabinet Meetings; the Constitution, By-Laws, and Amendments of the Northwestern University Chapter, as well as Cabinet Policies, Membership, Work Reports, and Social Function information, including a guest book for the 1940-46 events. This category gives a fairly detailed written account of the early growth of the organization between 1901-1937.

The seventeen Scrapbooks include a wealth of articles from The Daily Northwestern and the Evanston Review from 1901 through 1962. In addition to articles reporting on YWCA activities, articles also relate to many different religious functions and events, world affairs, including items providing insight into the racial/inter-racial climate during the period. The Scrapbooks also include photographs from outings, committees at work, and conventions; and Program Brochures, Flyers, and memorabilia. The articles trace the growth of the Association on campus, the contributions the YWCA made to the overall structure of the Campus, and its final days.