Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1917-2004 (Creation)
Extent
2.63 linear feet (4 boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Faculty Women’s Club at South Dakota State College was organized in the early twentieth century at the invitation of Mrs. Elwood C. Perisho, wife of the college president. Created to strengthen connections among female faculty members, faculty wives, and women students, the club combined social fellowship with practical service to the campus community.
Its early structure included four standing committees: Student Loan Fund, Extension, Hospital Bed, and Faculty Mother. The Extension Committee organized programs and promoted the college to prospective students. The Hospital Bed Committee responded to the lack of a formal campus health service. The Faculty Mother Committee paired faculty housewives with women students for informal mentorship, a practice later replaced by a Courtesy Committee. By 1926, the club’s primary committees were Student Loan, Courtesy, and Calling, with the Student Loan Committee becoming central to the organization’s mission. Through teas, benefits, bake sales, concessions, and graduation collections, members raised funds to provide small, low-interest loans to students.
Beyond campus, the club participated in civic improvement efforts in Brookings. Members worked with the Civic League to advocate for municipal services such as garbage disposal and depot beautification, and they established a student employment center to connect students with local domestic work opportunities. During the 1930s, the club focused on preserving and strengthening its loan fund while expanding its programming to include lectures on international affairs and travel. Members also supported the formation of the Girl Scouts locally and assisted underprivileged children, in addition to hosting visitors during major campus events.
During World War II, the club contributed to national relief efforts through Red Cross work, the assembly of kit bags, and the purchase of war bonds and stamps. It also welcomed the wives of Army Administration School participants and formed interest groups centered on activities such as needlework, dramatics, book discussions, and recreation. A Newcomers Club provided temporary membership for new faculty families.
In the postwar decades, the organization continued to adapt. In 1953–1954, members endorsed the development of an art center and museum on campus, establishing a building fund and contributing sustained financial support through the 1960s. The club’s independent student loan fund was eventually merged with the university’s broader financial aid program. By the 1970s, interest groups expanded to include horticulture, gourmet cooking, and antiques, and regular monthly meetings gave way to fewer annual gatherings. Scholarship administration transitioned to the university’s financial aid office in the 1980s.
Reflecting broader institutional and social change, the organization evolved in the 1990s and, by the late decade, became the SDSU Club, opening membership to men and redefining its identity within the university community.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection documents the history, administration, and activities of the Faculty Women’s Club at South Dakota State University from its founding in 1917 through its evolution into the SDSU Club in the late 1990s. The records provide comprehensive insight into the organization’s efforts to foster community among faculty women, support students through scholarships and loans, and contribute to both campus and civic life.
Materials in the collection include constitutions (and proposed revisions), minutes, president’s reports, newsletters (The Grapevine), directories, clippings, financial records—including a loan fund ledger—programs, photographs, and scholarship information. These documents reflect the club’s governance structure, its broad range of social and educational programming, and its fundraising efforts for student support. The collection also includes flyers, calendars of events, and publicity materials for faculty receptions, teas, luncheons, and scholarship benefit events such as style shows. Records of interest groups (e.g., antique group, horticulture, gourmet cooking) and projects such as the Campanile restoration and support for the Memorial Art Center are also present.
The collection holds several club histories and includes documentation of the auxiliary Newcomers Club, which welcomed new faculty families. This includes a separate history, meeting minutes, and materials such as newsletters and artifacts (e.g., rubber stamps and a gavel). Artifacts from the Faculty Women’s Club itself include a gavel and official stamps used for communication.
Of particular note is material from the club’s 75th anniversary in 1993, which included a style show highlighting the club’s history. A script and video recording of the event are included.
The collection also contains records from the SDSU Club beginning in 1998, including brochures, posters, and invitations that document its continuation of social and academic support programming with expanded, coeducational membership.
These records are a resource for understanding the changing role of women in higher education, the development of faculty social networks, and student support services at South Dakota State University throughout the 20th century.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.