The Associated Clubs of Woodlawn Records

The Associated Clubs of Woodlawn (ACW) founded in 1927 and incorporated in 1936, was perhaps Woodlawn’s most ubiquitous, powerful and enduring community improvement association. Until its dissolution in February 1970, the ACW served as a clearinghouse for information of concern to its member clubs and the Woodlawn community as a whole. The organization also attempted to safeguard and to promote the business, civic, educational and social welfare of Woodlawn.

From 1927 to around the mid-1930s, membership in the ACW was restricted exclusively to clubs and organizations. This restrictive membership practice was gradually modified to allow individuals unaffiliated with either clubs or organizations to apply for membership in the ACW. Despite the liberalization of the ACW’s membership policy, joining the ACW was a still a judicious process as late as 1957. Article II, Section 2 of the ACW’s 1957 constitution and by-laws mandate that,

an organization wishing to join the Associated Clubs of Woodlawn, Inc. shall submit an application in writing, stating the name of the organization, the date of its founding, its aims and purposes, and a list of its officers and their addresses.

Furthermore, attendance at ACW meetings was limited to two delegates from each member organization. In every case the delegates had to include the president and one other member of the club or organization.

On February 9, 1970, the ACW, with the written consent of its members, filed corporate dissolution papers with the Illinois Secretary of State. The ostensible reason for disbanding mentioned that other community improvement programs, notably the Woodlawn Urban Progress Center, “were willing to step in and undertake activity in behalf of improving the Woodlawn neighborhood.” A more accurate explanation would have to take into account a lack of membership, participation and community support for the ACW.

The Historical Society of Woodlawn was a member of the Associated Clubs of Woodlawn (ACW) and papers from this organization are also included here.