]> Finding Aid for the Clara Booth Byrd Papers, 1892, 1895, 1909 - 1970 Processed by: Archives Staff; machine-readable finding aid created by: Jason Alston University Libraries, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro 2009 Machine-readable finding aid derived from XML authoring program. Date of source: ; Description is in English Finding aid was prepared using DACS Finding Aid for the Clara Booth Byrd Papers, 1892, 1895, 1909 - 1970 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Descriptive Summary Clara Booth Byrd was an alumna of the State Normal and Industrial College (now UNCG) and spent several decades working on behalf of the Alumnae Association, eventually serving as director of the Alumnae House. She also established the Historical Book Club of North Carolina and served as president of the UNCG Friends of the Library. The Clara Booth Byrd Papers contain correspondence, meeting minutes, drawings, photographs, blueprints, construction contracts and specifications, and speeches. Clara Booth Byrd Papers, 1892, 1895, 1909 - 1970 Mss 020 Byrd, Clara Booth 2.502 Linear Feet, 6 Boxes University Archives and Manuscripts English Administrative Information Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

 Copyright Notice

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

 Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Clara Booth Byrd Papers, University Archives and Manuscripts, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA.

 Acquisition Information

Gift of Clara Booth Byrd

Processing Information

Processed by Archives Staff,

Encoded by Jason Alston, July 2009;

 Biographical Note

Clara Booth Byrd started working for the State Normal and Industrial College (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro) in 1909, as the assistant in the Treasurer's office and in the Commercial Department. In 1913 she graduated from the College, and in 1922 she was appointed secretary of the Alumnae Association and editor of the Alumnae News. In 1937, Byrd became director of the newly constructed Alumnae House. After retiring from the College in 1947, she established the Historical Book Club of North Carolina. In 1952, the club awarded for the first time the Sir Walter Raleigh Award, given annually for the best work of fiction written by a North Carolinian. Byrd remained president of the club until 1956. In 1966 and 1967, she was president of the UNCG Friends of the Library. She died in 1985.

Collection Overview

The Clara Booth Byrd Papers contain correspondence, drawings, photographs, blueprints, construction contracts and specifications, speeches, and talks. Also included are copies of by-laws, committee minutes, and reports of the Alumnae Association that never made their way to the official university records.

Before donating these papers to the University Archives, Byrd made handwritten notations identifying correspondents, giving dates and clarifying particular matters. She also rearranged some of the papers; therefore original order could not be determined. In the archives the material was interfiled regardless of source except for the American Alumni Council, which was filed separately.

The largest amount of material in the collection pertains to Byrd's tenure as Secretary of the Alumnae Association (1922-1947). Correspondence with association presidents, other alumnae, faculty and staff reflect the everyday operation of the Association as well as special campus events, including commencement, Founder's Day, the 50th Anniversary celebration, building dedications and portrait unveilings.

Among the Alumnae Association materials, the papers dealing with the construction of the Alumnae House form the largest amount. Topics covered include finances, design, construction and decoration. Former college president Dr. Julius Foust is represented in the correspondence about the Alumnae House.

Another large group of papers concerns the American Alumni Council, a professional organization of alumni secretaries in which Byrd was active. Smaller amounts of material deal with the Friends of the Library, North Carolina Federation of Woman's Clubs, Tryon Palace Commission, and the Historical Book Club of North Carolina.

Collection Arrangement

Materials in this collection are divided by type, and arranged by date when possible.

Detailed Description of the Collection 1 Correspondence, 1909-1929 Correspondence, 1930-1933 Correspondence, 1934-1936 Correspondence, 1937-1939 Correspondence, 1940-1943 Correspondence, 1944-1949 2 Correspondence, 1950-1970, undated American Alumni Council, 1924-1935 American Alumni Council, 1936-1947 American Alumni Council Minutes, 1930-1940 American Alumni Council Programs, 1923-1949 3 Samples of Alumnae Mailings, 1920-1947 Dedication of Alumnae House, 1937 Alumnae Secretary Report, 1925-1945 Alumnae Legislative Committee, 1933-1947 Alumnae Association History, 1943 Alumnae Association By-Laws, 1940-1941 Association Receipt and Disbursements, 1940-1947 "Adult" Education, 1933 Budget Requests, 1922-1949 50th Anniversary Celebration, 1942 Etching of Alumnae House 1892 Debate Held at the Normal 1895 McIver Letter (Typed Copy) Histories of College We the Women, 1942 4 Speeches and Talks by CBB Awards and Certificates Biographical Information on CBB Newspaper Clippings Photographs 5 Alumnae House, Floor Plan Blueprints, undated Alumnae House, Furnishing and Equipment, Specifications for, 1936 Alumnae House, Furnishings, 1936-undated Alumnae House, Grant Agreement/House Contract 1934 Alumnae House, General and Electric Work, 1934-1935 Alumnae House, Plumbing and Heating, 1934-1935 Alumnae House, Steam Heating and Ventilating Systems, 1934-undated 6 Alumnae Association Minutes and Reports, 1920-1935 Alumnae Association Minutes and Reports, 1936-1938 Alumnae Association Minutes and Reports, 1939-1947 Alumnae House Committee, Minutes and Reports, 1934-1937 Alumnae House Committee, Minutes and Reports, 1939-1947 Related Material

See other manuscript collections related to UNCG history.