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Santa Claus Girls collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 180

Scope and Contents

The collection as initially processed was said to contain 37 scrapbooks. 17 brown envelopes of Grand Rapids Press newspaper clippings about the Santa Claus Girls, 1959-1968, were found in Box 4. Also found was 1 brown envelope of Grand Rapids Herald clippings 1954-1958, re the Santa Claus Girls. It was discovered that these envelopes of general file clippings from the publishers had been called [vol. 16], 1954-1968, as previously processed.

These general clippings from the publishers files themselves have been placed in other collections, as follows:

Coll. 297, the Grand Rapids Press Collection, in process 6/18/2003. Coll. 259, the Grand Rapids Public Library Newspaper Collection. Herald Clippings Series. Box 111.

Thus, as of June 2003, the collection contained 36 scrapbooks from the initial accession and 16 scrapbooks from accession 2003.052. While there are a total of 52 scrapbooks, the numbering remains [v.1] to [v. 53], using the [v.16] as a cross reference to the new location of the general clippings.

The collection now covers the period 1941-2000.

The scrapbooks are predominately newspaper clippings. However, there are black & white or color photos in some books, as well as ephemera, some correspondence, and club documents, such as the various constitutions.

Scrapbooks [v. 32] is missing the cover.

Additionally, loose items found in the new accession, and small folder of early constitutions found in Box 1, were moved to new box 1.5.

Dates

  • 1941-2000

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The Santa Claus Girls were founded by Adriana VanDoorn in 1908 with the help of Senator Arthur Vandenberg, then editor of the Grand Rapids Herald. VanDoorn and other Sunday School teachers from Park Congregational Church became the first volunteers for the organization. Since the Herald closed, the organization has been sponsored by the Grand Rapids Press.

The Herald requested letters addressed to "Santa Claus" to be sent to them. The Girls then went through the letters and determined, with the help of social agencies, which children were in need. The community was encouraged to send money, clothes, toys and candies. In return for each donation the donor would see their name appear in the paper.

Local organizations aid in the Girls efforts as well. And many men assist each year, though the group has continued to retain the title “Santa Claus Girls.”

Extent

18.1 Linear Feet (15 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Santa Claus Girls is a non-profit organization that provides gifts for children in Kent County, Michigan for Christmas. The collection primarily consists of newspaper clippings scrapbooks, documenting the organization from 1941 to 2000. Also included are four versions of the group's constitution and occasional photographs, ephemera and correspondence. The organization was founded in 1908 by Adriana VanDoorn with the help of Senator Arthur Vandenberg. It was sponsored by the Grand Rapids Herald and now by the Grand Rapids Press.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Santa Claus Girls, accession numbers 00.000 and 2003.052

Related Materials

Scattered representation of this group may be found in other collections, particularly those related to women’s clubs or club women. For example:

Collection 032, the East Side Ladies Literary Club, includes the Constitution and By Laws of this group, as well as 1991/1994 yearbooks, received with the documents of the East Side Club.

Collection 125, Robinson Studio Collection.

Collection 297, the Grand Rapids Press Collection. Additional newspaper file clippings on the Santa Claus girls here.

Collection 259, Grand Rapids Newspaper Collection. Grand Rapids Herald Clippings, Box 111.

Title
Finding aid for the Santa Claus Girls collection
Status
Completed
Author
Lisa M. Beyer
Date
July 1995
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497