Skip to main content

Henry Society records

 Collection
Identifier: HCQ-003-005

Scope and Contents

The Henry Society records (1854-1860) include one volume of constitution and by-laws (1856), one minute book (1855-1860), and an oration presented to the Society by Cyrus Mendenhall in 1854. The oration by Cyrus Mendenhall precedes the official documentation of the operation of the Henry Society, indicating that the Society may have been convening before the actual creation of records.

Dates

  • Creation: 1854-1860

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Historical Note

The Henry Society (1855-1860) was a student-led literary society, focused on pursuing the Haverford mission through exploration and enrichment of literary knowledge. According to their constitution and by-laws, the Henry Society worked under the belief in “the great influence of sound learning in disciplining the mind and maturing the understandings and decisions of cultivating a correct taste in Literature and other similar accomplishments.” The Society met at first each week during winter term, and once every three weeks during their summers, though this less frequent arrangement became the norm towards their disbandment. In order to enrich their literary education, the Henry Society organized oration exercises, “literary exercises,” debates, and other spaces for improving general literary intuition. Since the Henry Society was primarily focused on writing and reading, they possessed a collection of books that was adopted by the final Secretary, Benjamin H. Smith, upon the dissolution of the Society in 1860.

Extent

0.25 linear ft. (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Henry Society records (1854-1860) include one volume of constitution and by-laws (1856), one minute book (1855-1860), and an oration presented to the Society by Cyrus Mendenhall in 1854.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged and described in two small volumes and one pamphlet, ordered by subject and type, and organized into separate folders.

Acquisition

Acquisition unknown.

Processing Information

Processed by Grace Thiele; completed February, 2016.

Title
Henry Society records, 1854-1860
Status
Completed
Author
Grace Thiele
Date
February, 2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting repoductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US