Susquehanna University - 1858 to 1894

About This Collection

This collection contains the archive of documents, photographs and brief publications and correspondence revolving around the evolution of Susquehanna University from 1857 through 1894.
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Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Constitutions, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Student organizations
The preamble and begining articles of the Clio Society Constitution.
Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Constitutions, Membership cards, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Student organizations
The Clionian Literary Society held weekly meetings where discipline was strict. The members wrote the rules of conduct for the meetings and could be fined for various actions, including being late to meetings, speaking without permission, leaning back in chairs and spitting on the floors. This society, complete with Constitution and By-Laws, could be considered a precursor to the Greek fraternities and sororities which would come later.
Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Clionian Literary Society Constitution
Constitutions, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Student organizations
The Clionian Society was formed in 1865 as an all-male Society. Women were not admitted as members until September 24, 1896. Section 3 of the Constitution reflects this change in membership by stating that "He or she shall be entitled to all the privileges of an active member".
Clionian Literary Society Reunion Invitation
Clionian Literary Society Reunion Invitation
Student organizations, Invitations, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University
The Clionian Society was formed right after the founding of the Missionary Institute under the name of the Sophronikopean Society. It was re-organized into the Clionian Literary Society in 1865. It catered to theological students and others who lived in the Institute building.
Clionian Society Entertainment Program
Clionian Society Entertainment Program
Student organizations, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Performing arts posters
The Clionian Literary Society invited the public to some events and programs it sponsored, including these two nights of music and drama in March of 1868.
Clionian Society Meeting Room
Clionian Society Meeting Room
Student organizations, Conference rooms, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University
The Clionian Literary Society had a room of its own on the top floor of the Institute Building (Selinsgrove Hall). It later moved to the 3rd floor of Gustavus Adolphus Hall.
Commencement Invitation
Commencement Invitation
Graduation ceremonies, Invitations, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University
Commencement was a week long event with a parade and entertainment such as poetry recitals, speeches and religious services.
The Constitution of the Philosophian Society
The Constitution of the Philosophian Society
Constitutions, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Student organizations
The Philosophian Literary Society was the first literary society at the Missionary Institute, formed soon after the founding of the school in 1858. It was originally named the Athlonon Society. It was re-organized into the Philosophian Society one year later in 1859. It catered primarily to the Classical Department and town students. The Philosophian Society had a Constitution and By-laws. Like the Clio Society which came later, the members wrote the rules of conduct and enforced them with fines.
Correspondence from Selinsgrove
Correspondence from Selinsgrove
Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Correspondence
In response to charges that Selinsgrove was not a healthy place, the Selinsgrove community sent Dr. Kurtz a confident letter stating why their community was a safe and healthy place to have a school.
Course of Instruction - Annual Catalog
Course of Instruction - Annual Catalog
Susquehanna University, Universities & colleges, Catalogs, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute
The Theological Department was started on October 7th, 1858. Benjamin Kurtz, the Institute's first President, was also the first professor in the Theological Department.
C.W. Sanders
C.W. Sanders
Students, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Sanders, C.W.
C. W. Sanders graduated from the Missionary Institute in 1858. He also served in the Civil War.
D. I. Foust
D. I. Foust
Students, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Foust, D. I.
A photograph of a Missionary Institute student.
David A. Day
David A. Day
Students, Missionaries, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Day, David A., 1851-1897.
David A. Day, a Civil War veteran, graduated from the Missionary Institute in 1874. He left for Liberia after he was ordained and became the longest serving Lutheran Missionary to that country serving from 1874 until his death in 1897.
Deed of land
Deed of land
Susquehanna University, Universities & colleges, App, John, 1793-1876, Deeds, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute
John App, successful Selinsgrove businessman, donated this parcel of land for the creation of the Missionary Institute.
Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College
Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College
Universities & colleges, Susquehanna Female College, Susquehanna University, Women's colleges, Buildings
The Susquehanna Female College opened on September 22, 1859. It was once the private residence of Leonard App, brother to John App (who donated the land for the Missionary Institute). The Female College closed on December 20, 1872 for financial reasons. The Missionary Institute began to enroll women after the close of the Female College. The building still stands and is now an apartment building on Market Street in Selinsgrove.
Final Student Catalog of the Missionary Institute
Final Student Catalog of the Missionary Institute
Universities & colleges, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Catalogs
The last Annual Catalogue of the Missionary Institute before the Institute became Susquehanna University in 1895.
First Annual Catalogue of Susquehanna Female College.
First Annual Catalogue of Susquehanna Female College.
Students, Susquehanna Female College, Susquehanna University, Catalogs, College administrators
The catalog of the Susquehanna Female College lists the trustees, faculty and 36 students. It also lists the course of study, optional studies, and expenses. Rev. C.C. Baughman was the first principal at the Institute.
First Catalogue of the Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute
First Catalogue of the Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute
Students, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, College administrators
Classes were held on campus for the first time on November 1, 1859. The catalog includes the names of the Board of Directors, faculty and instructors, students in both the theological and collegiate departments and the names of the female students. There is a note at the bottom of this list explaining that the females will transfer to the Susquehanna Female College at its opening the following autumn.
A Goodly Heritage book jacket
A Goodly Heritage book jacket
Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Susquehanna University, Housley, Donald D., 1940-, Universities & colleges, History
Book jacket of Susquehanna University, 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage, by Degenstein Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History Donald D. Housley. Professor Housley’s account of the history of the University was published in 2007, bringing to fruition many years of focused research. The book brings to life the people, places, discoveries, changes and events that together comprise the making of the University.
Graduates of 1889
Graduates of 1889
Alumni & alumnae, Susquehanna University, Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Institute, Dimm, Jonathan Rose, b.1830
A photograph of the 1889 Missionary Institute's graduating class. Professor Jonathan Dimm, who became the Missionary Institute's 5th President in 1895, is seated on the left.