Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Banks of the Boneyard (Charles Kiler) [PAGE 7]

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/ Join a Literary Society

II

The formal notice to disband came on September 13, 1881, just three and one-half months after the chapter was installed. The boys had to go through the motions of disbanding; they sold their furniture and gave up their rooms. Then began the hazardous and unsatisfactory existence as a sub rosa organization, which was continued under the phony and euphonious names of "Bivalves" and the "Ten Tautalogical Tautogs." They met occasionally with the Sigma Chis from Northwestern, Wabash, and Wesleyan. It was a hard life, however, so the fraternity was abandoned during the University year of '85-'86. I think it safe to say that the social life of the students up to 1891 was confined almost wholly to the literary societies. There were two for the men, Adelphic and Philomathean. Adelphic was in the west end of the top floor of old Uni Hall, and Philomathean in the east. The girls with their Alethenai Society were in between. It was a long hard climb up to the top floor, but we thought nothing of it and could go up two steps at a time when in a hurry. The programs at the Friday night meetings attracted not only students and faculty but the townspeople as well. Generally the halls were filled every Friday night. Music of all kinds, orations, essays, recitations, book reviews, and debates constituted the programs. Musical talent from the two towns supplemented that in the University, and also gave an outlet to musicians who wanted to utilize their accomplishments. Without a doubt these societies did much to develop talent among the members. I have heard many an alumnus say that he got as much good from his membership in them as he got from class work in his particular field of study. I am not familiar with the classes of today in what is called "Speech," but I venture to say that our ancient literary societies, without the benefit of instructors, served a purpose equally as valuable as the modern curriculum affords. We learned how to get up on our feet and express ourselves. The present methods of instruction can do no more. The debates between the two men's societies always attracted a crowd. When it became known that a certain gifted student was to be on the program, his followers were sure to attend. Men who were afraid to try to make a public statement at the time they joined a literary society, soon found they could be real speakers. I can't remember a man in my society who did not overcome his timidity after one year's membership. The passing of these societies was a distinct loss in student life.