The East Texas School Men’s Club collection features a manuscript entitled “Origin and Early History of the East Texas Schoolmen’s Club: Compiled from Letters pertaining to activities of the Club During the first two years of its existence.” and listed as “Presented to the Club April 20, 1936 by William R. Davis.”

It includes a complete record of the organization's letters, its constitution, lists of members, and program notes for meetings from throughout 1930 and 1931. It also contains a smaller portion of similar documents from 1935-1940, including a thorough summary of the organization’s work for 1935-1936.

The Schoolmen’s Club was organized in early 1930 by William R. Davis of the Department of Education at Stephen F. Austin State Teaching College and several superintendents of schools from around the East Texas area. The stated goal of the organization was to “provide a means by which the concerted effort of the educational leadership of this region may be secured in the solution of the educational problems peculiar to this section.” (From the constitution, adopted March 21, 1930).

The collection will prove useful to researchers interested in the development of public education in East Texas, from grade school through higher education. Researchers interested in Stephen F. Austin State University’s education department and community outreach efforts will also find valuable information.