Archaean Union, 1848-1964, bulk 1850-1907

The Archaean Union was the governing body overseeing publications and debating. They published the Round Table, sponsored oratorical contests, and ran a reading room, among other activities.

Archaean Union was founded December 15, 1859. Before that it was known as the Archaean Society. The Archaean Society held its first meeting on October 18, 1848, and at this time steps were taken for the formation of a constitution and the making of other preliminary arrangements. On December 7, 1848, a constitution was adopted and officers chosen. The first officers of the society were: President Joseph Collie, Vice President G.R. Clark, Secretary Stephen D. Peet, Treasurer W.C. Hooker, and Librarian Strong Wadsworth.

Public meetings began to be held soon after the formation of this organization, and, at the meeting held on December 12, 1849, the Archaean Magazine was read. This manuscript doubtless formed the beginning to which was later the Beloit College Monthly, and today, the Beloit College Round Table. This monthly magazine was first issued as a regular publication in November, 1853.

The interest in literary work was increased by public contests and public exercises of various kinds. But the results were not so beneficial where the competition was within a single society. Furthermore this one organization was doubtless fast increasing in numbers. Hence, a separation of the Archaean Society was effected December 15, 1859, becoming the Delian and the Alethean Society. The two societies although rivals, united in maintaining a joint society known as the Archaean Union for the purpose of carrying out exercises of interest to both under a common name. The Archaean Union had a separate constitution, and officers elected at stated times.

Home contests were held each year in Beloit, and a select number of speakers are chosen to contest for the privilege of representing the College in the Wisconsin State Oratorical Contest. So often did representatives from the Archaean Union depart with the palm of victory from the state contests that the other associations withdrew from the State organization, leaving Beloit as the only member of the State Oratorical Association for two years.

At the Interstate Contests, which in 1890 had seven states represented, Beloit commanded recognition among the best. Debates were generally held once per term.

The Archaean Union also hosted lectures by prominent speakers during Commencement week.

Library and Reading Room. Perhaps no influence is more potent in maintaining the cordiality between the two societies and serves better to preserve community of interests than the Archaean Library. It is the custom to furnish the Reading Room with those periodicals and books that are not to be found in the College Library.

[from Codex 1890, p. 63-66]

"The Archaean Society—later, by fissure, the Archaean Union—was in existence almost as soon as there were students, its name was meant to indicate that it was the society of the earliest days. It did an invaluable work in teaching oratory until it was killed by the evolution of the social and the athletic sides of student-interest." The Archaean Union was replaced by Associated Students. [1916 RT]

"It centralizes the student activities and leaves the power where it belongs, namely, in the hands of the students."

Separate the duties of the Union into boards governing debates and oratory, the Round Table, and the reading room. Other boards representing the Associated Students of Beloit College included the General Board, Athletic Board, Library Board, and any other boards later to be created.