Regional History Center Regional Collections Jolly Neighbors Club Record... Finding AidTitle: Jolly Neighbors Club Records (Prophetstown), 1915-1980
ID: RHC/RC/112
Extent: 0.75 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 09/22/0198
Subjects: Farm life, Jolly Neighbors Club, Prophetstown (Ill.), Rural women, Women--Societies and clubs.
Languages: English
The Jolly Neighbors Club was organized on May 20, 1915 by eight women from Prophetstown, Illinois. Mrs. Harry Lawrence, Mrs. H.B. Lyon, and Mrs. Arthur Glass served as president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer, respectively. The club formed to fulfill a need of local women to gather socially and partially lessen the loneliness characteristic of rural life. The group held their meetings in members’ homes or at the Prairie View School House. Meetings usually began with a treasurer’s report followed by an entertainment program such as demonstrations of cooking, recipe exchanges, interior decorating, antique collecting, or health presentations. In 1918, the Jolly Neighbors approved a constitution and by-laws complete with the club’s motto, “If you want a friend, be one.” The group joined the Illinois Federation of Woman’s Clubs in 1927, but ended its federation affiliation when membership declined in later years.
During its sixty-five year history, the Jolly Neighbors Club sponsored various social activities such as picnics, ice cream socials, card parties, and lectures. The club also participated in community affairs, particularly with donations to the local orphanage and soldier’s home. Unfortunately, interest in the organization declined so low in the 1970's that the club disbanded in May 1980.
Repository: Northern Illinois University
Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection.
Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.
Acquisition Source: Mrs. Leroy Gibson
Acquisition Method: Mrs. Leroy Gibson, Prophetstown, Illinois donated the Jolly Neighbors Club Records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on September 22, 1980.
Related Materials: The Regional History Center holds several other collections related to Illinois woman’s organizations such as the American Association for University Women’s Club Records (RC 56), the DeKalb Women’s Club Records (RC 211), and the Rockford League of Women Voters (RC 178). Researchers interested in rural women’s history should see the Woodbury-Forsythe Diaries (RC 8).
