Browning Literary Society Records, 1868-1934

Collection

Identifier: RG11-02-004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Browning Literary Society Collection contains handwritten records kept by Browning Literary Society officers spanning 1868-1934. The collection contains thirty-eight bound books, printed speeches, songs, anniversary programs, and invitations. The books contain information regarding meeting activities, financial transactions, member attendance, rules/regulations, criticism of debates, and book borrowing. They are stored in six boxes chronologically. However, five unbound/critically damaged books are stored in a separate box. Manuscripts are contained in a sixth box and separated into two folders: Book Inserts and Programs, Speeches, Letters, and Invitations. Notable members include Dorothy McDaniel and Sadie Kneller Miller. Members corresponded with Western Maryland College staff including Professor William Roberts McDaniel and Business Manager C. Milton Wright. Additional information about the Brown Literary Society can be found in three unprocessed collections: The College Portfolio, WMC Monthly, and a box of combined literary society papers. The Browning Literary Society collaborated with the Webster and Philomathean Literary Societies to create The College Portfolio - a short-lived college newspaper and literary magazine. All four literary societies on campus combined to write the Western Maryland College Monthly, another college paper and alumni magazine. To access unprocessed collections, please contact the archivist.

Dates

1868-1934

Conditions Governing Access

Access to the collection is unrestricted

Conditions Governing Use

Items may be copied in accordance with the McDaniel College Archives' usual procedures.

Biographical / Historical

The Browning Literary Society was a female-exclusive literary society formed on the Western Maryland College campus in 1868. Their motto states: “Vita Sine Literis Mors Est.” – “Life without learning is death”. The society held eight cabinet positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Officer, Critic, Chaplain, and Librarian of three month terms. The officers would uphold the constitution and bylaws of the society, induct new members, and provide reports during each meeting including attendance, president notes, treasurer report, prayer, elections if necessary, and books borrowed from the library. The Browning Literary Society members would participate in debates against other literary societies of the college, host campus entertainment, and hold member reunions and anniversary banquets. Anniversary events would often include a short play, various speeches, and musical performances (including voice and instrumental). Records of this organization proceed until 1934 when the organization was disbanded.