File containing five early histories of the Society, all compiled by the Society itself for various purposes, as follows:
i) 12 page printed pamphlet entitled ‘Society for Promoting the Employment of Women’. This is essentially an appeal leaflet, inviting donations and subscriptions, but gives much detail on the first 20 years of the Society’s existence, describing in particular its work in establishing work for women in the following: printing; clerical work; book keeping; hairdressing; decorative arts; glass engraving; dispensing; and gilding. It also refers to the work of the Middle Class Emigration Society in conjunction with the Society 1861-63; and financial input from the City and Guilds of London Institute and the Clothworkers’ Company; circa 1880;
ii) 1 sheet of handwritten notes detailing the establishment and early achievements of the Society, 1859-75. Appears to be incomplete. Circa 1880?;
iii) ‘History of the Society for Promoting the Employment of Women’: 2 typescript copies. One comprises 5 pages covering the period up to 1906, the other comprises 4 pages but includes handwritten additions up to 1913;
iv) ‘List of Professions & Occupations in the training of which candidates have been helped by loans or introductions from the Society for Promoting the Employment of Women’, 2 copies (one handwritten, the other typescript), circa 1920?;
v) ‘Brief History of the Society for Promoting the Training of Women’. 1 page, typescript. [circa 1926?] [probably draft text for a prospectus or appeal leaflet?].