Administrative Information

Access

Collection is open for use without restrictions.

Use Restrictions

None

Preferred Citation

Box-folder, Astoria Beneficial Club/Richmond Beneficial Insurance Archives, M 311, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University

Acquisition Information

The collection is on loan to Special Collections and Archives from the Astoria Beneficial Club through Dr. Francis Foster, a member of the club. VCU does not hold copyright. Accession number EM 1

Processing Information

Collection arranged and described by Malinda Gales July 1997.

Historical Information

Astoria Beneficial Club (ABC) began as a social club in 1901, but eventually became a beneficial club that paid out sick dues and burial benefits to its members. Astoria donated money to organizations that benefitted the community, such as the NAACP and the local Colored YMCA, and to individuals in need. The Club also set up scholarships at Virginia Union University and honored individuals and businesses in the area for their community service. The Astoria Beneficial Club is still active in Richmond.

Scope and Content Information

The collection includes minutes, correspondence, committee reports and other materials. The date range of these archives spans the years 1906 to 1947. The minutes are from the years 1906 to 1909, 1911 to 1927, 1935 to 1941, 1943, and 1947. There are minutes missing from each of the above years.

Arrangement

Items are arranged chronologically.

The collection is organized alphabetically by subject.