Arranged and described by Brenda Howitson Steeves
January 2009

Collection title: Woman's National Farm and Garden Association. Maine Division Records
Collection number: MS 636
Dates of collection: 1951-1993
Size of collection: 3 boxes

History

The Maine Division of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association was organized in 1950. Its purposes as outlined in its constitution were to stimulate interest in conservation of natural resources and love for country life, to improve rural conditions, to help women through scholarships and expert advice to gain training in agriculture, horticulture and related professions, and to furnish members with opportunities for marketing farm and garden products.

The organization grew rapidly after its formation and branches were established throughout the state. These groups engaged in such projects as making and selling wreaths, holding food and plant sales, giving workshops, and awarding scholarships for the study of agriculture and related fields. However by the end of the 1960s many of the branches had dissolved, and by 1991 concerns were voiced in the executive board minutes about the survival of the Division. The Division is no longer listed on the website of the national organization at the time of writing of this finding aid.

Scope and Content Note

The collection begins with the administrative records of the organization including constitution and by-laws, minutes of meetings, annual reports, correspondence, treasurer’s reports, membership information and newsletters. These administrative files are followed by subject files arranged alphabetically by topic. There is also information from the national organization and from the Associated Country Women of the World as well as scrapbooks of newspaper clippings about the Maine Division.

Contents of Boxes

Box 1

Folder

1 Constitution and by-laws

2 Guidelines for branch officers

3 Sample forms

4 Executive Committee lists; lists of officers, 1952-1990

5-7 Minutes of Maine board and council meetings, 1951-1990

8-9 Annual reports of annual meetings, president, secretary, 1951-1992

10 Annual reports of committees

11 Beatrice Batchelder Wright scholarship annual reports, 1976-1983

12 Annual reports, corresponding secretary, 1960s-1980s (scattered years)

13 Annual reports, Education committee, 1960s-1980s (scattered years)

14 Finance Committee reports, 1963

15 International Committee reports, 1960s-1980s (scattered years)

16 Nomination of officers: reports of Nominating Committee, 1967, 1980s

17 Annual reports, Program Committee, 1970s-1980s (scattered years)

18 Publicity Committee reports and news releases, 1953-1980 (scattered years)

19 Annual reports, East Penobscot Branch, 1954-1980s (scattered years)

20 Annual reports, Midcoast Branch, 1970s

21 Annual reports, Yarmouth Branch, 1966-1984

22 Annual reports, York Branch, 1970s-1980s

23-24 Correspondence, 1970s-1980s

25 Correspondence re finances, 1970s-1980s

26 Correspondence to and from National Committee, 1980s-1991

27 Correspondence from Associated Country Women of the World, 1950s-1960s

28 Monthly treasurer’s reports, 1953-1989

29 Treasurer’s annual reports, 1951-1985

30 Miscellaneous treasurer’s reports

31 Statements from auditors, 1970s-1980s

32-36 Treasurer’s records, 1959-1982

Box 2

1 Cashbook, 1981-1986

2 Register of dues paid, 1981-1989

3 Annual budgets, 1970s-1980s

4 IRS form 990, 1969-1971

5 Check register, 1973-1978

6 Annual membership reports, 1970s-1980s

7 Membership lists

8 Membership: members at large

9 Membership: East Penobscot Branch

10 Membership: Mid Coast Branch

11 Membership: Presque Isle Branch

12 Membership: Yarmouth Branch

13 Membership: York Branch

14 Newsletters, 1974-1991

15 4-H Leadership Training Program

16 Farm and garden market at York

17 Frysinger fellowship

18 History

19 Inventory of Maine Division possessions, 1981-1982

20 Newspaper clippings

21 Pamphlets

22 Photographs

23 Portland Lyric Theater performances, 1982

24 Programs and suggested programs

25 Registration for 1986 national meeting (hosted by Maine Division)

26 Victoria Society

Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association materials

27 Annual meetings, 1974-1976, 1981

28 Executive Committee meetings, 1974-1975, 1981-1982

29 Scholarship and Education Committee, 1990-1993

30 National treasurer’s reports, 1975-1976

31 Cancer expense plan

32 Maine’s applications for national awards

33 Woman’s National Farm and Garden Magazine, 1975-1991 (scattered issues)

34 Directory of officers, chairmen and members of council, 1990-1991, 1992-1993

Associated Country Women of the World materials

35 Council minutes, 1968, 1974, 1975

36 General Purposes Committee, 1970, 1974-1976

37 Publicity and Publications Committee, 1975-1976

38 Directory, 1967

39 Triennial conferences, 1968, 1971, 1977

40 Reports and letters

41 Reports of United Nations representatives; UN action news-sheet

42 Pennies for Friendship

43 Country Women’s Council, U.S.A.

Box 3

Scrapbook, 1950-1960

Scrapbook of Nancy Holt’s presidency, 1954-1958, 1960-1962, 1962-1964, 1973

Copy of A chronicle: the history of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association, Incorporated, 1914-1984 by Martha A. Nolan, 1985