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COLLECTION Identifier: MC 806: T-408: Vt-230

Papers of Susan B. Echo, ca.1870-2010 (inclusive), 1970-2000 (bulk)

Overview

Correspondence, diaries, artwork, photographs, course work, and collected feminist and lesbian ephemera and memorabilia of feminist Susan B. Echo.

Dates

  • Creation: 1870-2010
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1970-2000

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Access Restrictions:

Access. Researchers are required to sign a special permission form for access to folders #24.1-31FB.4m, FD.1-FD.9, F+D.1, OD.1-OD.8, SD.1, PD.13-PD.32sl, and audiotapes #T-408.9 - T-408.15. An appointment is necessary to use any audiovisual material.

Series I (folders #1.1-23.5, PD.1-PD.12, audiotapes #T-408.1 - T-408.8, and videotapes #Vt-230.1 - Vt-230.2) is closed until the death of Susan B. Echo.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright. Copyright in the papers created by Susan B. Echo is held by the President and Fellows of Harvard College for the Schlesinger Library. Copyright in other papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns.

Copying. Papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures.

Extent

13.8 linear feet ((28 + 1/2 file boxes, 1 carton, 1 folio box) plus 9 folio folders, 2 folio+ folders, 9 oversize folders, 1 supersize folder, 25 photograph folders, 4 folio photograph folders, 2 folio+ photograph folders, 1 oversize photograph folder, 1 supersize photograph folder, 76 slides, 17 audiotapes, 2 videotapes)

Additional material was added to the collection in August 2020 and is located in F+D.2, OD.9, and PD33f-PD.34f+.

Series I, BIOGRAPHICAL AND PERSONAL, ca.1900-2010 (#1.1-23.5, FD.1, PD.1-PD.12, T-408.1 - T-408.8, Vt-230.1 - Vt-230.2), includes correspondence, diaries, address books, appointment books, course work, poetry, therapy notes, sketch books, biographical material, photographs, audiotapes, videotapes, etc. Folder titles were created by the processor. The series is arranged alphabetically by folder title followed by photographs, audiotapes, and videotapes. This series is closed until the death of Susan B. Echo.

Series II, COLLECTED EPHEMERA AND MEMORABILIA, 1909-2005 (#24.1-31FB.4m, FD.2-FD.8, F+D.2, OD.1-OD.7, OD.9, SD.1), includes flyers, brochures, posters, catalogs, invitations, minutes, and other items of an ephemeral nature collected by Susan B. Echo. This material documents feminist and lesbian-related activities and organizations, the bulk of which took place in Missouri or Colorado, although several topics are national in scope. Topics documented include feminism, women and the arts; women's health, women's music; women and religion; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender organizations and events, etc. Folders with very specific titles such as the names of organizations or events, originally containing only one or two documents were reorganized under larger topic areas such as "women's music" to bring similar material together. Other material consists of buttons; stickers and bumper stickers; patches and ribbons; jewelry; etc., documenting the same or similar topics to those documented by collected ephemera. The bulk of the buttons in this series were created by Ferne Sales and Manufacturing Company of West Orange, New Jersey, which appears to be no longer in operation; Donnelly/Colt Progressive Resources based in Chicago, Illinois which has been in continuous operation since 1975; and White Mare, a much smaller company founded by Liza Cowan (who was also a co-founder of Dyke: A Quarterly) who created the buttons to sell at women's music festivals. Also included in this series are two assemblage pieces created by Susan Echo. Newsletters and commercially produced music phonograph discs and cassettes were removed and transferred to the Schlesinger Library's Printed Materials Division. See Series III for photographs collected by Echo. The series is arranged with ephemera appearing before memorabilia and alphabetically therein. Most folder titles were created by the processor. Those appearing in quotes were created by Echo.

