Organized in McLean County in 1914, the 6th District Nurses Association grew rapidly, eventually representing individual nurses from all walks of life across seven counties. By 1966, it boasted a membership roster containing over a third of all the practicing nurses in all of Illinois. Throughout its history, the 6th District has fought for higher wages and better treatment for nurses, as well as an expanded public understanding and acceptance of the needs of the nursing profession. The 6th District was esteemed for its great war-time contributions of personnel to tend to wounded soldiers. Illinois Wesleyan University and the Bloomington-Normal community have a close connection to the 6th District. An affiliation between Brokaw Training School for Nurses and IWU began in 1905, which led to a combined 5 year degree program offered by the two beginning in 1923. This cooperation was built upon with the founding of the Brokaw Collegiate School of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan in 1958. By 1959, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was offered at Illinois Wesleyan by its new independent nursing school.
From the description of The 6th District Nursing Association Collection, 1938-1986. (Illinois Wesleyan University). WorldCat record id: 489243348
