Records, 1829-1942.

ArchivalResource

University of Pennsylvania. Zelosophic Society. Records, 1829-1942.

Records, 1829-1942.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/145429265

The records of the Zelosophic Society of the University of Pennsylvania are a rich source for documenting the creative energies of university students for part of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The publications of the Society, both in printed and handwritten form, cover a wide variety of topics. In the period of c.1830 to c.1870, the strongest one for this collection, one finds such literary forms as parody, humor, poetry, drama, short stories, historical sketches, and commentary on current events and culture. Though written primarily in English, there is frequent use of Latin and Greek phrases in the text, reflecting the strong classical training prevalent in nineteenth century undergraduate education. The early twentieth century writings in the collection cover much of the same forms as the nineteen century material except poetry. Additional copies of the printed publications of the Zelosophic Society can found in the general University publications collections of the University Archives. The dramatics subject file and scrapbooks have correspondence, newspaper clippings, playbills, and programs which provide a glimpse into the strong performance art focus of the Society in the early twentieth century, particularly its major pantomime "Masque of American Drama" which was co-produced with the Philomathean Society. Some of these files also contain photographs of some of the actors and sets used in these productions. The organizational structure of the Zelosophic Society and the manner in which it functioned are well documented in the minutes and constitution and by-laws which exist for most the history of the society (1829-1864, 1892-1941). A glimpse into the financial arrangement of the society during the 1930s can be found in its treasurer's account books and account statements as well as the membership fine book.

7.25 Cubic ft.

University of Pennsylvania, Archives & Records Center