Sesame Book Club Records, 1956-1973

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-2020-020

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection contains annually distributed programs with information on monthly gatherings. Each program contains discussion topics, officers, and committee members with their addresses, telephone numbers, meeting date, hostess, and presenter. Materials dated 1956-1973 and arranged in chronological order.

Dates

1956 - 1973

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to the public without restriction. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to duplicate or publish material from [Enter collection title] must be obtained from the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Biographical / Historical

The Sesame Book Club was organized on February 27, 1951 in Charlotte, NC. Its name came from the idea of the general use of the word "sesame" to mean the opening to opportunities of accomplishment and treasure. The two excerpts are on the first page of each Sesame Book Club program: “In Arabian Tales given as the Talismanic word which would open or shut the door leading into the cave of forty thieves, Sesame has come into use generally in connection with any word or action which will open the way for accomplishment of thigs desired” -Lincoln’s Library”

“I am not talking about Kings known as regnant nor of Treasuries understood to contain wealth... I want to speak to you about the Treasuries hidden I books... Sesame which opens doors, doors not of robbers, but of King’s Treasuries.” -'Sesame and Lillies’ by John Ruskin

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

0.18 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Sesame Book Club was organized on February 27, 1951 in Charlotte, NC to discuss general culture and current event topics. Membership was set at 16 and new members were only accepted by unanimous ballot. Meetings were held on the last Friday of each month at a member’s home. Mrs. L.L. Autry was the club’s first president.

This collection contains annual programs dated 1956-1973, with information on book selections, members, officers, and By-Laws.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged in chronological order.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The immediate source and date of acquisition for this collection is unknown.

Bibliography

Sesame Book Club Collection, 1956-1973. Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Condition Description

Materials are in excellent condition.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of this collection was completed by Sydney Carroll, March 2020.

Subjects

Book clubs (Discussion groups) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Clubs and Organizations Subject Source: Local sources
Education Subject Source: Local sources
Essays Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
North Carolina--History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Programs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Women Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Women--Societies and clubs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings