The records of the Oberlin Peace Society document the organization’s commitment to the study and pursuance of peace within the international community, 1930-1941, 1947.

The membership records document that almost half of the student body at Oberlin in 1931were members of the Peace Society. From the period 1930 to 1939, the records provide evidence that the Society and its members were involved in various activities to promote peace. The Peace Society sponsored conferences and lectures. Except for a 1947 War Day Demonstration held on the Oberlin College campus, the records indicate that activity of the Peace Society had declined by 1940.

The collection is divided into ten series: I. Constitution, n.d.; II. Meeting Minutes, 1935-1940; III. Correspondence, 1930-1939; IV. Historical Files, 1930-1931; V. Membership, 1930s; VI. Oberlin Peace Bulletin, 1935-1937; VII. Programs and Lectures, 1931-1939, n.d.; VIII. Printed Matter (i.e., brochures, fliers, and newspaper clippings), 1931-1941, 1947; IX. Committee Reports, 1930-1940; and, X. Special Programs, 1930-1933, 1937-39, and 1947.

Series I. Constitution, n.d.

Series I consists of undated copies of the Oberlin Peace Society’s Constitution.

Series II. Meeting Minutes, 1935-1940

Two notebooks contain meeting minutes individually dated 1935-1938 and 1938-1940.

Series III. Correspondence, 1930-1939

Incoming and outgoing letters the Peace Society document matters relating to alumni membership, speaking engagements, congressional lobbying, and special events.

Series IV. Historical Files, 1930-1931

Consisting of a wide array of historical materials, this series holds notes on the founding of the Peace Society and a reprinted article from the Oberlin Alumni Magazine. There are also articles from other publications that report on the aims of the Peace Society. Finally, found here is one page from the Constitution of the Peace and Public Affairs Forum along with the by-laws of the Oberlin Organizations Council.

Series V. Membership, 1930s (5 folders, 2 card files)

This large file unit consists of five folders and two card file. It includes applications for membership, election details and officer lists, fellowship awards, and the card files for members. Users will locate in folder one the Peace Society membership pledge, aims, and application for membership, as well as membership application lists and alumni interest lists from 1930-1931. In folder two users can find officers’ lists from 1930-1932 and election ballots from 1937. Folder three contains a list of fellowship awards given by the Society for 1930-1931. Folders four and five contain member lists from 1931-1938 and an undated member list. Finally, the card files are a catalogue of all members and are arranged alphabetically.

Series VI. Oberlin Peace Bulletin, 1935-1937 (2 folders)

Contained in this series are two folders of Society “Bulletins” which hold volumes I – V, covering the period of 1935-1939.

Series VII. Programs and Lectures, 1931-1939, n.d. (2 folders)

The series contains materials relating to lectures and programs, which appear as lecture notes and lecture scripts from events sponsored by the Peace Society.

Series VIII. Printed Matter, 1931-1941, 1947 (4 folders)

Found in the four folders of Series 8 are brochures, articles, and pamphlets collected by leaders of the Oberlin Peace Society. In particular, there is historical material documenting war and it’s relationship to both the mainstream protestant church and Quakerism. Also, located here are articles about the activities of the Society that were printed in the Oberlin Review.

Series IX. Society and Committee Reports, 1930-1940

The student organization reports from the committee on the Intercollegiate Student Conference, the Committee on Lectures, the Living Museum of Peace, and the Commission on International Organization document the activity and interests of the Oberlin College Peace Society. Of special interest are committee reports from the Society’s Peace Conference.

Series X. Special Programs, 1930-1933, 1937-39, 1947 (7 folders)

Series 10 consists of five folders arranged alphabetically. They contain planning notes, brochures, programs, and reports for special events sponsored by the Peace Society. Specifically, there are records from the Ohio Intercollegiate Model Assembly of the League of Nations (1930-1933), the Oberlin Peace Senate (1939), the War Day Demonstration (1947), and the World Court Conference (1931).