Miltonian Literary Society Records

Finding Aid

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Collection Summary

Identifier

UA 35.6

Title

Miltonian Literary Society Records

Creator

Miltonian Literary Society, South Dakota Agricultural College, South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts

Dates

1887-1931

Extent

0.42 linear feet (1 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 . Miltonian Literary Society Records. UA 35.6. South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Abstract

The Miltonian Literary Society fostered training along forensic, dramatic and social lines. The collection is composed of correspondence, ledgers from the beginnings of the society that include the constitution of the society and minutes from meetings and programs from plays presented by the society.

Historical Note

The Miltonian Literary Society was one of the first social groups to be founded on State's campus. It was organized as the Lyceum Club in the early 1880's and membership was restricted to men. In 1887, the club divided and formed another society, the Athenian Literary Society, which included both sexes on its roll call. In 1892, the club drew up a new charter and organized under the title of the Miltonian Literary Society. The Miltonian's directed their energies into forensics, dramatics, and social channels. The purpose of the society was to foster training along forensic, dramatic and social lines. Activities of the society included contests in debate, oratory, extempore speaking, dramatic reading, and one-act plays. The Society existed on campus until the early 1930's.

Contents Note

This series is composed of correspondence, ledgers from the beginnings of the society that include the constitution of the society and minutes from meetings and programs from plays presented by the society. Found inside the back of the ledger from 1903-1931 were loose papers that include clippings, notes, membership information, reports and an orations from a 1916 contest on Booker Washington.

Key Words

Literary societies

Miltonian Literary Society

Student activities

Students -- Societies, etc.

Container List

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Miltonian Literary Society Records Container List. UA 35.6

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.