Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Records
Title
Miltonian Literary Society
Date(s)
- 1887-1931 (Accumulation)
Extent
0.42 linear feet (1 document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This 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. 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.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
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.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections.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.
Languages of the material
- English