Ingles and Pocahontas Literary Societies Records , 1920-1931

Location of collection:

Radford University

University Archives

McConnell Library

Radford University

P.O. Box 6881

801 East Main Street

Radford, VA 24142

Contact for questions and access:

POC: Bud Bennett

Email: brbennet@radford.edu

Phone: (540) 831-5694

Email: archives@radford.edu

Phone: (540) 831-5701

Web: www.radford.edu/libraries/archival-materials

Summary

Extent:

3.0 Linear feet

Creator:

Ingles and Pocahontas Literary Societies

Abstract:

The Ingles and Pocahontas Literary Societies Records contain official documents from both societies, as well as various handwritten entries, letters, invitations, meeting minutes, envelopes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, literary works, event programs, and other materials. For the full details of this collection see the finding aid.

Language:

English

Background

Scope and content:

The Ingles and Pocahontas Literary Societies Records contain official documents from both societies, as well as various handwritten entries, letters, invitations, meeting minutes, envelopes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, literary works, and event programs. These materials are held within two ledgers. The Ingles Literary Society ledger contains handwritten entries plus many items that were glued or pasted in the pages, similar to a scrapbook. The Pocahontas Literary Society ledger holds meeting minutes, dues and a list of member names. These ledgers span the years 1920-1931.

Biographical / historical:

The Ingles and Pocahonatas Literary Societies were founded in 1913 as the first extracirricular activities on what is now the Radford University campus. The societies were named to honor outstanding women. The Pocahontas Literary Society,often referred to as Pocas, was named in honor of the daughter of Virginia Indian Chief Powahatan. The Ingles Society was named in honor of Mary Draper Ingles, who was captured by Indians and later made her way back to her home.

Literary societies were often the forerunners of fraternities and sororities. Activity of such societies could include formal debates on issues of the day such as religion or politics. Activities could also include orginial essays, poems or music being presented. In addition, such societies could have a hand in intamural sports and social gatherings. Usually two literary societies existed on each college campus and would compete for members and acknowledgement. Literary Societies began to decline as Greek chapter and organizations of the modern day fraternities and sororities began to be established.

Arrangement:

Box 1. Ingles Literary Society Ledger

Box 2.Pocahontas Literary Society Ledger

Physical location:

Located in locked compact shelving, shelf 20E, level 1.

Physical description:

.