North Carolina State University Student and Other Organizations, Leazar Literary Society Records, 1889-1979 (bulk 1889-1911) UA 021.474
Abstract
These records of the Leazar Literary Society at North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University) contain information about the society's creation, leadership, and activities in the form of minutes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and program announcements. A few items provide historical background on the Pullen Literary Society also.
Biography/History
The Leazar Literary Society was organized on November 2, 1889, just one month after the opening of the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University). The society was named for Augustus Leazar (1843 - 1905). Leazar, a champion of higher education, introduced the bill in the state House of Representatives that led to the creation of the college.
The society's history was linked with the Pullen Literary Society, which was also organized in the fall of 1889. Invitations and programs show that members of the two societies competed against each other frequently. Categories included orations, declamations, essays, and debates.
By 1903, the Leazar Literary Society had grown to 250-300 students, divided into fourteen sections. Its alumni members provided an endowment, as well as gifts of medals and trophies for contests. The society maintained its own library, which received books donated by members. The motto of the Leazar Literary Society was labor omnia vincit (labor conquers all). Both the Leazar and Pullen societies appear to have been active through the 1931-1932 school year.
Scope and Content
The collection contains the constitution, critics' reports, work plans, correspondence,and minutes of the earliest meetings of the Leazar Literary Society, a literary and debating society at North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University). Reference materials such as newspaper clippings, yearbook entries, and photocopies of program announcements are included. A few items provide historical background on the Pullen Literary Society also.
Arrangement
Files are arranged chronologically, where possible.
Collection Inventory
Minutes, Constitution, and Initiation Procedure 1889-1891
[ Box: 1 Folder: 1 ]Critic's Report, Vol. II 1894-1897
[ Box: 1 Folder: 2 ]Critic's Report, Vol. III 1897-1902
[ Box: 1 Folder: 3 ]Printed Contest Forms undated
[ Box: 1 Folder: 4 ]Reference File 1894-1911, 1939, 1979
[ Box: 1 Folder: 5 ]Photocopies
