Graham Philanthropic Society records

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Graham Philanthropic Society Records (RG 39.0001), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA.

Summary

Extent:
14.5 Linear Feet 15 boxes (1 document case, 14 flat boxes)
Creator:
Washington and Lee University. Graham Philanthropic Society and Washington and Lee University. Graham-Lee Society
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Graham Philanthropic Society Records (RG 39.0001), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes secretary's books, treasurer's book, librarian's book, treasurer's books, librarian's books, roll books, and constitutions of the Graham Philanthropic Society. The secretary's books document the minutes of the meetings. The first volume in the collection includes the creating documents when the Society was founded in 1809. The books include accounts of debates on current political and social questions, financial information, membership information, and records of student library use.

This volume includes the Society's first constitution.

Biographical / historical:

The Graham Philanthropic Society was a literary and debating society founded on September 8, 1809 at Washington Academy (now Washington and Lee University). Founding members were John D. Paxton, Edward C. Carrington, James W. Paxton, Gustavus A. Jones, John P. Wilson, Randolph Ross, William C. Preston, Joseph S. Brown, and Uel Wilson. They often met in Graham Hall/Graham-Lee Hall as well as other locations in the City of Lexington.

In addition to debates, the Society established its own library. Approximately 2000 volumes from this library went missing during Hunter's Raid in 1863.

The name changed to the Graham-Lee Society around 1871. Membership declined greatly after World War I. The collection ranges in date from 1809-1942.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard