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Clara Booth Byrd Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0020

Scope and Contents

The Clara Booth Byrd Papers contain correspondence, drawings, photographs, blueprints, construction contracts and specifications, speeches, and talks. Also included are copies of by-laws, committee minutes, and reports of the Alumnae Association that never made their way to the official university records.

Before donating these papers to the University Archives, Byrd made handwritten notations identifying correspondents, giving dates and clarifying particular matters. She also rearranged some of the papers; therefore original order could not be determined. In the archives the material was interfiled regardless of source except for the American Alumni Council, which was filed separately.

The largest amount of material in the collection pertains to Byrd's tenure as Secretary of the Alumnae Association (1922-1947). Correspondence with association presidents, other alumnae, faculty and staff reflect the everyday operation of the Association as well as special campus events, including commencement, Founder's Day, the 50th Anniversary celebration, building dedications and portrait unveilings.

Among the Alumnae Association materials, the papers dealing with the construction of the Alumnae House form the largest amount. Topics covered include finances, design, construction and decoration. Former college president Dr. Julius Foust is represented in the correspondence about the Alumnae House.

Another large group of papers concerns the American Alumni Council, a professional organization of alumni secretaries in which Byrd was active. Smaller amounts of material deal with the Friends of the Library, North Carolina Federation of Woman's Clubs, Tryon Palace Commission, and the Historical Book Club of North Carolina.

Dates

  • 1892 - 1970
  • Majority of material found within 1909 - 1970

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information. Please see our Sensitive Materials Statement.

Biographical or Historical Information

Clara Booth Byrd started working for the State Normal and Industrial College (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro) in 1909, as the assistant in the Treasurer's office and in the Commercial Department. In 1913 she graduated from the College, and in 1922 she was appointed secretary of the Alumnae Association and editor of the Alumnae News. In 1937, Byrd became director of the newly constructed Alumnae House. After retiring from the College in 1947, she established the Historical Book Club of North Carolina. In 1952, the club awarded for the first time the Sir Walter Raleigh Award, given annually for the best work of fiction written by a North Carolinian. Byrd remained president of the club until 1956. In 1966 and 1967, she was president of the UNCG Friends of the Library. She died in 1985.

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet (7 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Clara Booth Byrd was an alumna of the State Normal and Industrial College (now UNCG) and spent several decades working on behalf of the Alumnae Association, eventually serving as director of the Alumnae House. She also established the Historical Book Club of North Carolina and served as president of the UNCG Friends of the Library.

The Clara Booth Byrd Papers contain correspondence, meeting minutes, drawings, photographs, blueprints, construction contracts and specifications, and speeches.

Arrangement Note

Materials in this collection are divided by type, and arranged by date when possible.

Method of Acquisition

Gift of Clara Booth Byrd.

Offensive Language Statement

The UNC Greensboro University Libraries collects, preserves, and makes accessible unique and historical materials for learning and research. The nature of historical materials is such that some material may represent positions, norms, and values that are offensive and objectionable. These materials represent the opinions and actions of their creators. By providing access to these records in our reading room and through our digital collections, we recognize that archives and rare books can play a vital role in holding those creators accountable and in helping us learn from the past.

Our finding aids and other collection descriptions may occasionally re-use language provided by creators or former holders of the materials, but we strive to place outdated or offensive terminology in context. That said, we recognize that we may not always make the right decision and welcome feedback from all sources so we can learn and adjust our practices. Please contact us at scua@uncg.edu if you encounter problematic language in our finding aids or other collection description. We will review the language and, as appropriate, update it in a way that balances preservation of the original context with our ongoing commitment to describing materials with respectful and inclusive language.

Processing Information

Processed by Archives Staff. Encoded by Jason Alston, July 2009.

Title
Clara Booth Byrd Papers
Author
archives staff
Date
2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
P.O. Box 26170
320 College Ave.
Greensboro NC 27402-6170 US
336-334-5246