Recreation Extension Service

Collection

Identifier: RG 05-5.45

Staff Only

Abstract

The Recreation Extension Service was formally established in 1937 under the direction of Frank H. Smith with the aim of increasing the appreciation of Appalachian cultural heritage through participation in recreational activities based on traditional folk material. Recreation Extension services included folk arts programming, the Christmas Country Dance School, the Mountain Folk Festival, the Country Dancers and other recreational campus groups, itineranct recreation services to schools and communities in the Appalachian area, and college classes in recreation. The Berea College Recreation Extension Service was terminated in 1995 upon the retirement of its last director, Dr. John Ramsay.

Dates

created: 1914-1995

Creator

Berea College (Organization)
Berea College -- Berea Country Dancers (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the collection other than federal copyright regulations.

Biographical or Historical Information

Directors of Recreation Extension Services: Frank H. Smith (1937 - 1958), Ethel Capps (1958 - July 1974), John M. Ramsay (Aug 1974 - 1995)

Christmas Country Dance School - Traditional dance, music, song and crafts since 1938

Note written by

Extent

10.00 ms_boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged in the following series:

Series 1: General Administration - Administrative files of Recreation Extension Services including correspondence, rosters, print materials, schedules, programming materials, and reports.

Series 2: Christmas Country Dance School - Records of the Christmas Country Dance School including administrative materials, correspondence, programs, rosters, and print materials.

Series 3: Country Dancers - Records of the Berea College Country Dancers including administrative materials, correspondence, schedules, print materials and programs, rosters, tour information, testimonial letters, and materials regarding the 1962 Latin American Tour and 1963 visit to the White House.

Series 4: Musical Festival - Records regarding the administration of the Mountain Folk Festival including correspondence, notes, schedules, and festival booklets and print materials.