2002.016.007

The series has four books of the Sunflower Club of the First Spiritual Church of Methuen; two with meeting minutes and two with financial information. The first record book begins with a meeting held on January 28, 1930 to re-organize the Sunflower Club, which held its last meeting in 1924. It concludes with a meeting held on March 10, 1947. The book has meeting minutes, some financial information and names of officers. Also some member names and addresses are included. The second record book is titled, " Minute Book of the Sunflower Club, First Spiritual Church, Methuen, Mass. - Book No. 2 - Com. 1947." The book begins at a meeting held at Minnie Harrison's home, June, 1947 and concludes with a meeting held at the home of Lillian Fraser on June 4, 1953. The book also refers to Book No.3, September 1953. That book is not found in this collection. The first financial book is Titled " Sunflower Club Reorganized Jan. 29/30 - January 29 / 30 to May 3 / 38." Detailed incomes and expenses are recorded. At the back of the book is a list of the members of the Club and a record of payment of dues from 1930 through 1937 as well as attendance at the meetings. The second financial book is titled: " Sunflower Club May 3 / 38 - March 1946 - Copy of original - Original destroyed by water from upstairs tenement." The records in this book are income and expense records with an additional accounting of the Annual Fair for the years 1939 - 1957. The one folder contains a typed, one sheet copy of the Sunflower Club By-Laws.

admin: The Sunflower Club, as it was re-organized by the ladies in 1930, was formed as a ladies group of the First Spiritual Church of Methuen. The object of the Club was to work for the benefit of the Church and / or Lyceum and to take the place of the Ladies' Aid Society when " they think they are in need of younger help." The symbol of the club is the sunflower. They write in the by-laws: " As the sunflower turns its face to the light of the sun, so Spiritualism turns the face of humanity to the light of truth."

Collection came from Mary Hagopian.The records were given to the donor by Mr.Thomas Hadfield, President of the Spiritualist Church, 1 Peaslee Terrace, #2, Methuen, MA.

4 Books. 1 Folder. The first record book is a hard-cover book with " Record" on the cover. The book pages are numbered through page 304.The first forty pages are missing. Record book #2 is a soft -cover copy book. The first accounting book is a hard-cover book in good condition. The second accounting book reads "Cash" on the cover. It is a new book; a copy of the original that was destroyed by water damage.

Inventory created in October, 2002, by Barbara Brown. One copy in box; second copy in archivist's office.