Collection: State College Literary Club records | Penn State University Libraries Archival Collections

Summary

Abstract

The State College Literary Club was formed in 1896 by professors from the School of Language and Literature at Pennsylvania State University (then called the Pennsylvania State College). Club members read papers to each other and discussed topics relating to their papers and areas of study. This collection contains records of the State College Literary Club including financial and membership records, meeting minutes, and papers read by members.

Dates

Creation: 1895-2010

Extent

5.08 Linear Feet

Background

Biographical / Historical

The Club's founding in 1896 resulted from a community of interests and a sense of isolation. The initial five members comprised the entire faculty of the School of Languages and Literature: Carl D. Fehr (German), Irving L. Foster (French), Harry K. Munro (English), Fred Lewis Pattee (English and Rhetoric), and Benjamin Gill, Dean of the School (Greek and Latin). They were joined at the first meeting by their colleagues in the School of History, Political Science and Philosophy: Erwin W. Runkle, College Librarian (Philosophy) and Edward P. Colcord (History).

The purpose of the Literary Club is to "awaken and activate a love of liberal studies not only in this society but also in the College [University] and as far as possible in the community at large."

Scope and Contents

Physical 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. Margaret Oldham put two photographs from Accession 2023-0148 into mylar sleeves.

Using These Materials

Repository Details

Part of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library Repository

https://libraries.psu.edu/specialcollections

Contact:
104 Paterno Library
Penn State University
University Park 16802 USA
(814) 865-1793
spcollections@psu.edu

Conditions Governing Access

Access restricted except by permission of club president.

For information on accessing this collection please contact the Special Collections Research Services Unit at specolref@psu.edu.

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], State College Literary Club records, 01368, Eberly Family Special Collections Library, Pennsylvania State University.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Guide to the State College Literary Club 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

2021: As part of bulk updates, Benjamin Mitchell updated standardized notes to current standard
2021 December 16: per feedback request form - Robyn double checked the boxes to make sure inventory was accurate; she edited some of the folder titles that were not accurate and added material that in the boxes but not recorded; she also updated some of the notes that were not up to compliance

State College Literary Club records

Collection

Collection organization