Series III, PHOTOGRAPHS, AUDIOTAPES, AND OVERSIZED, ca.1870-1999 (#FD.1-FD.9, F+D.1, OD.1-OD.8, SD.1 PD.13-PD.34f+, T-408.9 - T-408.15) includes photographs, negatives, slides, audiotapes, and videotapes. Photographs document Susan Echo's time at various Christian summer camps and a Girl Scout camp. Also included are photographs and slides taken by Susan Echo at poetry readings, protests, women's music events, feminist gatherings, etc., and include Margie Adam, Jill Johnston, Barbara Corr, Barbara Hammer, Alive!, Adrienne Rich, Linda (Tui) Tillery, Bernice Johnson Reagon, a United Farm Workers protest, a Take Back the Night march, and a Revive America Crusade tent revival (several of which were published), as well as photographs and slides of her assemblages. Echo also collected vintage photographs of cross-dressing men and women, women in intimate poses, and famous female musicians, actors, feminists, women in sports, etc., and those photographs are included in the series. Most of the photographs in this collection are or will be digitized and available online. Audio material in this series consists of recordings of women's music festivals and other musical performances by women; several women's studies classes (one taught by Joyce Trebilcot); lectures on homosexuality and religion; a workshop entitled "Women and Dignity" held at Washington University. Oversized folders include oversized material such as a newsletter, sketches, posters, etc., removed from folders in previous series and oversized folders already described in previous series. Their inclusion here serves as a shelf list. Folder and audiovisual titles were created by the processor. The series is arranged by format, with photographs appearing first, followed by audiovisual material, and finally oversized material.

BIOGRAPHY

Susan B. Echo was born in 1955 in the rural Midwest. She had two brothers and one sister. In her youth she attended a number of Christian summer camps, most notably Camp Aurora in Missouri. From 1974 until 1981 she attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, supplementing her course work at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and completing her degree at Webster College in 1982. During her college years she became interested in the culture and politics of feminism, attending women's community events such as music festivals, concerts, plays, workshops, symposia, etc. She took the name Susan B. Echo presumably as part of her identity as a feminist artist; Susan B. in homage to Susan B. Anthony and Echo as a more poetic version of her surname. She was an avid photographer and artist, publishing several photographs in feminist journals and having at least one photograph show in Missouri. She also entered a number of assemblages in shows in Colorado. She also wrote poetry, having several pieces published in feminist journals and newsletters. She volunteered at the Women's Eye, a local feminist book store (1977-1983), served on the Washington University's Women Studies Steering Committee (1977-1978), and was elected as a member of the Coalition Council of the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns (1986-1991). In the early 1990s she worked for the Colorado AIDS Project.

ARRANGEMENT

The collection is arranged in three series:

  1. Series I. Biographical and personal, ca.1900-2010 (#1.1-23.5, FD.1, PD.1-PD.12, T-408.1 - T-408.8, Vt-230.1 - Vt-230.2)
  2. Series II. Collected ephemera and memorabilia, 1909-2005 (#24.1-31FB.4m, FD.2-FD.8, F+D.2, OD.1-OD.7, OD.9 SD.1)
  3. Series III. Photographs audiotapes, and oversized, ca.1870-1999 (#FD.1-FD.9, F+D.1, OD.1-OD.8, SD.1, PD.13-PD.34f+, T-408.9 - T-408.15)

Physical Location

Collection stored off site: researchers must request access 36 hours before use.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession numbers: 2006-M81, 2006-M102, 2009-M45, 2009-M129, 2010-M241, 2011-M148. Accession number 2020-M44 was added to the collection in August 2020. Accession 2023-M123 was added to to folder PD.25f+ in October 2023.

The papers of Susan B. Echo were acquired by the Schlesinger Library from Susan B. Echo between May 2006 and September 2023.

Addenda Note:

There is additional Susan B. Echo material at the Schlesinger Library. It is currently unprocessed and unavailable for research.

