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Title: Feronian Literary Society and Mask and Dagger Club Records, 1910-1917

ID: RG 042

Primary Creator: Feronian Literary Society (Oregon Agricultural College)

Extent: 0.02 cubic feet. More info below.

Languages of Materials: English [eng]

These records document the administration and activities of the Feronian Literary Society from 1910 to 1912 and the Mask and Dagger Club from 1912 to 1917. The Feronian Literary Society was established in 1897 for women students at Oregon Agricultural College. In 1912, it combined with the Philadelphian Literary Societey (for men) to form the Mask and Dagger Club.

The records consist of one series: Constitution, By-laws, and Minutes, 1910-1917. They pertain to the administration and activities of the Feronian Literary Society from 1910-1912 and of the Mask & Dagger Club from 1912-1917. The records are in both paper and microfilm formats.

The Feronian Literary Society was established in 1897 as literary and social society for female students at Oregon Agricultural College. Its weekly business meetings were often followed by a program that included musical performances, readings, speeches, and discussion. The Feronians formed a close relationship with the all male Philadelphian Literary Society, and starting in 1907, the two societies put on an annual play. "Captain Rachett" (also known as "My Uncle From Japan") was the groups' 1907 production.

In February 1912, the Feronians and Philadelphians combined to become the Mask and Dagger Club, in order to "encourage and promote dramatic work in the Oregon Agricultural College." The new club staged a number of plays a year, often at the Opera House and Majestic Theater in downtown Corvallis. In 1924, the club became the National Collegiate Players. The Mask and Dagger Club was revived in 1935 as an drama organization for students not yet eligible for membership in the National Collegiate Players.

More Extent Information: 1 box; 1 microfilm reel

Statement on Access: Collection is open for research.

Related Materials:

Records of other literary societies include the Amicitia Literary Society Records (RG 038), Sorosis Literary Society Records (RG 046), Websterian Literary Society Records (RG 047), Adelphian Literary Society Records (RG 048), Athenian Literary Society Records (RG 061), Hesperian Lyceum Records (RG 065), and Jeffersonian Literary Society Records (RG 067). Several photographs of various literary societies are located in Harriet's Photograph Collection (P HC). Additional materials can be found in the Memorabilia Collection's (MSS MC) Literary Societies file.

Information about debating and forensics is also available in the Memorabilia Collection and the Speech Communication Department Records (RG 181).

A 1900 photograph of the Feronians (photograph number P025:2133) can be found in the OSU Historical Photographs (P 025).

Preferred Citation: Feronian Literary Society and Mask and Dagger Club Records (RG 42), Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.

Feronian Literary Society (Oregon Agricultural College)
Mask and Dagger Club (Oregon Agricultural College)

College and school drama--Oregon--Corvallis
Feronian Literary Society (Oregon Agricultural College)
Literature--Societies, etc.--Oregon--Corvallis.
Men--Oregon--Corvallis--Societies and clubs.
Philadelphian Literary Society (Oregon Agricultural College)
University History
Women--Oregon--Corvallis--Societies and clubs.