Finding Aid
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Collection Summary
Identifier
UA 35.1
Title
Athenian Literary Society Records
Creator
Athenian Literary Society, South Dakota Agricultural College
Dates
1887-1924
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)
Language
English
Repository
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Access note
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Preferred Citation
Name of item . Athenian Literary Society Records. UA 35.1. South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Abstract
The Athenian Literary Society developed its members in oratory, debate, and extemporaneous speaking and to promote social activities. This collection is composed of the constitution and by-laws for the society as well as programs for graduation exercises and plays presented by the society.
Historical Note
The Athenian Literary Society was first organized in 1888, as a branch of the literary society known as Lyceum. The Athenians were chartered by the last session of the Dakota Territorial Legislature in 1888. At that time, membership was limited to men only, but this restriction was soon removed and women were admitted with full membership privileges. The purpose of the Society was to develop its members in oratory, debate, and extemporaneous speaking and to promote social activities. The weekly meeting consisted of essays, debates, extemporaneous speaking, declamations, games and music.
Contents Note
This collection is composed of the constitution and by-laws for the society as well as programs for graduation exercises and plays presented by the society. Also included are play programs presented in collaboration with other literary societies.
Key Words
Athenian Literary Society
Delphian Literary Society
Eclectic Literary Society
Miltonian Literary Society
Philomathean Society
Student activities
Students -- Societies, etc.
Container List
View container list on Open Prairie
| Box | Folder | Description | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Collaborations with other Literary Societies (programs) | 1888-1924 |
| 1 | 2 | Constitution and by-laws | 1887 |
| 1 | 3 | Graduation exercises | 1887-1890 |
| 1 | 4 | Meeting minutes (ledger) | 1908-1921 |
| 1 | 5 | Play programs | undated |
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Copyright note
Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.
Arranged and Described by
Crystal J. Gamradt, 1998 August 25.