Shakespeariana Club of Grand Rapids collection

Collection

Identifier: Collection 331

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The bulk of this collection as of 2003 was formed by the official materials received from the Shakespeariana Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other miscellaneous items related to the local club, found in GRHSC, were added. As with some other archival collections, materials from other unknown sources, or other donors, are sometimes attached to the collection, making it basically a subject or general collection, of mixed, rather than pure provenance.

A recent addition to this collection is the poem “Shakespeariana Twenty Years Ago” by Sophie Bingham Buchanan. It is signed by the author, and was Loraine Pratt Immen’s own copy, having been received by the Library from her estate. Immen and other early members are referred to in the poem.

In addition to the records found here, a wooden Shakespeare chest, given to the Library by the Club, resides in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections on the third floor of the Main Library building. It is placed near the VanderVeen Center, under the portraits of Louis & Sophie Campau.

Dates

1887- circa 1980

Biographical / Historical

Loraine Pratt Immen is credited as being the founder of the Shakespearian Club, which was originally a subgroup of the Ladies Literary Club, where Immen was an active member. Immen gave the Shakespeare “Rose” stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany, designed by artist Frederick Stuart Church, to the Ladies Literary Club. In 2006, the Ladies Literary Club Building was sold to Calvin College, after the Club disbanded in 2005. Though the window was desired by others, it is considered an historically significant part of the building and is expected to remain with the historic structure. Immen died October 21, 1927 at the age of 87.

Extent

3 Linear Feet (Seven boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Shakespeariana Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan is an organization devoted to the study of Shakespeare. Founded in April 1887 by Loraine Pratt Immen, it was originally a subgroup of the Ladies Literary Club. This collections contains records from circa 1893-1987, including minutes, programs, yearbooks, original writings of members, reference materials and printed plates.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Barbara Robinson for the Club and existing miscellaneous holdings. Accession numbers 2003. ; ?1980.041 / 1986.205 / 00.[0056] ? ; 00.[3689].1 ; 00.[5288].1-9.

Related Materials

Coll. 187, Loraine Pratt Immen Collection

Coll. 228, Frederick Stuart Church Collection

Coll. 275, Ladies Literary Club. Box 1.3 and 19 in particular contain information on the Club. But, also earlier minutes, yearbooks, and scrapbooks, before the Shakespeare Club separated from the LLC will also contain reports and information on Shakespeare Club activities. See 1902-1905 Shakespeare Publications from Loraine Pratt Immen in 275-19.

Coll. 278, GRPL Poets and Poetry Collection