Mount Morris College - Life Yearbook (Mount Morris, IL)

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14 ' st was 'fe as Amphictyon Literary Society Motto: Pm' ,4sfic1'a Aa' .l5f1'a. Colors: Blue and white. Officers: l'resident, XYalter Mahan: vice-president, Ray XYolf: secretary, Mabel lfager: treasurer, ll. lf. Summers: critic, Helen XYylie: assistant critic, Nettie Rl. Rieken: censor, J. Emmert Stover: assistant censor. Henry Styers: librarian, 'lohn Barwick. The Amphictyon League was organized in Greece, 1000 li. C. The name of this organization was transferred to the first literary society organized in Mount Morris College. The organization was effected in 18-I2 by about a half dozen people, whose purpose is clearly set forth in the preamble to the constitu- tion: Believing united effort essential in securing permanent literary, social, and moral improvement. we, students of Mount 'Morris College organize our- selves into a society. flfroni this small organization, founded more than three score yearsago, has grown a society which has become a potent factor in literary and social activity. The one constant aim in a literary way has been to discipline intellect. develop clear thought. and clothe it with propriety and elegance. The social side has taken off the raw edges and given polish to many a youth who had the talent but dared not. The products tell. Should the reader step into the Senate of the L'nited States he would find an old man who has served his country longer than any other living man as a lawmaker. lie began his public career as an Amphictyon. The pioneer missionary of the Brethren Church was at one time an enthusiastic society worker. The pulpit and platform claim a large number of former members. Profess- orships and presidential chairs have been filled in many of the leading colleges and universities by men who answered the roll call regularly while attending this institution. These and many others have done their work faithfully and honored the name of Amphictyia. Hesides the regular programs there is held aimually an essay and declama- tion contest. This is for those who through past literary effort are considered competent to contest for the prize which consists of a standard book presented by the society. An oratorical contest is also held annually. The winner of the first prize receives ten dollars, donated by Elmer Shank, a former member. now a successful lawyer in XVashington. The second prize of five dollars is given by Chalmer Klontz, also a former member, who now is engaged in active ministry of the gospel in the Methodist Church. f'Hurrah for the l'icnic ! This was the cry of all as on a bright morning last autumn we climbed 'fgracefullyu into hayracks and started for our destination. The picnic was held on the shady banks of Rock River near Canyamede Springs which are at the foot of a large hill. On the crest of the hill stands the famous Black Hawk monument, overlooking a portion of the surrounding country and the town of Oregon, one mile away. llere, nature in all her display had spent every effort in glorifying her Creator. After a highly relished dinner and hearty games, all returned home feeling tired but happy. The literary work of the past year shows marked development. The productions of the more experienced members have been the best. The special musical programs held once during each term of office are for the promotion of better music and each successive year shows a disparagcnient for cheaper class music and a greater preference for the better grade of classical music. To the success of the society has been attributed the fact that all of its members work for its good and for the promotion of better literary attainment. There is one sentiment voiced by all .-Xmphictyons which has kept the past of the society sacred. lt is this: The memory of Old .Xmphictyia shall never die. N MOUNT MORRIS COLLEGE RCE Ag i :zo

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aw iLife Mtg Philorhetorian Society Motto: X11111f11 flllllCIl ext. tzsfra vtistrti s1111f. Almost half a century ago. through tl1e efforts of General Rawlins, XY. A. llarvey, ulos. B. Chandlers, li. lf. Sheets and Cl1as. Linn, the l'hilorhetorian society came into existence. At tl1e beginning of tl1e organization the member- sl1ip was not held exclusively to the student body, but many wl1o resided i11 the cou11try were held as members. llowever, these did not take part in the actual workings of the society, but i11 elections only, This caused great dissatisfaction among the students, so a new organization was effected Zllltl students Ullly were eligible for admission. The growth of the society from this time has DCCII steady. llowever, at tl1e beginning of this school year. following the organization of tl1e new College society, many of the strong and loyal supporters of l'hilo left her ranks. Nevertheless. we feel sure that we may say for them, that they are proud to say that they once labored beneath tl1e lJ21llllC1' of Philo. Her membership now is made 11p wholly of Academic Students and an active Zlllfl true band tl1ey are, about seventy i11 number. Hut regardless of tl1e work sl1e is 11ow doing, around her cluster many fond and happy memories to those who have completed tl1eir school days and gone forth to meet and cope with tl1e issues of life. From her halls have gone forth me11 and women who are playing their part bravely upon the world's stage, so111e filling very humble positions while others are wielding great power and intluence in both state Hilti nation. It is one of Philois highest ideals to give to those that come tlll1lCf her influence the broadest development possible, both in independent thought and expression. To carry out this plan the st11dent body gather weekly i11to tl1e artistically decorated hall of old l'hilo a11d entertain or are entertained by well-rendered programs. Development Zlllll culture along' many lines are accessible a11d no active student will neglect this very essential part of his educational training. Debating is a11 important feature and every week brings about an interest- ing and lively debate in which 501110 live up-to-date question is ably discussed. However, there is one special debate that demands more than a passing glance. and that is the lnter-Society debate, held with our sister society, the 1Nmphictyon. It has only been in recent years that this idea was promulgated, but now the event is to be held annually. Thus far two live and interesting discussions have been held. Both sides met the issues bravely and well, but Philo has carried off the laurels in both. Oratory is greatly encouraged and tlll'Ollgl1 the generosity of Mr. Chas. H. Sharer, a ten dollar prize in gold is given yearly to the o11e producing the best oration, both in thought and expression. This opportunity is eagerly taken in by the members and many good orations have been given. Also, at the close of the second winter term of each year an lissay an-l Declamation Contest is held. The winners are awarded with a copy of I,owell's or Longfellowls poems. All of these eve11ts greatly assist in making society work prove interesting Zlllfl helpful and the zealous and CllCl'gCtlC student can receive benetit in this way that will afterwards be a great foundation for what comes in after life. Dear old Philo-VVith memories clad, XVell dost thou thy power displays For worry maketh tl1e light heart sad. But thou-thou makest the sad heart gay, VVe visit thee and call to our weary friends, XYho cares, books and problems Hing to the winds: And they shrink away and Hee ill fear iYhen we. to thee our steps draw near. MUUNT MORRIS COLLEGE 31 A al als