Summary
Abstract
The Washington Literary Society was formed at Pennsylvania State University (then Farmer's High School) in 1859 and dissolved in 1895. The collection contains the society's governing documents, minutes, membership lists, correspondence, financial records, program information, and library records dating from 1859-1895.
Dates
- Creation: 1859-1895
Extent
2.4 Linear Feet
Background
Biographical / Historical
The Washington Literary Society (originally named Washington Agricultural Literary Society) was founded on March 4, 1859, shortly after the formation of the Farmer's High School (now Pennsylvania State University). The society was formed in conjunction with the Cresson Literary Society.
The society received active support from the college, including the granting of a meeting and library room, and a financial donation from the trustees procure books for its library. The members of the Society engaged in debates, essay and declamation writing, and orations. By the 1890s social fraternities, engineering societies, athletic groups, music, and drama clubs eroded society membership and it dissolved in June 1895.
Scope and Contents
The Washington Literary Society records document the organization's history and span the entirety of the society's existence, dating from 1859-1895. The collection inlcudes governing documents, meeting minutes, membership lists, correspondence, programs, financial records, library records, and student writings.
Of potential interest are letters from President James Buchanan and future President Abraham Lincoln, accepting honorary membership into the society. Also of interest are The Anonymous leaflets, which offer critical essay of the literary society by some members, as well as humorous gossip.
Location
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Penn State University Libraries catalog via the link above. Archival collections may be housed in offsite storage. For materials stored offsite, please allow 2-3 business days for retrieval.
Processing Information
Processed by Special Collections staff.
Using These Materials
Repository Details
Part of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library Repository
104 Paterno Library
Penn State University
University Park 16802 USA
(814) 865-1793
spcollections@psu.edu
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Photocopies of original materials may be made available for research purposes at the discretion of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library. Photocopies or reproductions of original materials may be subject to fees as outlined by the Pennsylvania State University Libraries reproduction policies.
Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. Patrons seeking advice on the availability of unpublished materials for publication should consult relevant copyright law and laws of libel.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Washington Literary Society records, 00337, Eberly Family Special Collections Library, Pennsylvania State University.
- Title
- Guide to the Washington Literary Society records
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Prepared by Special Collections Library faculty/staff
- Date
- 2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2022: Lexy deGraffenreid updated standardized notes to current standard, January 2022