Cliosophic Literary Society, 1896-1909

From the Beloit College Round Table 11/18/1896: "The Cliosophic Literary Society is not dead nor dying. Also the spirit that pervades it is not the 'old literary spirit' and has no connection with the names 'Delian' and 'Alethean,' which, however much they may have been honored by students a decade ago, are meaningless to the present members of the Cliosophic. The Delian and Alethean societies had died before the present backbone of the Cliosophic had entered college and a union of all that was left of the their earthly remains under the name, Beloit Literary Society, shared a like fate in less than 4 months after its organization.

"During the spring term of 1895, nine students, feeling a desire for literary training along a line not furnished by the prescribed work of the college, organized what was known as the Theta Eta Club. This club prospered through the efforts of those who were willing to give, not 'periodic efforts' but continuous effort and who had foresight enough to see that the value of a society demanded not upon number but upon the faithfulness of its members.

"On November 20, 1896, a week after the conference that lay the basis for the Century Debating Society, and a week before the formal organization of the Century, the Cliosophic 'showed its colors' in the first public debate of a literary society (Academy Junta notwithstanding) since the Alethean and Delian days, and the affair was a great success."

"A Civics Club was started by interested students and professors in April, 1909. On its executive committee were Professors Chapin and Way. A notice of May 16, 1913 indicated an expected affiliation of the club with the Delians and the Cliosophs, the two older clubs having voted through a plan whereby 'the two societies should devote one meeting a month, in joint session, to the interests of a civic department whose officers [should] be elected from the membership of the two societies.' A plan to unite the two societies was 'frowned upon by both organizations.'"

From the Beloit College Round Table 1/26/1916: "One of the professors casually remarked about the passing of so many activities with the last college generation with nothing to take their place. In looking over the 1913 Codex we find that the following activities that existed have now passed away: ...Delian and Cliosophic literary societies for men, Delphic and Aristonian literary societies for women...Today we have intergroup bowling and basketball...What takes the place of all those clubs and societies which then were well attended? The answer is easy to find. More emphasis on social functions and group activities has sapped the vitality of our students who formerly devoted their energies to the development of an intellect."

The editorial was slightly misworded: the vitality was present, but it was being diverted into new channels. Both Delian and Cliosophic Societies had lists of members in the Codex appearing in 1915, though with dwindled numbers.