Skip to main content

Indianapolis Literary Club Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS023

Scope and Contents

The collection contains handbooks pertaining to the Indianapolis Literary Club from 1963 to 1994. The handbooks include current members, past members, a schedule of essays to be presented at the weekly meetings, and past leadership. There are also guest sign in sheets from 1981 to 1986.

The collection also includes three books compiled by a former secretary to the club, with a history of meetings and the essays discussed at each. They also outline past membership, much like the handbooks. Two books cover the club’s history from its founding in 1877 until 1934, and a more recent book covers 1877 until 1976.

Dates

  • Creation: 1877 - 1994

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions apply.

Historical Note

The Indianapolis Literary Club is a prominent, male-only organization founded in 1877. It is an elite club for some of the city’s most prolific scholars. Gaining membership is only possible with an invitation and is exclusive in nature. The club boasts famous alumni such as former President Benjamin Harrison, Booth Tarkington, T.C. Steel, and James Whitcomb Riley. Many of the members were writers, historians, and lawyers. The club met in a variety of locations, including in Robertson Hall at Butler University.

Extent

0.24 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Unknown provenance.

Bibliography

Meyer, Charles E., and David G. Vanderstel. “Indianapolis Literary Club.” indyencyclopedia.org, May 11, 2022. https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-literary-club/.
Title
Guide to the Indianapolis Literary Club Collection
Author
Jacob Sherer
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Butler University Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
4600 Sunset Avenue
Irwin Library 345
Indianapolis Indiana 46208 United States