IOWA WOMEN'S ARCHIVES
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA LIBRARIES
IOWA CITY, IOWA
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF AMERICAN PEN WOMEN, IOWA CITY BRANCH
RECORDS, 1964-1995
2.5 linear inches
|
ACQUISITION: |
The records (donor
no. 540) were donated by Nancy Pfeiffer Towner in 2000. |
|
|
ACCESS: |
The papers are open
for research. |
|
|
COPYRIGHT: |
Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to The University of Iowa. |
|
|
PROCESSED BY: |
Nancy Pfeiffer Towner, 2000. [NLAPWIowaCity.doc] |
|
History
The National League of American Pen
Women was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1897, because the National Press Club
would not admit women writers. The Iowa City branch was organized in 1963 and
chartered in February of 1964. Edith Pierce was the catalyst. When women who
had traveled many miles to attend Des Moines branch meetings were notified,
five members switched to the Iowa City branch. Together with four local women,
the total was nine members.
The early years saw meetings held in
homes. Many writers garnered awards. In 1965 Margaret Walker Alexander, a black
graduate student, spoke to the group.
Over the years, poetry workshops and
speakers comprised the programs, and a luncheon was included. New members were
invited if they met the requirements of professionalism prescribed by the
organization. Writers had to have been paid for published works and artists had
to have sold works and to have been asked to show in juried shows. Composers
were also eligible for membership.
The Iowa City branch awards prize
monies to students. Members compete at a state convention every other year for
small prize monies.
Scope and
Content Note
The National League of American Pen Women,
Iowa City branch records date from
1963 to 1993 and measure 2.5 linear
inches. The records consist of administrative records, programs,
photographs, and files regarding individual members.
Related
Collections
Iowa Press Women
Contains information on
the National League of American Pen Women, Des Moines branch
National League of
American Pen Women, Quad Cities branch
National League of
American Pen Women, Waterloo-Cedar Rapids branch
Constance Frick Irwin
papers
Irwin was a member of the group
Lois Muehl papers
Muehl was a member of the group
Mary Rouse papers
Rouse was a member of the group