1922 Ladies' Aid Society, Boone, Iowa -- CARLI Digital Collections Featured Image

The Rolfing Library at Trinity International University recently published this collection of historic photos depicting some of the founders, influential ministers, and events from the early history of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

One of the things that drew me to this collection is the wide, panorama format of many of the photographs. The panoramas capture group photos of church conference attendees, missionary camp attendees, seminary students, and, the featured image here -- the ladies’ aid society members.

Over fifty women are in the photo, arranged in two rows – one seated and one standing. Several children also appear in the photo and one gentleman on the far right who is likely the minister. One can get lost in this photo for ages, studying the women’s faces, their clothing, hairstyles, and accessories.

This collection not only tells the history of the EFCA, but it also tells a story of the Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian immigrants in America. Although the collection has under 100 images now, the Rolfing Library staff state that more images will be added “as time and resources allow.” This is something I’m sure many CARLI member libraries can relate to, including my own institution, but I look forward to additions to this valuable new digital collection.

Written by Alice Creason, Head of Library Technology and Technical Services at Lewis University

For more information about this and other CARLI Digital Collections, visit http://collections.carli.illinois.edu

To learn more about becoming part of CARLI Digital Collections and using CONTENTdm, see http://www.carli.illinois.edu/products-services/contentdm