Indiana Historical Society - Manuscripts & Archives
User Information
Biographical Sketch
Scope and Content Note
Box and Folder Listing
Cataloging Information
Processed by:
Carrie Divine
8 June 1993
VOLUME OF COLLECTION: 2 manuscript boxes (.465 linear ft.)
COLLECTION DATES: 1933-1992
PROVENANCE: Julia Strain Fangmeier, Indianapolis Indiana
RESTRICTIONS: none
REPRODUCTION RIGHTS: Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the Indiana Historical Society.
RELATED HOLDINGS: IP 921 S896f The One Hundredth Anniversary, the Home at 206 So. Mill St., Salem, IN . (This item is also located within the Julia Strain Fangmeier collection)
ACCESSION NUMBER: 92.0597
Julia Hottel Strain was born February 7, 1921 to Mary Mabel Hottel and Dell Strain at their home: 206 S. Mill St., Salem, Indiana. She was the fourth child after Emma Maydell, Rebecca Elizabeth, and Arthur Dell. A younger brother Frank D., was born nine years later.
She graduated from Salem High School where she was president of the Senior Dramatic Club. She was active in the drama and youth group at Salem First Christian Church. After High School she attended Indiana University. Before graduating from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1943, (A.B. Speech and Teaching) she was tapped into Mortar Board, in 1942 and named Outstanding Actress of the Year, 1942-43, for her leading role in "The Eve of St. Mark." As a freshman she worked in the Union Hall cafeteria. The last three years she worked in the Religious Work Shop under the direction of Dr. Frank O. Beck, who later gave the Beck Chapel to the University. She also served as President of the college youth group at First Christian Church in Bloomington. She then attended Yale University. She was granted a scholarship from the Yale University Divinity School. She attended three years, graduating with an M.A. in 1946. Her field work included youth work at Whitneyville Congregational Church for two years and one year teaching at a private Prospect Hill School for girls. She was ordained June 23, 1946 at Salem.
From 1946-1951, she served as Minister of Education at Heights Christian Church, Shaker Heights, Ohio. On December 20, 1950 she married Robert A. Fangmeier and moved to the Washington D.C. area where she served as Minister of Education at Bethesda First Baptist Church from 1951-1953. She then moved to Cleveland, Ohio in December 1953 when her husband became Managing Editor of Church Management Magazine. January thru November, 1955 Julia taught Jr. High English, dramatics and modern dance at John Marshall Junior High.
Active in community and church affairs, Julia Strain Fangmeier's activities with Church Women United in Race Relations and as their lobbyist in 1963 in the Indiana General Assembly, which eventually led to her employment in 1967 with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Over the years some areas of responsibility included being head of Affirmative Action, Compliance, Supervisor of Investigators, Case Control, Liaison with both the Advisory Committee of Sex Discrimination, Education, and Public Relations.
Sources: Materials in collection
This collection filling two manuscript boxes consists of correspondence, publications, genealogical information, programs, awards, certificates, newspaper clippings, and photographs covering the period of 1933-1992. Correspondence is arranged chronologically, other subjects are arranged chronologically within the category.
In Box 1, folder 1 contains Julia Strain Fangmeier's baptismal certificate, family history, as well as other genealogical information. Folders 2-12 contain letters and cards sent to her from friends, relatives, acquaintances, and also regarding her work. These letters describe her devotion to her family, her husband and her work. Folders 9-10 contain letters from her friend Ann Moody. These letters have been filed seperately to maintain Julia Fangmeier's original order.
In Box 2, folder 1 contains programs and bulletins of events that Mrs. Fangmeier attended throughout her life; from High School graduation to a recent church bulletin. Folder 2 contains speeches and publications that she has given. This includes a resignation speech, and the presentation she made for the Americans for Democratic Action 1954-55 at the Hearing of the Budget in Washington D.C. Folder 3 contains her High School diploma, Certificate to the Mortar Board membership, as well as other membership cards from various institutions. Folder 4 contains newspaper clippings of her achievements, in addition to people she knew and articles she saved. Folder 5 contains general information such as performance reports from the Civil Rights Commission, receipts, and a ticket to Disneyland. Folder 6 and 7 contain photographs from Julia Strain Fangmeier's early childhood, university years, her wedding to Robert Fangmeier, family photos and numerous other photographs.
BOX 1: Genealogical Information and Correspondence 1940-1992
Folder Contents
1 Genealogical Information
2 Correspondence, Sept. 17, 1940-Sept. 27, 1949
3 Correspondence, Dec. 1950-June 9, 1959
4 Correspondence, March 3, 1960-Dec. 29, 1969
5 Correspondence, June 23, 1970-Dec. 3, 1979
6 Correspondence, Jan. 24, 1980-Dec. 10, 1987
7 Correspondence, Jan. 4, 1988-Nov. 6, 1989
8 Correspondence, Jan. 4, 1990-April 22, 1992
9 Correspondence, letters from Ann Moody, March 31, 1969-July 21, 1989
10 Correspondence, letters from Ann Moody cont'd.
11 Correspondence, non dated letters
12 Correspondence, non dated cards
BOX 2: Programs, Certificates, Speeches and Publications, Newspaper Clippings, General Information, and Photographs
Folder Contents
1 Programs and Bulletins, May 26, 1939-Oct. 3, 1991
2 Speeches and Publications
3 Diploma, Awards, Certificates, and Memberships
4 Newspaper Clippings
5 General Information
6 (VC) Photographs
7 (VC) Photographs
MAIN ENTRY: Fangmeier, Julia Strain
SUBJECT ENTRIES: Fangmeier, Julia Strain
Women--Indiana--Indianapolis
Women civil rights workers--Indiana--Indianapolis
Civil rights workers--Indiana--Indianapolis
Women clergy--United States
END