The University of Chicago Library > Special Collections Research Center > Finding Aids > Guide to the Chicago Mechanics' Institute Records 1875-1941
© 2006 University of Chicago Library
| Title: | Chicago Mechanics' Institute. Records |
|---|---|
| Dates: | 1875-1941 |
| Size: | 3.5 linear ft., (6 boxes) |
| Repository: |
Special Collections Research Center |
| Abstract: | The Chicago Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1843 to provide education to mechanics, apprentices, and other workingmen. The Records contain correspondence concerning the Institute's educational activities, reports, minutes, membership lists, legal documents, financial records, and historical materials. |
No restrictions.
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Chicago Mechanics' Institute. Records, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
In 1843 the State of Illinois chartered the Chicago Mechanics' Institute, an organization devoted to providing a means of further education to "mechanics, apprentices" and other workingmen, with a view to "elevating their trade -- and consequently the community -- by elevating themselves." The organization flourished, building up a large membership and a large library; offered numerous lectures, and was soon expanding into larger quarters. In 1849, past President Azel Peck died, leaving a will in which he bequeathed one half the income of his real estate holdings to the Institute for the period of twenty-one years after his wife's death (Ann Peck died in 1866), following which the whole fee would devolve upon it. The use of the money was specifically directed to "the education of poor apprentices and the support of widows and children of indigent artisans and mechanics in Chicago."
Three events, however, were to set back, and almost destroy the Institute. The great financial crisis of 1857 forced the Institute to retrench; the Civil War scattered its membership; and the great Chicago fire of 1871 completed the destruction of assets and property, and dispersal of membership. Beginning in 1875 the Institute began the task of rebuilding.
The Records contain the record of the Chicago Mechanics Institutes growing activity and operations from 1875 to 1941. Included are historical materials, legal documents, minutes of meetings, membership lists, financial records, and correspondence concerning the Institute's educational activities.
The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections:
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/spcl/select.html
| Box 1 Folder 1 | Early reports and financial statements, Act of Incorporation, Azel Peck's will, list of old members, tax abstracts, leases, and deeds (materials date from 1843, Peck's will) |
| Box 1 Folder 2 | Vouchers, 1919-1920, 1930-1931, 1934-1941 |
| Box 1 Folder 3 | Receipts, 1900-1909 |
| Box 2 Folder 1 | Historical Materials |
| Box 2 Folder 2 | Correspondence with the Chicago Business College |
| Box 2 Folder 3 | Correspondence with the Children's Scholarship League |
| Box 2 Folder 4 | Letters of Appreciation |
| Box 2 | Cash book |
| Box 2 | Jno. Clark's plan for the Metal Worker's building |
| Box 3 Folder 1 | Treasurer's Reports, 1875-1899 |
| Box 3 Folder 2 | Treasurer's Reports, 1900-1907 |
| Box 3 Folder 3 | Miscellaneous forms and copies of Constitution and By-Laws of C.M.I. |
| Box 3 Folder 4 | Pupils in C.M.I., 1876-1911, inclusive |
| Box 3 | Check book stubs, 1917-1941 (8 books) |
| Box 3 | Admission receipt book, 1904-1911 |
| Box 3 | Pamphlet- The Chicago Mechanics Institute, 1 Jan 1913 |
| Box 3 | One half-tone cut of S.W. corner of Clark and Washington, Chicago, 1858 |
| Notebook 1 | Minutes of Meetings of the Board of Directors of the C.M.I., and of regular monthly meetings of the C.M.I., 1875-1888 |
| Notebook 2 | Minutes of meetings, etc., 1890-1893 |
| Notebook 3 | Minutes of meetings, etc., 1895-1906 |
| Notebook 4 | Minutes of meetings, etc., 1907-1914 |
| Notebook 5 | Treasurer's account book, 1918-1940 |
| Notebook 6 | Student's receipt book, 1890-1895 |
| Notebook 7 | Student's receipt book, 1895-1901 |
| Notebook 8 | Record of student's courses and hours, 1901-1914 |
| Notebook 9 | Pupils Register, 1874-1889, inclusive |