| Level | Series |
| Reference Number | FACS/13/4 |
| Alternate Reference Number | FACS/9/8 |
| Title | Michaelis Guild Alumni Association |
| Date | 1896-2002 |
| Extent | 4 boxes |
| Description | This series consists of notes pertaining to member news; a constitution; financial account books and statements; funeral program for Elsa Hopkins Walters; event ephemera, including programs for the appreciation for the life of Eglantyne Mary Jebb, a piano concert, student meetings, and reunions; documents pertaining to the Michaelis Guild brooch and a Michaelis Guild brooch; member directories; minutes; general notices; notices of annual meetings; and press cuttings. Material was donated by several former members, including Jean Conran (Chairman), M.M.D, Nancy Vlasto (Secretary), and Sylvia Young. |
| Language | English |
| Administrative History | Michaelis Guild was founded in 1896 on the completion of the first two year training course to provide an organisation through which ex-students of Froebel Educational Institute could keep in touch. The Michaelis Guild was formed with Madame Michaelis as President, Miss Lawrence as Vice-President, and Miss D. Bailey as Secretary. Its aims were to maintain the spirit of good fellowship amongst the old students and to give help and sympathy on the practical carrying out of Froebel's principles. A member's badge was chosen, designed by Mr. Ketle, a silver shield bearing the monogram of the Guild in the center and round it a border of lilies, Froebel's symbolic flower. Also it was decided to issue a paper called "Child Life." In 1903, the Guild issued "Guild Notes," a separate leaflet, which gave more detailed information about the doings of the members of the Institute. In 1910 it was decided to enlarge it so as to include papers on subjects of general interest. It was a link between past and present students by incorporating some accounts of the latter, so it was called The Link. In 1909, the Guild extended its social work to the transcription of books into Braille for the libraries for the blind. |
| Access Status | Open |