| | Abstract: | Dorothy Davis Kates was employed by the Historical Records Survey of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Cleveland, Ohio, during the 1930s; serving as a Superintendent of the Cuyahoga County Archives Survey Project, as an Area Supervisor, a Project Planning Assistant, and eventually as the Director of the Historical Records Program of the WPA in Cleveland. Kates was also active in many civic and arts organizations throughout her life, including the Print Club of Cleveland, the Cleveland Society for Contemporary Art, and the Women's City Club of Cleveland. Beginning in 1966, she chaired the Mental Health Committee of the Women's City Club, helping to organize lectures and community projects concerned with mental health, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, child abuse, and prison reform issues. She founded the Women's City Club Mental Health Institute in 1976. Kates was also active in local Democratic Party politics, particularly in the presidential elections of 1960, 1964, and 1968. Other organizations in which she participated included the Women's Forum of Greater Cleveland, Le Cercle des Conferences Francaise, Organization for Rehabilitation through Training, Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations, and the Jewish Community Center. Kates also was the author of articles, reviews, essays, and radio plays. The collection consists of correspondence, minutes, essays, newspaper and magazine articles, play transcriptions, unpublished manuscripts, notes, lists, rosters, bylaws, reports, brochures, itineraries, programs, memoranda, cards, campaign flyers, newsletters, legislative bills, publications, surveys, schedules, regulations, directories, awards, and certificates. | |
