By Sharon Brown McConnell and Samantha Barlow
Title: EKU Women Records, 1955-2005
Primary Creator: Eastern Kentucky University Women
Extent: 5.96 Cubic Feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Date Acquired: 05/30/2002
Subjects: Eastern Kentucky University--Societies, etc.
Languages: English
EKU Women was first organized in 1955 by Verda Hatch and Emma Jaggers as Faculty Wives. It was begun as a social organization for wives of faculty members and as a stepping-stone to meeting wives of new faculty members. This met with the approval of President W.F. O'Donnell, as long as the group did "not interfere in any way with the college." Meetings were at first confined to luncheons and bridge games; however, very soon husbands were included during dances and certain other social events. By the second year, meetings were changed to dinners in the Blue Room of the Keen Johnson Building with bridge and conversation following. Beginning in 1961, entertainment for the members included flower arranging and a style show. For several years members provided Christmas gifts for the Telford Community Center. In later years food fairs, craft fairs, brunches, and certain stage productions were included. Some off-campus tours were coffee at the governor's mansion with Governor and Mrs. Louie Nunn and a trip to the antique shops in Washington, Kentucky. Over the years, home tours of members or of historic homes in Richmond have been conducted. Special events for newcomers are scheduled annually. Progressive dinners and hayrides have been given. In 1973, a scholarship fund was established. Using proceeds from the spring style show and certain other monies, EKU Women now provides a modest stipend for a deserving young women during her senior year.
When university status was achieved in 1966, the name of the organization was changed from Faculty Wives to EKU Women. At this time, it was decided to include in their membership women faculty members. From the first meeting in 1955, the number of members has grown from nineteen to over three hundred. The first constitution was written in 1965 and has been revised several times.
The organization continues to grow and prosper, assimilating new ideas and establishing new goals. It remains among the most prestigious women's group in Richmond, Kentucky.
Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Acquisition Source: Barrett, Marge; Miller, Bethany; Bagby, Kathryn
Finding Aid Revision History: Combined with 1999-002, 2001-005, 2016-029 and reprocessed in June 2018.
