Wasatch Academy Literary Society

A group photograph of the "[Arden] Literary Society" at Wasatch Academy. The group of fifteen poses in a well decorated room in a uniform two row formation. The back row stands and the front row sits. The young men and women are dressed in an array of costumes consisting of coats, dresses, skirts, blouses, shoes, hosiery, pants, suit coats, overalls, aprons, hats and ties. They appear to be cast members of a play. The floor appears to be either a light colored patterned rug or carpet. The background is dominated by a wall with the window dressed in light colored drapery and a floral trim. Light fixtures are attached to the wall on either side. These fixtures are light colored and have switch chains dangling from them.The condition of the photograph is fair. A portion of border is missing near the top left corner. The corners have nicks and creases in them and the top right corner has almost torn away. Written on the back, in blue ink, is: "Literary Society [,] Size 4 ½ by 6 ½ [,] Cut no. 33." Written in pencil is: "Arden [?] Literary Society [,] 4 ½ X 6 ½ Wasatch [circled]." The back also shows slight signs of yellow discoloration due to ageing. Wasatch Academy was founded on April 19, 1875 by the Reverend Duncan James McMillan whom also had a major influence in founding Westminster College. A protégé of Sheldon Jackson, he came to the Salt Lake Valley in March of 1875 to find refuge from his bronchial condition and to establish a proselytizing mission to convert Mormons. However, McMillan soon turned his efforts to education when his proselytizing efforts towards the Mormons proved futile. He then founded Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah and opened a number of subsequent schools of the same nature in northern and southern Utah