Isabel Kimble Papers

The Isabel Kimble Papers, dated 1972-1983, are divided into four major series following Kimble's original arrangement: Women's Political Caucus of Northern Nevada, Anne Martin Women's Political Caucus, Women's Center and Rape Crisis Line, and Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

The largest portion of the collection deals with the ERA and the effort in Nevada to have the amendment ratified. Included are correspondence, both to and from Kimble; minutes and reports from Nevadans for ERA and the ERA Coalition; bylaws; newsletters; publicity issued by these organizations; and fliers, brochures, and clippings from other sources. Kimble was very involved with these two organizations, especially between the years 1973-1977; the result is a good picture of the strategy used in the unsuccessful Nevada drive to pass the ERA. Especially helpful is the correspondence, which dates from 1972-1978; reports to members of the organizations; notes; and records of votes of Nevada state legislators. Although the newspaper clippings are also available in newspapers, it is very helpful to have them assembled in one easily accessible location.

Kimble was a member of two women's caucus organizations; the Women's Political Caucus of Northern Nevada, and its successor, the Anne Martin Women's Political Caucus. Records of the former include bylaws, correspondence (1973-1976), questionnaires sent to members and candidates for political offices, and newsletters. These are supplemented by correspondence, bylaws, and newsletters of the Anne Martin Caucus. These two groups worked to encourage qualified women to enter politics in Nevada, as well as on special projects such as ERA ratification.

Kimble's interest in the Women's Center and Rape Crisis Line grew out of her work with the Women's Political Caucus of Northern Nevada. Initially seen as a site where women's groups could meet, and housed in the living room of a private home, the Center eventually acquired its own building and began sponsoring the Rape Crisis Line. This center was operated by a consortium of women's organizations in the Reno area and was governed by representatives of those groups. Kimble served on the initial board of that consortium; included in her papers are minutes, correspondence, fliers, and newspaper clippings.