[Identification of item], Zonta Club of San Antonio Records, 1958-1991, Archives and Special Collections, Library, University of Texas at San Antonio.
The Zonta Club of San Antonio, a classified service organization of executive and professional women, was established in San Antonio on February 14, 1934. This women's association is a local chapter of Zonta International which has clubs in countries around the world. The name Zonta derives from the Sioux Indian word which means honest and trustworthy. Active membership is limited to woman who are business owners, co-owners, or executives of policy making status. By implementing service programs and providing mutual support for members, the Club seeks to provide opportunities for under-privileged girls and young women; to improve the legal, political, educational, economic and professional status of women; and to advance understanding, goodwill, and peace.
In San Antonio, the Zonta Club helped establish the Aganier Home for Girls, offered scholarships for women in business and nursing school, and financially supported many medical and health services, especially those related to respiratory and vision problems. The Club's major means of raising funds for service projects is the annual Zonta Antique Show and Sale that was first held in 1959. Locally prominent members of the Club have included Lila Cockrell, Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, Florence K. Rosengren, Alicia Carpenter, and "Heloise" Ponce Evans.
The records of the Zonta Club of San Antonio primarily consist of scrapbooks and publicity books dating from 1958 to 1991. The bulk of the materials are Club directories, conference bulletins, Antique Show and Sale programs, photographs, awards, letters, and newspaper clippings that document in detail the Club membership, service activities, social events, and the individual achievements of members. The collection also contains newsletters, correspondence and reports. Reflected in the records is the participation of business and professional women in public life in San Antonio, the activities of Zonta Club women to improve the status and condition of women's lives, and the growth and development of medical research in San Antonio. The influence of many of the members of the Club is documented through their participation in the Mayor's Commision on the Status of Women, and in the San Antonio Celebration of Women and Hall of Fame.
Researchers are required to wear gloves provided by the Archives when reviewing photographic materials.
Permission to publish material from the Records must be obtained from Archives and Special Collections, The University of Texas at San Antonio Library.
The records are arranged as follows:
Processed by Jill Jackson, Archivist, December 1996.
Annual scrapbooks list officers, board members, committees and schedules of events, and document service projects and the individual activities of members.
These accumulations of news clippings document the Club's local service and community activities
The Club's newsletter,
Letters of thanks demonstrate the involvement of the Club in the community.
Arranged alphabetically by sender.
Reports by the Club president and the chair of the Antique Show committee provide information on progress toward Club goals.