Evanston Public Library

Evanston Files

Evanston File Names

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Citizens Committe for Decent Literature - On 4/28/1958 the Evanston city council approved Alderman Nott's motion that consideration be given by the City Council for more effective control of obscene publications. The appointments of four Evanstonians to a Citizens Committee on Decent Literature were confirmed Deceber 1958 by the city council. The four, who were recommended by Mayor John R. Kimbarck, were the Rev. Arthur D. Zahniser (minister of the First Free Methodist Church), Mrs. Henry King (president of ETHS PTA), Mrs. Robert Seyl, President of the Evanston PTA council, and Mrs. Joseph Hermann, chairman of the decent literature committee of St. Mary's PTA). Rev. J. Richard Drees was also recommended, but unable to serve on the committee. The purpose of the group was to "effect restraints upon dealers, wholesalers and distributors of objectionable publications."(ER 12/11/1958). The committee had a four-fold purpose: 1) To forumulate public opinion condeming the sale and distribution of obscene and indecent publications 2) To make it difficult, if not impossible, for minors to buy or obtain objectional publications 3) To enlist the cooperation of parents, schools groups, churches and other civic groups in condemning the display and sale of objectionable material 4) To assist police "in vigourously prosecuting" those who contribute to the delinquency of minors through the sale or distribution of indecent books or periodicals.(ER 11/27/1958). Kickoff for the local campaign against obscene literature was held March 13th, 1959. The Loretta Young television movie "The Accused" which council said pinpoints the problem was shown. New member of the committee Mrs. Louise Watson, active in the Evanston Branch of the NAACP. (ER 3/5/1959). 59 Evanston organizations gave their written approval to the Citizen's Committee (list of those organizations in file) and in the ER article from 5/28/1959). Controversy over obscene literature and what should be done about it was up for public discussion at a forum held at the YMCA December 1959 and sponsored by the Evanston ACLU. The meeting brought together forces opposing the operations of the committee and representatives and members of the committee.Moderating the panel discussion was Franklyn Haiman (SEE ALSO: http://www.library.northwestern.edu/archives/findingaids/franklyn_haiman.pdf), associate professor of group communications at Northwestern.  (ER 12/3/1959). ACLU stated its position on the Committee's program in an ER article dated 1/7/1960.

CT Archives Reviewed Date:2007-03-02

Evanston File Names

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