Demeter newspapers and ephemera

Collection

Identifier: MS-003

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains newspapers, posters, programs, and other materials related to Demeter Resources. Demeter Resources was comprised of three divisions: a newsmagazine, a production company, and a sports group. The monthly newsmagazine, titled Demeter constitutes the bulk of the collection, which contains a complete run of issues starting with vol. 2, no. 3, June 1979 through the final issue, vol. 8, no. 4, Summer 1985. As stated in vol. 2, no. 4, “Demeter is a local feminist newsletters. As such, its primary purpose is to publicize the organizations, activities, and concerns of local feminist women.” Topics addressed include sexuality, race, gender equality, sexism, gay rights, reproductive rights, and violence against women. Issues also include poetry and articles about books and music. The collection also contains posters and programs from concerts produced in 1979-1981 by Demeter Musical Productions, the musical division of the organization. Concert posters and programs feature the following artists: River, Alive!, Terry Garthwaite, Meg Christian, June Millington. Materials also include stage notes and a performance agreement for the 1981 performance by Alive! with Terry Garthwaite. The collection also contains a promotional flier for Demeter Musical Productions, a news clipping about Demeter Resources, and a Lady Slipper music catalog.

Dates

1979-1985

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is available for research by appointment only. Please contact Archives and Special Collections staff in advance to request access.

Conditions Governing Use

California State University, Monterey Bay does not hold copyright to this collection. Archives and Special Collections recognizes that it is incumbent upon the researcher to procure permission to publish information from this collection from the owner of copyright.

Biographical / Historical

Demeter Resources was a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the feminist community and the development of women's culture in the Monterey Bay area. Based out of Pacific Grove, California, the organization was founded in 1978 by Lois Van Beers and JT Mason when they began publishing Demeter newsmagazine, originally know as the Women’s Resource Center Newsletter. The organization expanded to include Demeter Productions, a women’s production team formed to promote women’s performing art and music, and a sports group to sponsor women’s athletics.

Extent

1.7 Linear Feet (1 full box, 1 half box, 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains newspapers, posters, programs, and other materials related to Demeter Resources, a nonprofit women's organization founded in 1978, dedicated to the growth of the feminist community and the development of women's culture in the Monterey Bay area. The newspapers date from 1979-1985, with other materials from 1979-1981.