MSS 709 Ohio Girls Club of Washington, D.C. Records

              OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Manuscripts/ Audiovisual Collections
MSS 709 AV
Ohio Girls’ Club of Washington, D. C. Records
1918- 1983
OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION
Number:
MSS 709 AV
Title:
Ohio Girls’ Club of Washington, D. C. Records
Creator:
Ohio Girls’ Club of Washington, D. C.
Dates:
1918- 1983
Media:
Financial documents, correspondence, printed material, newsletters, and photographs
Quantity:
2.25 cubic feet
Location:
Ohio Historical Center Archives/ Library
Manuscripts: 4/ 17/ 5
Audiovisuals: 3/ 17/ 4/ A
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE COLLECTION
In the spring of 1918, Miss Ethel Roberts of Cincinnati, Ohio became interested in forming a club for Ohio girls in Washington, D. C., as many had come to the nation’s capital to work for the federal government during World War I. Roberts discussed her plan with both her aunt, Mrs. Simeon D. Fess, wife of the U. S. Senator from Ohio, and with other Ohio Congressional women.
On May 25, 1918, Mrs. Benjamin F. Welty, wife of the Lima, Ohio Congressman, held a tea for Ohio women living and working in Washington, D. C. Those in attendance voted to form a club to provide these women with the opportunity “ of forming friendships, of making their social lives more pleasant, and of entertaining soldiers, especially from Ohio, stationed in the vicinity.”
The Ohio Girls’ Club elected its first officers on June 7, 1918. A president, three vice- presidents, a corresponding secretary, recording secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer governed the club and were elected annually.