Eesti Kirjameeste Selts ja naised
Women in the Society of Estonian Literati

Summary/Abstract: The Society of Estonian Literati (Eesti Kirjameeste Selts) (1872–1893) was a prominent initiative during the Estonian national awakening in the latter half of the 19th century. Its main pursuits included the development of Estonian as a literary language, the publication of Estonian-language literature (particularly school textbooks), and the collection of folk songs, tales, and artifacts. Established during the height of the national awakening, the society played a role in the subsequent division of the movement in the 1880s and faced closure, partly due to internal rivalry during the period of Russification. While women were not typically recognized as very active members of the society or the wider national movement, there were exceptions, notably the national poet Lydia Koidula. Recent research in women’s history has shed more light on her contemporary – teacher, journalist, and author Lilli Suburg, the first woman accepted into the Estonian Society of Literati in 1873. However, sources reveal over 100 women members of the society (the number of men is unreported, but estimated at around 1500). Many of the women were family members of male counterparts. Meeting minutes and correspondence reveal incomplete membership lists and fee rolls, so the exact number of women members remains elusive. The existing sources are also problematic as they only provide partial information, such as family name, sometimes marital status, initials, first name, or location. Mistakes and inconsistencies in the spelling of names make it difficult to ascertain the historical women behind the names. Approximately one-third of the 110–120 women can be confidently identified. The geography of the national movement has been studied by a number of authors and the locations align in some cases – for example, the parish of Kanepi provided a number of active members. However, the sample of women is insufficient for a thorough comparison. One notable difference is that urban girls and women had a stronger prevalence among members than their male counterparts. Unmarried women seemed to have a narrow majority, but, as mentioned, personal data is incomplete. Women’s participation in meetings began years after the first women joined and likely remained slim. Around one-third of women members paid their membership fee (not all of the men did either), most for one or two years, only a few on a more regular basis. Some of the women engaged in literary pursuits, with the journal and works by Lilli Suburg present in the library, and poems by Anna Haava, Elise Aun, and Liina Täker earning recognition. The sole documented speech by a woman was delivered by Natalie Johanson-Pärna, a teacher and sister of one of the key figures of the national movement, Carl Robert Jakobson. Women’s primary role appeared to be in organizing fairs to raise funds for the society. They undertook preparations, provided refreshments, and crafted many of the items for sale. This was probably the most socially acceptable form of participation. While formal Estonian women’s societies emerged in the early 20th century, this paper demonstrates the increasing social activity of Estonian women over the waning decades of the 19th century. Many of the same women also participated in other national awakening initiatives, such as fundraising for the Estonian Alexander School. Women’s activities during the national awakening merit further research. A particularly interesting area for exploration would be the single women possessing the means and motivation for active engagement.

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