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Phrenokosmian Society records

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 214

Scope and Contents

The Phrenokosmian Society records, 1860-1924, has been organized into six series: Constitution, bylaws, and letters of certification; Financial records; Meeting minutes; Membership; Programs; and Publications.

The Constitution, bylaws, and letters of certification series (1880-1890 and undated) contains several versions of the Phrenokosmian Society constitution and bylaws in both English and Swedish, as well as a letter and certificate of organization from Secretary of the State of Illinois.

The Financial records series (1867-1916) contains Treasurer's books, dues books, and receipts.

The Meeting minutes series (1877-1924) contains the minutes from meetings between 1877 and 1924.

The Membership series (1886-1914) consists of an attendance book and membership lists.

The Programs series (1860-1914) contains a list of program topics arranged by date as well as printed programs from various events.

The Publications series (1874-1913) consists of every issue of the weekly newsletter, the "Phrenokosmiana." This newsletter was handwritten in both Swedish and English.

Dates

  • Creation: 1860-1924

Creator

Language of Materials

English and Swedish

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

The Phrenokosmian Society is one of Augustana College's oldest student organizations. During the year of the founding of the college (1860), a meeting of students was called to discuss the possibility of founding a literary society. This discussion led to the creation of the Phrenokosmian Society. According to its constitution, the object of the Phrenokosmian Society was to "promote a Christian life, literary improvement, and intellectual development in general among its members." The Society met weekly for debates, declamations, addresses and discussions. Membership was limited to current Augustana College and Theological Seminary students, but honorary members (faculty and community members) were admitted. Meetings were conducted alternately in English and Swedish.

The Phrenokosmian Society published a weekly paper called "Phrenokosmiana," from 1874 through 1913. The group also partnered with the Adelphic and Linnaean Societies to publish a literary magazine, Lyceum Annual, from 1890 to 1894.

Extent

3.0 Cubic Feet (/ 6 boxes and 1 oversize box)

Abstract

The Phrenokosmian Society is one of Augustana College's oldest student organizations. According to their constitution, the object of the Phrenokosmian Society was to "promote a Christian life, literary improvement, and intellectual development in general among its members." The Society met weekly for debates, declamations, addresses and discussions. The Phrenokosmian Society records, 1860-1924, has been arranged into six series: Constitution, Bylaws, and letters of certification; Financial records; Meeting minutes; Membership; Programs; and Publications.

Arrangement

Chronological.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Immediate source of acquisition unknown.

Related Materials

MSS 206 Adelphic Society records MSS 208 Lyceum records

Processing Information

Processed by Emily Hughes Dominick, 2007. Revised by Atticus Garrison, February 2016.

Title
Phrenokosmian Society records, 1860-1924.
Status
Completed
Author
Atticus Garrison
Date
February 2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Augustana College Special Collections Repository

Contact:
639 38th Street
Thomas Tredway Library
Rock Island Illinois 61201 United States