The Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs was organized in 1893. It united with the Ohio State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1917. Both organizations were part of the national organization, the General Federation of Women's Clubs, with headquarters in Washington D.C. The philosophy behind the Akron and Summit County club is best summed up by Article II of its Constitution: "The aim of the Federation is to bring the various organizations of Summit County into closer relation through an organic union. . . . The object of the Federation is to serve as a medium of communication and a means of furthering any work of common interest." Dues paying membership in the club was open to both individuals and organizations, with members electing the club's officers. The organization was divided into Departments of Work and each department into committees. In 1926, for example, these departments included American Citizenship, Applied Education, Public Welfare, and Fine Arts. By 1985, the number of departments had increased to include International Affairs, Legislation, Home Life and Conservation.
Like other women's organizations, the Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs raised money for charity, invited guest speakers to give lectures, awarded scholarships, and worked on various community-related projects such as tree planting. However, along with the state and national organizations, the Akron and Summit County club also lobbied for political reform including the first federal child labor laws, the Pure Food and Drug Act, the establishment of children and women's bureaus, meat and poultry inspection, better schools and libraries, laws dealing with factory inspection, and sanitary laws, among others.
From the guide to the Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs Records, 1894-2010, 1894-2010, (Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron)
