Entre Nous Bridge Club Papers (1924-1994)

 

Avery Research Center Manuscript Number 1025

 

Historical Note:

 

The Entre Nous Bridge Club (from the French phrase for “between us”) was founded May 27, 1924 in Charleston, South Carolina by sixteen women, members of Charleston’s black elite, to play a card game known as Five Hundred.  (The organization was original known as “The Entre Nous Five Hundred Club.”) They switched to playing contract bridge in the mid-1930s.  The group, with membership limited to sixteen, met monthly in members’ homes.  The club rotated officers yearly and hosted annual celebrations and special parties for their 40th, 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries. The club continues to this day (2006). Significant families represented include the De Costas, Seabrooks, Caffeys, Cornwells, Sanfords, and Huffs. 

 

Scope and Content: 0.25 linear ft.

The Entre Nous Bridge Club Papers (1924-1994) consist of minute books; official and financial records; social event materials, and miscellaneous materials including correspondence and newspaper clippings. Of note are several mentions of group’s involvement in protesting racial discrimination during World War II and financial support of the Young Women’s Christian’s Association (YWCA) and Avery Normal Institute. 

Suggested subjects:

African Americans – women’s clubs

SC – Charleston – women’s organizations

Games – card games

Entre Nous Bridge Club, Charleston, SC

De Costa family

Seabrook family

Caffey family

Cornwell family

Sanford family

Huff family

Avery Normal Institute

YWCA – Charleston, SC

 

Record types:

 

Minutes

Ephemera

Invitations

Menus

 

 

Entre Nous Bridge Club Papers (1924-1994)

 

 

Avery Research Center Manuscript Number 1025

 

 

 

Box #

 

 

Folder #

 

 

 

1

Minute book (May 1924-Nov 1935) of sporadic meeting minutes discussing club matters such as election of officers, planning of annual and Christmas parties with details of menus and guest lists. Early entries detail club's purpose, establishes guidelines, and relates drafting of first constitution. With notes on collection of dues and annual club rolls. Constitutional amendment (1925) switches game played and club's name from "Five Hundred" to Auction Bridge and later Contract Bridge. With lists of club-incurred expenses such as prizes and floral offerings.

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2

Minute book (Sept 1940-Oct 1958) of sporadic meeting minutes with constitution reproduced in front of book.  Includes discussions of matters such as constitutional amendments, planning annual parties, and collecting dues.  Also mentions volunteering,  making charity donations (e.g. to Avery Normal Institute) and protesting racial injustice (by sending a telegram to President Roosevelt and Federal Works Agency protesting discrimination against blacks in national defense program), as well joining the Negro Community Council.  Includes financial reports, itemizing receipts and disbursements for such items such as charity and floral offerings. With club rolls. 

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3

Minute book (Oct 1958-June 1985) of sporadic meeting minutes that include discussion of club matters such as constitutional amendments, planning annual and 40th, 50th, and 60th anniversary parties, collecting dues, and discussing financial reports.  Also mentions donations to Y.W.C.A., gifts to members, funeral offerings at death of members and their families, and attending of theater performances. With club rolls.

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4

Various copies of the constitution, loose minutes of a few meeting (Sept 1942- Oct 1994) treasurer and secretary reports as well as materials planning and reporting on anniversary celebrations.  

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5

Ephemera  re social events (Oct 1961- Oct 1994) including invitations, menu proposals, etc. for annual parties and anniversary celebrations.

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6

Financial materials (July 1980--May 1984) include invoices (for flowers, deposits for luncheons, etc), receipts (for photographs and flowers), draft of financial report with charges for items such as roses, corsages, and wine;list of club dues and assessments. 

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7

Misc. materials including two thank you notes (Nov 1982, Sept 1983), a Post and Courier newspaper clipping re club with related photo negatives (Dec 1994) and informational leaflet (1980) listing past and present members of club.

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