This collection contains records from two early literary college literary societies: the Literary Utilior Society and the Philomathian Society.  While the majority of the records fall during the Illinois State University years, the records do cover the periods of transition from Hillsboro College to ISU and from ISU to Carthage. Of particular note are the literary society minutes concerning Abraham Lincoln.  The 1858 minutes of the Philomathian Literary Society show that Abraham Lincoln was elected as an honorary member, and after Lincoln's assassination the Literary Utilior minutes contain a resolution to drape the halls in black for 60 days.