Thimble Club records

Collection

Identifier: 11-8-4521

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Content Description

Organization files and publications relating to the Thimble Club of Cornell University. Organization files include various copies of club officer guides (with progressive revisions), meeting schedules, membership lists, and organizational histories written by club members. The files also include two minute books with club meeting notes and treasurer reports from 1979-2006. Notes detail what was discussed in each meeting, who was hostess and co-hostess, what dessert was provided, and any decisions made during the session. The second minute book includes some tipped-in group photographs of members during biannual luncheons. Publications include clippings local news articles about or relating to the Thimble Club, as well as obituaries and funeral bulletins for members who have died.

Collection items of note include a September 1988 article entitled “An Ithaca Homemaker” by club member Doreen J. Rudan, drafted for the Ithaca Centennial Commission time capsule, to be opened in 2038. Also of note is an encased thimble that was passed from club president to club president.

Dates

1975 - 2015

Creator

Thimble Club (Ithaca, N.Y.) (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Thimble Club, formerly the Bryant Tract Thimble Club and sometimes called the T.N.T. (“Thimbles, Needles, and Tongues” or “Thimbles, Needles, and Tea”) was formed in January of 1907 as a means for wives of Cornell Physics graduate students to meet, enjoy tea, work on sewing projects, and become better acquainted with one another. Over time, membership was extended to include any wives of men connected to Cornell University, limited to 30 members. In 1915, club members moved to more formally regulate the club, electing officers and keeping minutes and treasury notes in the secretary’s book. The purpose of the club was defined as “sociability among its members”. To remain active, members would pay annual dues, attend regular meetings and bi-annual luncheons, and serve in a rotating schedule of meeting hostesses and co-hostesses. Club dues funded hostess expenses, club luncheons, and donations in the club’s name. The club ended in 2015.

Extent

0.3 cubic feet.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Organization files, membership lists, and publication material relating to the Thimble Club of Cornell University. Includes minute books with notes on regular club meetings from 1979-2006 and an encased thimble passed from club president to club president.