Guiding Generations
Women published handbooks and instruction manuals to teach both their peers and future generations about various facets of life. These track the transition of women’s roles from the domestic sphere into academia, the workforce, government and the public arena. Magazines, pamphlets and a variety of publications create an extensive library connecting women across decades and even centuries.
In an earlier era where women were largely at home, magazines reached out to women readers and gave them a sense of inclusion and community with the wider world. As Texas women’s efforts to obtain public leadership roles gained ground, their paths to success were documented in these publications. Women joined clubs to volunteer in their communities and support social causes and chronicled these activities through newsletters and annuals. On the heels of gaining the right to vote, a Texas League of Women Voters chapter shared relevant information about government and the law. New generations of women continue to benefit from those who shaped the conversation of their day.
Exhibit Items
League of Women Voters of Texas. Know Your County: A Handbook on County Government and a Digest of Election Laws of Texas. Georgetown: Texas League of Women Voters, 1922. TSLAC-Main Collection, 352 T31k.
This publication was intended to help women as new voters become familiar with “some of the fundamental information necessary to make them intelligent citizens.” Facts about county officials, primary elections and other issues of the day are presented in Q&A format, and a sample ballot is given. Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Status of Women Policy Research Project. How to Assert Yourself. Austin: Status of Women Policy Research Project, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, 1976. TSLAC-Texas Documents Collection, Z UA320.7 R263WOA c.1.
How to Assert Yourself is another example of a manual produced by women for women. This pamphlet discusses gender roles, the difference between assertive and non-assertive behavior, and tips for women to express their feelings and needs in straightforward ways. Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
College of Industrial Arts. English Dept. Programs and Suggestions for Study for Women's Clubs. Denton: College of Industrial Arts, 1922. TSLAC-Texas Documents Collection, Z TW700.7 C686b no.100.
The college that became Texas Woman’s University produced this bulletin for women. Aimed at academic English clubs, the publication included sample discussion topics and questions, along with book lists representing a variety of genres and formats. Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Sterling, Florence M. The Woman’s Viewpoint magazine, Dec. 12, 1923. Houston: Woman’s Viewpoint Publishing Co., 1923. TSLAC-Main Collection, 050 W84 V.1-3 OVER-T.
Florence M. Sterling, pictured here on the first issue of her magazine, The Woman’s Viewpoint, was a suffragist and prominent business executive who served as secretary and treasurer for Humble Oil and Refining (now Exxon), which was her family’s business. Sterling started and was lead editor for The Woman’s Viewpoint, a progressive magazine published in Houston from 1923 to 1926. The all-female editorial team sought to provide a space and vehicle for Texas women to express their opinions “fully, frankly, and fearlessly.” Article topics included government, voting rights, women leaders, arts and the environment.
Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Texas Federation of Women's Clubs. Federation News, March 1947. Austin: Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, 1947. TSLAC-Main Collection, 374 T31 1947-9 OVER-T.
The Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs sought to coordinate and combine efforts of the many women’s clubs that were appearing across the state. Federation News was published beginning in 1923 and in 1948 became the Texas Clubwoman. These magazines documented the activities and accomplishments advocating for public libraries, education, child welfare and hygiene, and other topics of interest to Texas club women.
Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
García, Sonia R. “Políticas: Latina Public Officials in Texas.” Austin: University of Texas Press, 2008. TSLAC-Texas Documents Collection, Z UA380.8 G165PO c.1.
This book highlights some Latina trailblazers in Texas politics and issues surrounding the political representation of the Latina community. Pictured on these pages are: Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, second Latina elected to the Texas Senate; State Rep. Lena Guerrero, the first person of color to serve as Texas Railroad Commissioner; Judge Elma Salinas Ender, the youngest woman and the first Latina to serve as a state district court judge in Texas; and Justice Linda R. Yañez, the first Latina appellate court judge in Texas. Click or tap on thumbnails for larger images.
Texas Governor's Office of Community Leadership/Volunteer Services. Texas Leader. Austin: Governor's Commission for Women, 1989. TSLAC-Texas Documents Collection, G1176.6 T312 vol. 1 no. 5 c.1.
The Governor’s Commission for Women played an important role in emphasizing and recognizing outstanding community leaders and volunteers in Texas. This issue of Texas Leader also highlights inductees to the 1988 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame and their accomplishments in categories including arts, athletics and civic leadership.
Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. “The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health: The First Three Decades, 1940-1970.” Austin: University of Texas, 1970. TSLAC-Main Collection, 061.64 H679.
In 1940, Ima Hogg established the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and served in a key leadership role. Mental health was not well understood when Hogg created the Foundation, and the organization’s programs provided education to Texans on this topic, many for the first time.
Click or tap on thumbnail for larger image.
Next - Audio Recordings ->
Women's Power, Women's Vote Exhibit Pages:
Home | In the Seat of Power | Evolving Roles at the Turn of the Century | Women Mobilize for the Vote | Victory at the Polls | Out on the Job | Equal Rights for Women, Civil Rights for All | Guiding Generations | Audio Recordings