Call Number:

02

Repository:

Radnor Historical Society

Extent:

9.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1890-2003 (inclusive)

Creator:

North Wayne Protective Association (Wayne, Pa.)

Abstract:

The North Wayne Protective Association (NWPA) was organized in 1885 as a civic association. It was incorporated in 1890 and still exists as of 2014, making it the oldest continuing civic organization in the country. The NWPA was originally formed to improve the neighborhood by addressing issues such as street lighting and road paving, but over the years the Association has developed a wider range of activities for the community. The North Wayne Protective Association records, 1890-2003, contain financial and administrative records, including an almost complete set of meeting minutes; correspondence; printed materials, such as newsletters and flyers; photographs; and ephemera.

"The North Wayne Protective Association (NWPA) is a civic organization that has been in existence since 1885. [As of 2014] it is the oldest continually existing civic association in the nation. Through the years its responsibilities have evolved. Originally it was organized to address issues such as malarial influences, swamp drainage, porch foundations, macadamizing North Wayne Avenue, street lighting, and fire protection.

"In the first month of its existence the NPWA established [two annual events which have continued to the present] a Fourth of July celebration and an annual dinner, a combined social event and business meeting....Other activities developed over the years, reflecting the changing times and interests of the community. While the annual square dance and May basket contest no longer exist, the hayride, luminaries, carol sing, progressive dinner, Easter egg hunt, yard sale, and soap box derby provide neighbors a broad range of activities."

Bibliography:

Quoted text from: North Wayne Protective Association. "About." Facebook.com profile. Accessed March 25, 2014. https://www.facebook.com/NorthWaynePA/info.

This collection contains financial and administrative records, photographs, correspondence, printed materials, and ephemera from the North Wayne Protective Association.

Administrative records include meeting minutes, committee minutes, and agendas. The original meeting minutes from 1905 to 2002 are present in the collection, while the minutes from the missing years, 1885 to 1950, are available on microfilm.

There is a large amount of financial records including bank statements (1945-1951) and insurance documents.

The charter from the group's official incorporation in 1890, charter booklets (1915), correspondence (1942-1971), newsletters, event flyers, and photographs are among the other materials in the collection.

Part of the collection is processed and organized by document type and date, while another part containing more recently accessioned materials is roughly grouped but not as well organized. It is expected that donations of records from the Association will be ongoing.