Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Union Literary Society Records
UA.12.2.18
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
- Creator
- Michigan Agricultural College. Union Literary Society.
- Title
- Union Literary Society records
- ID
- UA.12.2.18
- Date [inclusive]
- 1889-1927
- Extent
- 0.1 Cubic feet , 5 folders
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."
Historical Note
The Union Literary Society was established at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) on March 31, 1876, the first literary society on campus. The purpose of the society was the literary, moral, and social enlightenment of its members. The first meeting was held on April 8, 1876 in No. 7 Williams Hall. At the first meeting, the constitution was drawn up and signed. Subsequent meetings were held in the English classroom in College Hall and later in Wells Hall.
At first, the existence of the society was kept secret, but eventually word got out, drawing jeers from members of fraternities. In 1877, the Union Literary Society procured a charter and was given rooms in the basement of Wells Hall to use for meetings. In 1891, with the assistance of alumni, a building was erected in order for the society to hold literary and social meetings. The building was purchased by the college in 1925 and the society moved to a new location on Albert Avenue and then later to Valley Court.
The Union Literary Society and the AeTheons were initiated into Delta Chi Fraternity in 1935. (Michigan State News, January 8, 1935)
Scope and Content
This collection contains programs for anniversary events and commencement festivities, a register of members, and a few pieces of correspondence. Also included are remnants of a scrapbook, which include drawings, articles and a flyer for a picnic at Evergreen Park held by the Farmers of Hesperus Township in 1899.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections March 2004
Conrad Hall888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu
Revision Description
August 2008
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Legal Status note
Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- Michigan Agricultural College. Students. Societies, etc..
- Michigan Agricultural College. Union Literary Society.
- Michigan State College. Union Literary Society.
Genre(s)
- Letters (correspondence)
- Programs (Publications)
Subject(s)
- College students -- Michigan -- East Lansing
- College students -- Societies and clubs
- Literature -- Societies, etc.
Collection Inventory
| Drawer | Folder | |||
|
Anniversary Programs 1889-1895 |
F.D. | 1 | ||
|
Commencement Festivities Programs 1897-1899 |
F.D. | 2 | ||
|
Scrapbook Remnants 1896-1899 Archivist's NoteThe originals were placed in the Irma Thompson papers (UA 10.3.35) as she is the creator. The pages do not appear to relate to ULS. It is likely they were originally part of Irma Thompson's scrapbook, but were accidentally separated. M. Malone, April 2013 |
F.D. | 3 | ||
|
Correspondence 1909, 1926-1927 |
F.D. | 4 | ||
|
Register 1893 |
F.D. | 5 | ||
Serials |
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|
#706: (Ye) U. Lit. Speculum |
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