Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduFinding Aid Authors: Anne T. Johnson.
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Conditions Governing Access:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Preferred Citation:
Steuben Society of America, Carl Schurz Unit 993, Springfield, Massachusetts Scrapbooks, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary
Acquisition Information:
Purchase.
Historical Note:
The Steuben Society of America was founded in May of 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, by patriotic Americans of German descent. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
Scope and Contents
Two scrapbooks of the Steuben Society of America, Carl Schurz Unit 993, Springfield, Massachusetts chapter. The scrapbooks include minutes, newspaper clippings, invitations, programs, membership lists and procedures. Meetings often include comments about World War II and the response of their unit and the National Society.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- German Americans
- Minutes
- Scrapbooks
- Springfield (Mass.)--History--20th century
- Steuben Society of America
- Women--Organizations--United States--1880-1950
- World War, 1939-1945
Significant Places Associated With the Collection
- Springfield (Mass.)--History--20th century
Container List
Page 77: Read political bulletins. One recommended "denunciation of members of the government who criticize foreign governments or their leaders with whom we are at peace." May 23, 1939. Page 82: Special meeting "to discuss the proclamation of the National Chairman…urging all members to show neutrality during the present conflict in Europe…" September 5, 1939. page 88 and page 113. Theo Geisel (possibly Dr. Seuss or his father) a member, but "stricken from the membership list" for not paying dues. Page 118: Steuben National Council News Editor, William MacDonald, resigned "on difference of opinion on the present political situation." May 14, 1940.
Page 59: Special Meeting with National Chairman and others about the possibility of disbanding the group. Chairman advised "us to continue on with our Unit, stating that once we break up, that it would be a very hard job to get the unit going again…" Voted not to disband. December 6, 1942. Page 125: Read Bulletins from Headquarters: 'the Release of German Prisoners' 'Immigration Laws,' 'Attacks on Steuben Society of America,' 'Statement on World Peace,' 'Relief for the People of Germany,' and 'Society Security.' July 8, 1945. Page 133: Read the Headquarters Bulletin regarding the relation to citizenship, taxes and the feeding of the population in war torn Germany. November 11, 1945. Page 153: Reports on packages being received abroad, items sent to "Relief of German Needy, Inc." and other gifts sent to Europe. December 3, 1946. Loose Items: Booklet, "How to Display – How to Respect the Flag of the United States" by James A. Moss and presented by Steuben Society of America. Handout with questions, "Did your Senators vote 'yes' on bars to war?" and "Did your Congressman vote 'yes' on bars to war?" 1940. 2 copies.