Student Essays

1.05 linear feet (2 document cases, 1 small document case)

This is an artificial collection of student essays written between 1890 and 1901. The essays do not appear to be theses, nor do they appear to be only senior class essays. Some authors appear more than once, and none appear to be graduate students. While all of the essays have an author and title, many include only the graduating class of the author, not the date the essay was written.

The physical makeup of the essays is interesting. Most of the essays are around 20 pages in length, indicating work of some depth. A few are bound, while others are sewn together and some are stapled. Some are handwritten, but most are typewritten. Many of them have ribbons or other decoration on the cover or holding the piece together. Illustrations found in them are hand drawn, sometimes in great detail.

The essays themselves are of some interest, although their informational content is most likely dated. The topics covered by the essays are quite diverse, ranging from bread to bridge construction. A large number of the essays seem to relate to the study of the English language, the mechanical arts, with agriculture, engineering and woodcarving. Some other topics include entomology, molds, music and sewing.

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South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections.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.

• English