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Kutztown University Archives: Literary Societies

Articles, projects and presentations of the student interns in the KU Archives

Literary Societies

Keystone State Normal School had two literary societies, the Keystone Literary Society and the Philomathean Literary Society. These societies formed within the first year of the Keystone State Normal School. They were formed as student-led social organizations. Groups meet once a week to discuss issues of all topics. They would host annual gatherings every year with a variety of student musical performances and literary discussions. They would fundraise for the school and made donations frequently. The Rohrbach Library has a collection of memorabilia and documentation from these two societies.   

The Keystone Literary Society

Keystone Literary Society's 1903 annual anniversary celebration program.


Invitation for the 1876 Anniversary Program.


Membership Certificate for Frank Sell issued on September 8th 1900.


Check for Helen A. Beam in the amount of $100 for the Library Fund issued by the Kutztown National Bank.


Inter-School Debate between Page Literary Society, Millersville PA and Keystone Literary Society, Kutztown PA.

Postcard of the Keystone Society Hall, Keystone State Normal School Kutztown, PA

Philomathean Literary Society

The Philomathean Literary Society's 1899 Annual Anniversary Program.


Invitation for the 1875 Anniversary Program.


Membership Certificate for Harry Frankinfield issued on April 3rd 1897.


Receipt for payment to the Farmers' Mutual Assistance and Fire Insurance Company.


1912 Annual Anniversary Program "The Symposium on the Rights of Women".

Tie and college badge from John H. Sunday.