Stetson Weekly Collegiate

Stetson Meekly ColleQtate Students' Publication of Stetson University. vol. xxn DeLAND, FLA., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1910. No. 15 History of the Stetson Literary Society Orlando vs. Stetson. Society Organized in 1902 Stdl a Leading Feature in Student Life Ten years ago there were two local fraternities at Stetson; one, the Phi Ep. Chi, and the other the Phi Kappa Sigma. Both were partly fraternal, partly literary. The Phi Ep. Chi admitted both students and instructors into membership, and had by the year 1900 become so much a fraternity of fellowship, that the members did not wish to admit any others to their ranks; and so, as a natural consequence, when those members graduated, or went elsewhere, the society died a natural death. The other society, the Phi Kappa ,Sigma, organized in 1898, subsequently became the Phi Kappa Delta, which is still prospering in Stetson ranks. But in both these fraternities, the fraternal, the good fellowship, was the prime feature; literary work was always1 secondary and incidental. It was this feeling, that led the head of the oratorical department to confer with leaders in the university, and as a result of 'the common feeling prevalent, it was determined to organize a society in which the purely literary side of the organization would be uppermost; with this end in view, the following printed slip was handed to all who, it was believed would be good promoters of the movement. "Believing that you are interested in oratorical and literary work, we extend to you an invitation to attend a (meeting in room 5 of Elizabeth hall on Monday evening at 6 o'clock, for the purpose of forming such an organization. Signed, the Com." That was on November 27, 1902. The following Saturday, December 1, a large attendance was present, and a formal organization was effected. The members called themselves simply "The Stetson Literary Society,'' and appointed a committee to draw up a Constitution and the work began in earnest. Mr. Arnie Hoyt was the first president, and Miss Remmers the first | secretary. That year the meetings j continued to be held in Room 5, but the following spring, 1903, the upper room in DeLand hall was given, over to the use of the society. The program followed by the new society was practically that which is in use today. Current topics, recitations, orations, extempores, and d6bates formed the list of events on program. Both college and academy students alike were 'members, for neither were strong enough to form one alone. All movements that last have a small and quiet start; this society was no exception. The officers held office six months. There were no furnishings; not even a desk, all had to be borrowed. /Sometime during the school year of 1903-04 a large and attractive room on the first floor of Science hall was granted the society by the university president, as the special home of the society—the same room that has ever since been occupied. The young ladies made the curtains with their own hands, and the young men helped to put them up. A new desk was purchased largely from funds secured by subscriptions, from the members, and accumulated .membership fees, helped out by receipts from a stereopticon lecture in the auditorium. This was but the beginning. Like the man who must build a barn, because he had found a horse-shoe, the desk demanded a rng. That was a more expensive proposition. In the spring of 1905 a play was given and the proceeds were voted toward a new rug for the room. The fall of 1905 the room came out in its new dress, the quarters assumed' a very cosy and attractive appearance,1 a| feature that they have never ceased to possess, from that day to this. (Continued on page 2.) Stetson Loses Her First Game of Basket Ball. February 12 our girls' basket ball team went down in their first defeat. The game was played at Orlando, on a floor much larger than our own. This would not have made any material difference, however, but it was waxed for a dancing floor, and' this was the greatest handicap our girls had. The Orlando girls were, on the average, smaller than our team, but more than balanced this by their quickness. Our girls showed very good team work, and played a good game when we consider ithe slippery floor. Orlando had become so accustomed to it that they could use it to good advantage to slide upon. The game was an extremely lively one, a good fight being put up by both sides. A great number of frills were called on both, generally for shoving or holding, and both lost many of their foul throws. The Orlando forwards were good shots when it came to free throws. Time out was taken three times, always for Orlando. The score at the end of the first half stood 14-1 in Orlando's favor. The second half our team had become a little more accustomed 'to the floor and they made 10 points ito our 5; the game ending 24-6. Though we were worsted, yet ye feel it no disgrace to have been beaten by such a team, and playing with such odds against us. The Orlando team will play a return game, when the Stetson girls will have a chance to "get it back" at them. Line-up of Teams—Stetson. Miss Quarterman—forward. Miss Post—forward. Miss Bunch—center. Miss Wright, capt.—'guard. Miss Prugh—guard. — Subs.—Miss Yaekel, manager; Miss Arnold. O. H. S. Miss Smith—forward. Miss Lockhart, Capt.—forward. Miss Norwich—center. Miss Jones—guard. Miss Baas—guard.