Washington Literary Society records

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

This collection is open for use.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Washington Literary Society Records (RG 39.0002), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
16.25 Linear Feet 15 flat boxes, one half-size document box
Creator:
Washington and Lee University. Washington Literary Society
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Washington Literary Society Records (RG 39.0002), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the records of the Washington Literary Society. It includes the Secretary's books (meeting minutes, debate topics, membership rolls), treasurer's books, librarian's books, and roll books and membership registers. It also includes record material associated with The Southern Collegian, including a record book and correspondence. The collection ranges in date from 1814-1918.

Biographical / historical:

According to a published historical sketch, the Washington Literary Society was founded in 1812 on the Washington Academy campus (now Washington and Lee University). Its activities were likely interrupted or suspended due to the War of 1812. The written records of the Society begin in February 1814. Its first officers were John Woods (President), John Stowe Jones (Secretary), and Alfred McCay as Censor. The first question chosen to debate was whether it was advantageous for a young man to read ancient history first or modern history first. The Society purchased and maintained a library for its membership.

Both the Washington Literary Society and the Graham Philanthropic Society helped to launch The Southern Collegian, and their respective editors served to co-edit this new publication.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard