Title: Phi Delta Literary Society Records, 1868-1942
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into six series: Series Constitution and Related; Invitations / Announcements; Corresponding Secretary’s Records; Recording Secretary’s Records; Members and Literary Records; and Treasurer’s Records.
Abstract
Phi Delta literary Society was formed “For one purpose of learning truth, and promoting literary culture, discipline of mind and manner, and firm friendship….” The constitution was adopted on November 27, 1868, and the first recorded regular meeting was December 11, 1868. Except for a semester during World War I, the society met on a weekly basis until its dissolution in November 1942. Meetings usually took place in Phi Delta Hall, a room in Lincoln Hall.
Phi Delta was a member of the Inter-Collegiate Oratorical Association of Kentucky. The motto of Phi Delta was “We love discussion” and meeting minutes show a wide variety of topics chosen for discussion or debate—often with a sense of humor. The Phi Delta Literary Society was democratic in nature and used parliamentary procedures when holding meetings and discussions. The society required a two-thirds vote of the members to alter the Friday evening meeting schedule, entrance or expulsion of any member, or for an amendment of their constitution. All officers were nominated and elected by popular vote of the full society membership.
