Purple Quill Literary Society evolved from the first class in English Composition, Essay Writing, in Spring 1928 at Penn State. The honor society limited membership to fifteen students and fifteen faculty who would meet informally to evaluate each other's written work. Membership declined by 1935 and sporadic attempts to revive the group included adding alumni and faculty whose post-college careers demonstrated their eligibility for membership had the society been active during their college days.
From the description of Purple Quill Literary Society records, 1928-1955. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 36349023