SEPARATION RECORD

Donors: Susan B. Echo

Accession numbers: 2006-M81, 2006-M102, 2009-M45, 2009-M129, 2010-M241, 2011-M148

Processed by: Mark Vassar

The following items have been removed from the collection and transferred to the Schlesinger Library Printed Materials Division:

  1. Adult Newsletter (Empowerment Program Services for Women), 1993
  2. The Alternative (Central Missouri State University), 1973
  3. The Alternative (University of Missouri, St. Louis), 1976, undated
  4. Athena Protects, 1975
  5. Black Newsletter, undated
  6. CAP Update (Colorado AIDS Project), 1992
  7. Center Lines (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Colorado), 2004
  8. CLOUTreach (Christian Lesbians Out Together), 1993-2000
  9. Commitment (United Nations), 1974
  10. Common Helps for Leaders (United Church of Christ Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society), 1984-1985
  11. Common Lot (United Church of Christ Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society), 1987
  12. Career Women's Communique (Rocky Mountain Career Women's Association), 1986
  13. Council Communique (National Association of Women Religious), 2001
  14. Currents (Rocky Mountain Conference for the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns), 1988
  15. Denver News and Views (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Denver), 1995
  16. Focus, 1977
  17. Gatherings, A Newsletter About Women (Washington University), 1980-1983
  18. The Gay News-Telegraph (Gay and Lesbian Advocates), 1982
  19. History and Report (Rape and Violence End Now), 1980
  20. Images (Conference for Catholic Lesbians), 1985-1986
  21. IGLA Bulletin (International Gay and Lesbian Archives), 1994-1995
  22. In Unity (Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches), 1975
  23. Keeping in Touch (Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches), 1988
  24. Legislative Bulletin (Gay Rights National Lobby), undated
  25. The Lesbian and Gay News-Telegraph (Kansas City, MO), 1993
  26. Liberation News Service, 1969-1970
  27. Linc (Lesbians in Colorado), 1995
  28. Little Known Mammals (Ladyfest Out West), 2003
  29. Marantha Newsletter (Marantha of the Riverside Church), 1981
  30. Mattachine Review (Mattachine Society), 1959
  31. Men (Colorado Men's Network), undated
  32. The Monthly Bulletin of the St. Louis Branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, 1976
  33. Montrose Voice, 1982
  34. NAWR Trends (National Assembly of Women Religious), 1975
  35. National Update (Women's Caucus for Art), 1985-1986
  36. News (Community of Women Artists), 1978
  37. News and Views (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Denver), 1987
  38. Newsletter (At the Foot of the Mountain), 1982
  39. Newsletter (Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition), 1990-1991
  40. [Newsletter] (Colorado Men's Network), undated
  41. Newsletter (Community of Women Artists), 1976
  42. [Newsletter] (Congregation Tikvat Shalom), 1981
  43. [Newsletter] (Dignity St. Louis), 1987-1988
  44. Newsletter (Gay and Lesbian Inter-Religious Coalition), 1988
  45. [Newsletter] (The Matrix, Inc.), 1981
  46. Newsletter (St. Louis Abused Women's Support Project), 1981
  47. Newsletter (St. Louis Archdiocesan Council of Religious Women), 1975
  48. Newsletter (Pacific Society for Women in Philosophy), 1975
  49. Newsletter (Women's Caucus for Art, St. Louis Chapter), 1979
  50. Newsletter (Women's Caucus - Religious Studies), 1977
  51. Newsletter (Women's Theological Center), 1984-1985
  52. One, The Homosexual Viewpoint (Los Angeles, CA), 1959, 1966
  53. Open Hands (Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, Inc.), 1989
  54. Perspectives (National Women's Studies Association), 1986
  55. Phoenix Midwest Homophile Voice, 1966
  56. Probe (National Assembly of Women Religious), 1976
  57. The Rapporter (East Bay Metropolitan Community Church, Oakland, California), 1975
  58. St. Louis Men's Projects Newsletter, 1978
  59. Social Action (Council for Christian Social Action), 1967
  60. Supporters of Silkwood (Karen Silkwood Public Education Fund), 1978
  61. Themes: A Newsletter of the New Women's Religion (Susan B. Anthony Coven, Los Angeles, California), 1980
  62. Update: Colorado AIDS Project News, 1989
  63. Update (Colorado AIDS Project), 1996
  64. Vector (Society for Individual Rights), 1966
  65. Virgina Woolf Miscellany, 1977
  66. Waves (United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns), 1994, 1996
  67. Weird Sisters (Fort Collins, CO), 2002
  68. Weird Sisters West (Fort Collins, CO), 2004
  69. Women as Women as Women (Kansas City Women's Liberation Union), 1975-1976
  70. Women Energy: A Feminist Literary and Art Journal, 1976
  71. The Women's Eye News (Clayton, Missouri), 1978
  72. Women's Sports Connection (St. Louis, Missouri), 1980-1983
  73. The Women's Voice in Saint Louis (St. Louis, Missouri), 1993-1994
  74. Works in Progress (Rocky Mountain Women's Institute), 2001
  75. Worksheet (Women's Center for Theologizing), 1975

