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Utopian Literary Club documents

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS1120

Scope and Content

This collection consists of historical sketches written about the club, biographies highlighting members, and a proclamation from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners honoring the club. There are also programs for events and special projects, yearbooks documenting past club members, meeting minutes, financial reports, and meeting agendas.

Dates

  • 1927-2003, undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

The Utopian Literary Club was an African-American women’s literary club founded in 1916 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Mrs. J. W. Madison. The club’s membership primarily consisted of middle-class wives of black businessmen, university professors, and professionals living in the Atlanta area. Drawing on the philosophy of Sir Thomas More, the author of Utopia, the club’s mission was to promote the intellectual and cultural advancement of its members. During meetings members discussed a variety of topics including literature, science, politics, and social justice issues like segregation and racism. Meetings also included lectures, musical performances, and poetry readings. Members of the Utopian Literary Club participated in the 1960 sit-in at Rich’s Magnolia Room in Atlanta, Georgia. The Utopian Literary Club celebrated its centennial in 2016.

Extent

0.21 linear ft. (one document case)

Language

English

System of Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically according to titles supplied by staff.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, 2004

Related Archival Materials

Visual materials have been separated from the collection. Please contact an archivist for access to these materials.

Description Control

This collection was processed in 2017.

Title
Utopian Literary Club documents
Author
Joshua Whitfield
Date
June 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040