Call Number:

MC.975.09.013

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.15 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Friends' Reading Room Association records (HC.MC.975.09.013), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1835-1886

Creator:

Evans, Thomas, 1798-1868, Morris, Samuel Buckley (1791-1859), Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, and Friends' Reading Room Association

Form:

minutes (administrative records) and Membership lists

Abstract:

The Friends' Reading Room Association was founded in 1835, and dissolved in 1842. Its Constitution, included in the minutes, states its purpose: "An Institution in a central part of the city, which shall be furnished with a judcious selection of books, maps and periodical publications, calculated to promote moral and religous improvement, a knowledge of the principles and history of the Society of Friends and an acquiantance with the arts, science and general literature." This volume contains the minutes of the Friends' Reading Room Association, from 1835 - 1842, from the organization of the association, until its resolution and a register of members of the Western District Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, from 1814 - 1886.

The Friends' Reading Room Association was founded in 1835, and dissolved in 1842. Its Constitution, included in the minutes, states its purpose: "The want of a suitable place of resort for the promotion of literary improvement and social intersources, has long been felt by many of the members of the Society of Friends, especially for the Younger class, as well natives of this city, as those who come to reside amongst us. [...] An Institution in a central part of the city, which shall be furnished with a judcious selection of books, maps and periodical publications, calculated to promote moral and religous improvement, a knowledge of the principles and history of the Society of Friends and an acquiantance with the arts, science and general literature."

The first is the minutes of the Friends' Reading Room Association, from 1835 - 1842, from the organization of the association, until its resolution. The minutes describe the ongoings of the association, including acquisitions and memberships. It also details the decision to close the library, and its dissolution. Samuel F. Troth was secretary for this association at that time.

The second is a register of members of the Western District Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, from 1814 - 1886. Samuel F. Troth compiled this register, and was the recorder of the Meeting for a period of time.