The Yoga Center Records

An Inventory of the Collection

Administrative History

The Yoga Center was a nonprofit organization established in 1974 to further the practice and understanding of yoga and meditation. The Center was affiliated with The Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy and offered classes, lectures and workshops to promote "health enhancement, well being and spiritual growth." The Yoga Center was originally incorporated as The Yoga Society of Austin. The Wholistic Development Center was incorporated in 1979 and took over the Society's operations. In 1981 the name was changed to the Yoga Center of Austin because they were being confused with other holistic organizations in town. In 1985 there was a decision to reorganize and incorporate under the name The Yoga Center. From 1976 until 1992 the Center was located at 1710 Houston Street, Austin, Texas

In July of 1992 The Yoga Center Board of Directors sent a letter to all members announcing that as of August 15, 1992 The Yoga Center was closing and the building was being taken over by someone else. At the same time it was announced that the Yoga Center would be relocating to an as yet to be determine address under the name The Austin Yoga Center.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of materials maintained by Dorothy Blodgett, one of the earliest members, teacher and board member of The Yoga Center. The majority of the collection consists of materials relating to the business and teaching activities of The Yoga Center dating from 1974-1992. Also included is a small amount of material that pertains to other organizations, classes and workshops similar in nature to The Yoga Center that Blodgett was interested in, or involved with, during the same time period.

Included in The Yoga Center series are administrative materials (1979-1991) such as Board minutes, correspondence, by-laws and legal information, financial documents, membership lists, rental forms and teacher training and meeting notes. Of note in these records is the discussion among the Board and legal counsel about how to resolve issues with the IRS regarding the tax-exempt status of the Center. The distributed information (1974-1992) includes mailings, flyers, and correspondence used to announce and promote the class schedules, special workshops and visiting lecturers, Yoga Center business and to solicit membership. Also included are newspaper clippings and event notices (1979-1986) and speaker biographical information (1980-1986).

The Related Organizations and Events series (1975-1987) includes information about the Mind Science Fair at the University Christian Church organized by Blodgett in 1975 in an effort to introduce students to the various group in the University community who are pursuing a study of higher consciousness. Also included in this series are materials related to the University of Texas Mind-Consciousness series and flyers and newsletters promoting personal development and higher consciousness events and organizations.

The Subject Files series (1977-1982) consists of magazine and newspaper articles about a variety of "new age" topics such as holistic health, clairvoyance, and spiritual psychology.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use

None.

Related Material

Administrative Information

Custodial History

Donated by a Yoga Center Board member.

Preferred Citation

The Yoga Center Records (AR.1993.036). Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, Texas.

Acquisition Information

Donor #: DO/1984/147

Donation Date: 1993

Processing Information

Finding aid created and encoded by Molly Hults/2010.

Original order and folder headings preserved when available.

Detailed Description of the Collection