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Archives of The League of Women Voters of Lower Merion and Narberth

The Archives for LWV of Lower Merion and Narberth

Our Archives consist of several documents. The primary source of our early information is a LWV of Lower Merion Scrapbook that begins in 1920 and ends in 1924 (to be added to this website within the coming months).Someone, possibly Gertrude Ely, our founder, carefully cut out every article from local papers that had reference to the activities of the League of Women Voters of Lower Merion, which was the original name of this league. Narberth was incorporated later. The scrapbook documents the first Legislative Interviews sponsored by the league as well as the annual fundraiser held at the home of Gertrude Ely, Wyndham, which she later sold to Bryn Mawr College. Wyndham has been and will be used for the Legislative Interviews coming up in February 2007.

A booklet entitled The League of Women Voters of Lower Merion Township, Recollection of its History 1920-1969 (click here), comprises a roster of Presidents, and 4 chapters written by Constance Wetherald, Florence Kane, Katharine Williams and Anita Summers, as well as some publications and League Studies. The personal insight of the writers makes this booklet a jewel for those who want to know what the tone of the League was through the Depression, World War II, and beyond.

Two other booklets grace our archives. The first, LWV of PA published its Fifty Years Old and Proud of It 1920-1970, was researched and written by Laura Lou Brookman. It chronicles State events and contains some fascinating pictures of a day gone by. The second is entitled In League With Eleanor: Eleanor Roosevelt and the League of Women Voters 1921-1962 was written by Hilda R. Watrous and begins with a tea held for Eleanor Roosevelt by the chairman of the New York State LWV, Narcissa Cox Vanderlip. Mrs. Vanderlip was asking Eleanor to take part in the fledgeling League's attempt to present the facts of legislation to the directors and members of this new League. This was the beginning of fruitful relationship between Eleanor and the LWV of NewYork State.

There are many missing years in our archives. Please take a look through all our archive links and the link LMN Past Presidents, perhaps you know of someone's activities or are related to someone on the list. If you have any information or interest in chronicling or adding to our scrapbooks, booklets and other archival documents please contact us at: lwvlmn@mac.com