Stetson Weekly Collegiate

Litereiry Society 3Sru.rn."toer STUDENTS' PUBLICATION csiu&m OF STETSON UNIVERSITY. Vol. xx. DeLand, Fla., Thursday, November 14, 1907. No. 5. THE STETSON LITERARY SOCIETY ITS PAST AND PRESENT All things earthly, it seems, must have a beginning and the Stetson Literary Society was no exception to the rule. It had a beginning and that beginning, strange to say, was in "Room 5." Early in the fall of 1902 a few enthusiastic students banded together to form a literary society with Prof. Baldwin as critic and advisory member in general. Enthusiasm and interest were high and those first meetings were strong. The little band of charter members was zealous in the work. New members were soon added to the ranks and in a few weeks the society had left its birthplace and was comfortably settled in the Association Hall. The new surroundings seemed to add greater zest. The members were ready and willing to work and the programs were interesting. Then too there were at that time one or two of especial ability in each department of the work, who served as an example and incentive to the other members. Prof. Baldwin's kindly criticism and suggestion spurred the Society on to better things. In those days the constitution provided for the levying of a fine if any member failed to appear on the program or was absent or even tardy. So as the spring term advanced, the treasurer found his responsibility too great. Out of sympathy for him and nothing else, one and all agreed upon a picnic to DeLeon Springs. The program, however, was not omitted for that evening. moved again and took up its abode in Science Hall, in the room opposite Prof. Carson's office. That was an important day in the history of the "Lit," and the members felt duly proud of their "own room," as they tho't, tho' it was bare of furniture and an exposed flue glared down upon them in unsightly manner. Everyone was eager to raise money for furniture, and all went to work with a will. Ways and means were earnestly discussed at several business meetings and finally it was decided to give a play. This was done at the cost of much time and faithful work but proved a great success financially as well as otherwise. " The money, however, was destined not to be spent on that room. It was found that probably in the near future the room then occupied by the "Lit" would be needed as an additional class-room for the Chemistry Department so tne room just above was given to the Society as a permanent possession. Mrs. Baldwin, a former mem ber and always a^very enthusiastic supporter of the "Lit," purchased the rug for the room, while North in the summer. The committee on decoration devised an attractive color scheme in green and so the former class room was transformed into what you see it today. By the individual effort of some of the members a platform was provided and when all the other furniture was arranged, Dr. Hulley presented the Society with a number of attractive pictures, framed "and ready for hanging. These added ing of the walls. Other bits of furniture are being added from time to time. Meanwhile the intellectual development was not neglected. Besides the regular weekly meetings public programs were given from time to time, and inter-society debates were held. And yet there were dark days—some very dark, when it seemed as if the Society must die out entirely. However there were always enough interested ones to keep things together till better days returned. While things were still in a rather struggling condition, Prof. Suhrie came to the rescue and with kindly suggestions and criticism, was a great help to the society. The year following, when his other duties prevented him from continuing this work, Prof. Frost lent a helping hand and in spite of very busy days, gave valuable suggestions and criticism to the work of the Society and has again this year consented to be critic. It was found necessary from time to time to revise the constitution and by-laws of the Society, but at last the members feel that the constitution and other things are permanently arranged and that the Stetson Literary Society is a permanent organization of the J. B. S. U. UNIVERSITY NICHT. "What is it? How, when and where is it?' "Buy a Collegiate and come see." At seven sharp on this raemo- £„11 -• —