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Philomathean Society (Pacific University) Records

 Collection
Identifier: RG-7-130

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of the minutes of the Philomathean Society, 1871-1879, written by hand in a single volume. The minutes record activities such as the election of officers, by-laws, admittance of members, and the outcomes of the society's debates. Several examples of their debate topics include:

"Resolved, that every young lady should learn some trade or profession, by which she could gain a livelihood." (8 Dec 1871)

"Resolved, that the last bill passed by the 42nd Congress was unconstitutional." (4 April 1873)

"Resolved, that a Republican form of government should tolerate all religious denominations." (24 April 1874)

"That spiritualism is a humbug." (2 April 1875)

"Resolved, that the annexation of the Sandwich Islands to the U.S. would be an injury to the U.S." (31 March 1876)

Dates

  • Creation: 1871-1879

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Pacific University owns the copyright to some, but not all, of the materials housed in its archives. Copyright for materials authored or otherwise produced as official business of Pacific University is retained by Pacific University and requires its permission for publication. Copyright status for other collection materials varies. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Historical Note

The Philomathean Society of Pacific University is a women's Greek Letter organization that was founded in 1871. They believe themselves to be the oldest sorority west of the Mississippi. Originally a literary society, their activities in the 19th and early 20th century were mostly focused on debates, readings and music. In later years, the sorority's activities shifted to being primarily social and charitable. The Philomathean Society changed its official name in 1924 to Phi Lambda Omicron, but its members are still commonly known as the "Philos."

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Summary

The Philomathean Society of Pacific University is a women's Greek Letter organization that was founded in 1871. The collection consists of the minutes of their meetings, 1871-1879, written by hand in a single volume.

Accruals

Additional material may be added to the collection by the creators.

Title
Guide to the Philomathean Society (Pacific University) Records
Status
Completed
Author
Eva Guggemos
Date
2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Sponsor
Sponsored by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission

Repository Details

Part of the Pacific University Archives Repository

Contact:
2043 College Way
Forest Grove OR 97116 United States