Duke University Archives. Inventory
Extent: 6.0 linear ft. ; 12 Hollinger boxes + 1 folder (oversize)
History: Established in 1917 at Trinity College. In part, the chapter was formed by Trinity women in order to assist with the war (World War I) effort. In 1925 a new constitution was drafted and the chapter became the Duke University Y.W.C.A. In 1970 the chapter merged with the Duke University Y.M.C.A. to form the Duke University YM-YWCA.Contents: The records span the years 1908 to 1971, with the bulk occurring between 1930 and 1970. Includes reports, printed matter, pamphlets, newsletters, handbooks, black and white photographs, correspondence, sermons and writings, clippings, financial records, and journals. Subjects reflected in the records from the years between 1930 and 1960 include campus religious life; race relations; faculty-student interaction; student attitudes towards marriage, dating, and homemaking; student participation in foreign affairs and labor relations issues; and student volunteer efforts in the community. These subjects are reflected throughout the records in reports and other materials that document the chapter's coordination of campus programs and community service at the Edgemont Community Center and Wright's Refuge (Durham, N.C.) as well as the Legal Aid Clinic of the Duke University School of Law. Also represented is the chapter's role in the religious life of the campus as well as its association with the University Religious Council and the Director of Religious Life. Records from the 1960s continue to reflect the chapter's involvement in community service, especially with the Edgemont Community Center and with ACT, a community organization that was formed to improve low-income housing in Durham. The Vietnam War and abortion are national issues that are reflected in the records from the 1960s. Included in the files are many pamphlets as well as and other publications. Some of these are primarily religious works, such as CONSECRATION (1908) by John R. Mott, while others focus on political and contemporary issues. The later publications include THE WORLD STUDENT CHRISTIAN FEDERATION:ITS URGENT ISSUES AND HOW STUDENTS MAY PARTICPATE IN THEM (1954) as well as issues of HUMANITY:CRITIQUE AND COMMITMENT, which was published at Berkley, CA. in the 1960s. Also included are issues of OPPORTUNITY: JOURNAL OF NEGRO LIFE and pamphlets from the Commission on Interracial Cooperation. Also contained are a number of sermons, essays, and articles. Most of these date from the 1960s and reflect the intellectual climate of the decade. Information on the Durham Women's Center is included among a small number of materials from the Durham, N.C. chapter of the Y.W.C.A.
Guides: Inventory in the repository.
One file of printed matter from the Durham, N.C. Y.W.C.A is included.