Whitman College Literary Societies collection

Collection

Identifier: WCA-169

Staff Only

Abstract

Literary societies were student clubs which focused on reciting literature and poetry, discussing shared readings, and engaging in debate. The Whitman College Literary Societies collection is primarily comprised of minute books, which include records of society meetings as well as articles of incorporation, by-laws, and member rosters. Materials in the collection date from 1882 to 1918.

Dates

1882-1918

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

Literary societies gained popularity on the Whitman College campus around 1899-1900. Faculty supervised the groups, who recited literature and poetry and shared readings. Aside from reciting and discussing literature, societies also publicly debated one another. Admission and participation in many of these societies was restricted by gender. For example, the Alcott and Libethrean societies were women-only, and the Athenaeum and Phrenokosomian societies were men-only. Literary societies appear to have declined in popularity at Whitman by the 1920s.