University of Maryland College Republican Club

A Republican student organization was first established at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1948. The April 4, 1948 issue of the Diamondback states that the new organization was to be called the "Young People's Republican Club." The club was ostensibly formed to assist in the presidential campaign of Thomas E. Dewey. A photocopy of a 1948 group photograph suggests that the club's actual name may have been the "University of Maryland Young Republican Club." Apparently the group met sporadically and was most active during political campaigns.

The Young Republican Club was particularly active during the 1956 presidential campaign, and this involvement gave the club a measure of stability. This year is generally regarded as the founding date of the club, but the first constitution is dated February 1959. This constitution states that the "name of this organization shall be the University of Maryland Young Republican Club." It further outlines the objectives of the club, its officer structure, meeting times, and other administrative matters, and provides for possible amendments.

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