Rural Club of West Chester State Teachers College Collection

Collection

Identifier: 023

Staff Only

This collection is divided into 6 series: The Constitution and Polices Handbook, Rural Alumni Records, Rural Club College Exchange, Rural Janus, Rural Day and Miscellaneous material. Series 1: The Constitution and Polices Handbook The Rural Club Constitution looks into what it means to be a member of rural club and the purpose of the club. The Rural Club Handbook is detailed list of all the rules of the club Series 2: Rural Alumni Records Records of involved Alumni of Rural Club. Series 3: Rural Club College Exchange Different Clubs focused on the same issues from other Teacher Universities. Series 4: Rural Janus The monthly newsletter sent out by Rural Club titled The Rural Janus. Series 5: Rural Day This series has information pertaining to the Annual Rural Day from 1932 to 1941. Series 6: Miscellaneous Flyers, songs, plays and booklets either made by or bought and used by Rural Club during its existence.

Dates

1932-1941

Creator

Rural Club of West Chester State Teachers College (Person)

Extent

2.00 Boxes

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection holds papers that detail the Rural Club’s members and events that were focused on bringing better education to rural schools. The collection has lists of contributors, prices to hold big events, issues brought up during conferences, and also has their constitution. The Rural Club constitution holds how the club was run and the different positions students occupied while participating. The collection also has multiple newsletters, called The Rural Janus, sent out by the club.

Arrangement Series are arranged thematically. Materials in each series are arranged chronologically.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Rural Club was established in 1927, the same year West Chester State Normal School became West Chester State Teachers College. The club aimed to promote progressive rural schooling and attracted as members in rural areas by education students who intended to teach in less populated areas. The club was supervised by Lois Clark, supervisor of rural student teachers, from 1927 to 1939, and then by Dr. Sykes from 1939-1943. The club organized events and programs to spread awareness. In 1944, the Rural Club combined with The Association for (Early) Childhood Education. The Rural Club was modeled upon the American Country Life Association (ACLA). The ACLA was formed during the American Country Life Movement that went from early 1900s to 1970s. ACLA appointed a committee every year to discuss social problems in rural life. The Rural Club did the same thing but on a smaller scale. The Rural Club met on Mondays to discuss issues with schooling in rural areas and to promote their ideas. In the fall of 1934 The Rural Club began printing a newsletter called The Rural Janus. The main events of the club were Rural Day and The Pennsylvania Country Life Conference.Rural Day took place every year in April with entertainment (poetry, plays, and music) and a banquet during the evening. The Pennsylvania Country Life Conference was attended by various schools and organizations, which gather to discuss pressing issues in rural life. A Rural Club Alumni Association began in 1931.