The Wisconsin Society for the Equal Rights Amendment Records, 1945-1962, consist of correspondence, a constitution, secretary and treasurer records, speeches made by Miss Griswold, Wisconsin clippings, and a variety of other documents such as press releases, information sheets, voting records, and convention materials. The collection includes much material directed to Mabel E. Griswold as National Secretary and therefore contains extensive information about the National Woman's Party, some information about the World Woman's Party, and details on activities of the Wisconsin Society. A few items concerning Miss Griswold's personal interests are also included, particularly her involvement in the erection of a church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the First Unitarian Society of Madison. (See Correspondence, September 30 and October 9, 1950, and Miscellaneous Papers, September 8, 1951). The Records are organized by type of document, and chronologically thereunder.
The greatest quantity of material is correspondence, 1946-1962. Almost all of the exchanges are with Miss Griswold but included are many copies of letters to or from Alice Paul and prominent members of the National Woman's Party. Miss Griswold corresponded with other members of the Wisconsin Society and the National Party, with state and national political leaders and representatives, and with other organizations, seeking their support of the women's rights amendment. Correspondence concerns the progress of the amendment and plans for promoting that progress, internal factional disputes of the national party, and financial problems of the national party. Information on Wisconsin activities is included in Miss Griswold's letters to national headquarters.
The contents of the remainder of the collection are clearly described in the folder titles listed on the following page. The Minutes are present partially in final typed form and partially in rough notes. The Treasurers' Records consist of reports and ledger sheets recording receipts and disbursements. The Miscellaneous Papers, mainly concerning national activities, include press releases, convention materials, information bulletins, and other items not included in the previous categories.
