Aztec Club records

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 1040

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Dates

1930-1998

Creator

Aztec Club (University of Utah) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical / Historical

The club's main purpose is to "promote intellectual, social, and civic fellowship amongst its members" from University and the community. It began as an informal circle in 1927. Several professors met in Professor Hyrum Beckstrand's office during lunch to discuss papers. In 1930, Professor Beckstrand formalized the club with a constitution. This formalization of the club allowed people from the community to join as well as professors. This constitution also limited the membership to sixty members. Women were allowed to join the club, but could not vote in meetings. It was not until 1971 that women were allowed to vote. One mystery that surrounds the club is its name. Some members believe that the name "Aztec" was used for the rebellious, aggressive, and war-like tendencies of the Aztec People. The club was founded shortly after the period when several University of Utah professors had lost their jobs for speaking out. The name represented the refusal of some professors to be cowed into silence. Membership in the club was, and still is, seen as a prized affiliation.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Aztec Club records (1930-1998) contain financial records, mailing lists, constitutions, a club history, receipt books, meeting minutes, correspondence, and administrative files. The Aztec Club was formally organized in 1930 to "promote intellectual, social, and civic fellowship amongst its members" from the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City community.