Vol. 1: Informal Dames Minutes, 1901 May-1903 Jan
Scope and Contents
The papers consist of information about Clarence T. Hunter and his wife Dorothy V. (Spurlock) Hunter and correspondence to Clarence’s parents, Green and Laura Hunter. It also includes minute books and historical notes on the Informal Dames social club. The papers are arranged alphabetically by name and span from 1901 to circa 2001. The papers include the following large date gaps: 1911-1934, 1937-1942, 1977-1985, and 1987-2000. An undated newspaper clipping announces the marriage of Dorothy V. Spurlock and Clarence T. Hunter and includes a photo of Dorothy circa 1935. The remaining items relate to Clarence’s retirement from the St. Louis Public Schools in 1971 and include a newspaper clipping and dinner program, both of which contain biographical information on Hunter. Correspondence received by Green and Laura Hunter includes a 1936 cover letter for Green’s boxing referee license, a 1943 letter granting Green a promotion at the Quartermaster Department, and two 1950 letters from Mayor Dorst and U.S. Senator James Kem congratulating the Hunters’ on their 50th wedding anniversary. The final two documents addressed to Laura Hunter relate to Green’s death benefits. There are four documents relating to the history of the Informal Dames (f.3). The first is a 1933 typewritten report by the Dames’ historical committee relating to the formation of the club. There is a 1976 newspaper clipping celebrating the club’s 75th anniversary. A paper entitled “How We Began” includes many excerpts from the early minute books and concludes by saying the club is one month away from its 85th anniversary. The final document is incomplete and handwritten. It ends mid-sentence on page 23 with the final full statement, “It is remarkable that the Informal Dames could be in continual existence for over one hundred years.” There are four bound volumes containing minutes from the Informal Dames meetings. Volume 1 has been rebound, and some pages have been repaired and reinforced. It encompasses the club’s activities from its beginning in May 1901 through January 1903 and reveals the process of deciding on a name and developing a constitution. Volume 1 also contains lists of members and the club motto: “Since time is not a person we can overtake when he is past, let us honor him with mirth and cheerfulness of heart while he is passing.” Volume 2 contains meeting minutes from February 1903 through October 1910. It reveals that the Informal Dames hosted a Grand Ball on July 25, 1904, in the east nave of Exposition Hall. In February 1907, the club donated $5 for expenses to send a male delegation to Jefferson City to defeat a Jim Crow bill in the Missouri state legislature. The minutes note that Blanche Spurlock, Mrs. Frank Spurlock, applied for membership in April 1906. Volume 3 and Volume 4 include minutes from November 1953 to September 1974. There are notes about meeting entertainment and lectures, member lists, and dues information included for each fiscal year (September-June). Dorothy Hunter served as the club’s secretary from November 1953 to May 1960.
Dates
- 1901 May-1903 Jan
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.5 Cubic Feet ( (1 box))
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository