Student Life

Collection — Container: 6 volumes

Identifier: 02-0003

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

Created: 1848-1880

Biographical or Historical Information

College literary societies played important social, intellectual, and educational roles in the nineteenth century academic community. As early as 1848, the Literary Utilior Society and the Philomathian Society complemented the classical education experience at Hillsboro College and Illinois State University. These societies were later replaced by the Cicero and Galileo Literary Societies in Carthage, IL.

Note written by

Extent

1.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The volumes are arranged by society and then chronologically.

Physical Access Requirements

The Staubitz Archives collections are owned, held, or licensed by Carthage College and are available for free personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership of the materials is properly cited. Any commercial use of the materials, without the written permission of the Staubitz Archives of Carthage College, is strictly prohibited. Please contact the archivist at archives@carthage.edu for permissions and hi-resolution copies. Archival records must be consulted in the Archives Reading Room.