Call Number:

11

Repository:

Doylestown Historical Society

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1956-2010 (bulk) and 1912-2010 (inclusive)

Creator:

Doylestown Nature Club

Abstract:

The Doylestown Nature Club (Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania), still in existence as of 2013, was organized in 1907 by Mrs. Irvin Megargee James. Federated in 1914, and incorporated in 1970, its purpose is "to provide a love of nature; to protect birds, animals and wildflowers from ruthless destruction; to conserve our natural resources; to beautify the community; and to educate in the field of nature." The Doylestown Nature Club records, 1912-2010 (bulk 1956-2010), consist of various records that document the history of the Club, including minutes, newsletters, member booklets and directories, some financial records, a significant amount of ephemera such as programs and newspaper clippings, and photographs relating to Club-sponsored activities and events.

The Doylestown Nature Club (Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania), still in existence as of 2013, was organized in 1907 by Mrs. Irvin Megargee James (who served as its president until 1932). It was federated in 1914, and incorporated in 1970. Prominent Doylestown resident Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930), who was closely affiliated with the Nature Club, renovated a 1775 stone farmhouse located on his Fonthill property for the Club's use in 1917.

The Club's purpose is: "to provide a love of nature; to protect birds, animals and wildflowers from ruthless destruction; to conserve our natural resources; to beautify the community; and to educate in the field of nature." As stated in its articles of incorporation, the Club's objectives may "also extend to community beautification, nature education, ecological conservation and environmental concerns." The Club has been involved in community beautification and revitalization efforts. For example, during the 1960s, along with other community organizations, the Club successfully worked with the Community Activities Council of Doylestown to raise money and sponsor various projects for town improvements.

The Doylestown Nature Club continues to be very active. It sponsors various outdoor activities, flower shows, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, banquets, and bazaars. It is also involved in community service such its annual Plant Exchange program that began in 1920. The Club also provides scholarships to students attending Delaware Valley Community College (Doylestown, Pa.), Temple University's Ambler Campus, and Central Bucks High School.

Bibliography:

Doylestown Nature Club. Accessed July 25, 2013. http://www.doylestownnatureclub.com/index.html

This collection consists of various records that document the history of the Doylestown Nature Club, including minutes, newsletters, member booklets and directories, some financial records, a significant amount of ephemera such as programs and newspaper clippings, and photographs relating to Club-sponsored activities and events. Specifically, the collection includes the following: several scrapbooks and binders that include photographs of club events, articles, clippings, and programs with some including minutes and financial records, 1979-2009 (incomplete) minutes, 1956-1967, 1998-2004, 1989-1990 6 folders of Club newsletters, 1967-2009 (newsletters from 2006-2010 are stored on a disc) member booklets and directories, 1956-2010 (incomplete) (some recent directories are stored on a disc) several folders containing miscellaneous photographs and clippings folder on the Village Fair, 1990 2 folders with Club bazaars press clippings, 1970-1984 folder with beautification information an oversize photograph of "Bird Guardians" play, 1915 100th anniversary tile, 2007 portrait of Marie James Kister, former president framed sign, 1939 one unframed sign that reads "Marie James Kister, Collection of Nature Club Books."