Delian Society, 1860-1906
Scope and Contents
This collection is arranged into five series based on organization or program name, with one series of general information.
Series 1. General - Beloit College students were also members of other regional oratorical associations (Wisconsin State Oratorical Association, Interstate Oratorical Association) and participated in debates representing them. Many debate programs, which include the topic for discussion, lists of speakers for and against, and judges names. Orations events programs list speakers and their topics, as well as music programs and other highlights. The bound volumes from state and interstate oratorical contests contain published versions of orations given by participants, including Beloit College and non-Beloit speakers.
Series 2. Alethean Society - This series contains bound, handwritten record books with meeting minutes, some in a very fragile state.
Series 3. Archaean Union - This series contains a sizeable collection of public meeting notices and other announcements for debates and orations. They kept detailed record books in the 1800s that included their Constitution, Preamble, and By-Laws. Robert K. Richardson also transcribed relevant materials from Round Table articles, Senate minutes, and other publications as part of his research for his update of the Beloit College history book.
Series 4. Cliosophic Literary Society - This series contains bound, handwritten record books with meeting minutes, some in a very fragile state.
Series 5. Delian Society - This series contains bound, handwritten record books that include their constitution, by-laws, and meeting minutes.
Dates
- 1860-1906
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research; however, certain materials are very fragile and require Archives staff for handling, or use may be restricted altogether.
Biographical / Historical
Prior to 1859, the Archaean society was the literary society of Beloit College. When the class of 1863 entered, they desired the organization of two rival societies, thinking that by such rivalry a decided stimulus would be given to literary work in the College; but, on account of the strong attachment of the members for the old Archaean Society, no change seemed possible at that time. However, in December, 1859, the Archaean Society was divided, its constitution altered to meet the new arrangement, and itself re-christened the Archaean Union. The division was effected as follows:
Two seniors were chosen to represent the two societies respectively; these two then cast lots as to which should have first choice of the members; the one to whom the lot of first choice fell was to be known as Society Number One and the other as Society Number Two, until each should adopt a name of its own.
Society #1 met January 16, 1860 when they adopted a constitution and elected officers. On February 29, 1860, the Society adopted the classical name Delian. Besides having readings, debates, etc., the Delians have had lectures, mock trials and mock congresses. They have tried to fit themselves for active citizenship when they should leave these college walls.
Prominent members include President Edward Eaton, A.S. Wheeler, A.W. Whitney, J.A. Blaisdell.
Extent
From the Collection: 7 Linear Feet (10 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Beloit College Archives and Special Collections, Beloit, WI Repository