The following item has been removed from the collection and transferred to the National Organization for Women chapter newsletter collection (Pr-1):

  1. Keepin' the Thing Goin', (North St. Louis County NOW), 1977

The following phonograph albums, 45 rpm phonograph disks, and cassette tapes were removed from the collection and transferred to the Schlesinger Library Printed Materials Division.

  1. Ain't No Where You Can Run/Take It With You Wherever You Go (45 rpm), Jasmine, 1982
  2. Bar I/Angry At This (45 rpm), Maxine Feldman and "Sisterhood," undated
  3. Telephone Line/Raise Yourself (45 rpm), Holly Near, 1979
  4. The Judge Said/Young Moon (45 rpm), Malvina Reynolds, undated
  5. ALIVE! (33 1/3 rpm), Alive!, 1979
  6. Call it Jazz (33 1/3 rpm), Alive!, 1979
  7. Debutante (33 1/3 rpm), Willie Tyson, 1977
  8. From Women's Faces (33 1/3 rpm), Therese Edell, 1976
  9. "I'm Looking for Some Long-time Friends..." (33 1/3 rpm), Ginni Clemmens, 1976
  10. More Than Friends (33 1/3 rpm), Robin Flower, 1979
  11. On the Edge (33 1/3 rpm), BabaYaga, 1978
  12. Oregon Mountains (33 1/3 rpm), Woody Simmons, 1977
  13. Rock Follies (33 1/3 rpm), Charlotte Cromwell, Julie Covington, and Rula Lenska, 1976
  14. [Self-titled] (33 1/3 rpm), Hazel & Alice, 1976
  15. [Self-titled] (33 1/3 rpm), Jade and Sarsaparilla, 1973
  16. [Self-titled] (33 1/3 rpm), Jasmine, 1981
  17. [Self-titled] (33 1/3 rpm), Linda Tilley (Tui), 1977
  18. The Ways a Woman Can Be (33 1/3 rpm), Teresa, 1977
  19. City Life (cassette), Alive!, undated
  20. I'd Rather Be Cute (cassette), Lynn Lavner, 1986
  21. Michigan Live '85 (cassette), Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1985
  22. "Songs of Struggle and Celebration" (cassette), Jeanne Mackey and Mary Trevor, 1975
  23. Unwrapped (cassette), Marilyn T., 1987

Processing Information

Processed: April 2015

Updated and additional material added: August 2020

By: Mark Vassar with the assistance of Dan Bullman

Additional material added: October 2023

By: Johanna Carll

Title
Echo, Susan B., 1955- . Papers of Susan B. Echo, ca.1870-2010 (inclusive), 1970-2000 (bulk): A Finding Aid
Author
Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America
Language of description
eng
EAD ID
sch01494

Repository Details

Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository

The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.

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