SUNY at Fredonia - Fredonian Yearbook (Fredonia, NY)

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c..g.l. During the school year mentioned the Philalethiean Glee Club was organized. Professor Harter, Who Was then Professor of vocal musicin the school, kindly consented to drill the singers, and accordingly arrangements were made for practice once a week. In a short time thefclub had gained unexpected popularity and the in- terest in the Philalethean Society was augmented to a large degree. The membership increased to such an extent that in june, '98 there were fifty-six active members enrolled. The graduating class of that year con- tained a large per cent of Philaletheans, the president of the class, Adams Phillips, being a charter member. For five consecutive years, commencing in 1895, the class president has been some member of the Philalethean society. ' Although the membership of the society is not so large at present as it has been in the past, the same enthusiasm and loyal devotion on the part of the members still continue. The young men are active and ag- gressive and will, Without doubt, continue to be an enterprising and progressive class of young men. The society is destined to remain the important factor in training young men for the practical problems of life, the same as it has been since its inception in 1894. The old gold and purple are as dear as ever to the heart of every Philalethean. They stand for noble purposes, unity and manly endeavor. Three cheers for the colors of the Epsilon Chapter of the Philalethean Fraternity. Let them be seen on all sides. They have stood for something in the pastg they stand for more today, and they will be dearer and more Widely Worn in the future. LOUIS R. SMITH. A GAME OF BASKET BALL. A whistle shrill, at pause, a leap 3 A maddening rushg a writhing heap Of arms and legs, while people keep Applauding with a will. A jump, a fall, three broken bones, A somersault, a shriek from jones, A cheering in exultant tones, And all is still. -E. S. 32

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PHILALETHEAN FRATERNITY. ' N September, 1894, owing to dissensions in the Zetesian Society, twenty-one young men withdrew from that society and formed a second young men's literary society in the school. The Hrst meet- X ing was held September ro for the purpose of electing officers, consisting of president and minor , A, oiiicers, and the transaction of other business. The late William D. Adkins was the fir-st presi- dent of the society. Following his election a committee was appointed to prepare a temporary constitution and also a committee to investigate in regard to a room for a society home. , The society met in the Methods room in special session September 12, under the name of the Young Men's Literary Society, This name was retained until October ist, when, by a vote of twenty to one, it was decided to join the Philalethean Fraternity and the society has since been known as the Epsilon Chapter of the Philalethean Fraternity. The first program, given by the society after its temporary organization, commenced by singing Our Country 'tis of Thee. A more loyal, devoted and conscientious class of young men never lifted their voices in song in the Fredonia Normal School than the young men who, on that September evening, sang the national anthem. The young men who sang that song were undergoing a struggle which was not only to effect them- selves, but the future history of the society and the histories of the other literary societies in the school It was fitting, therefore, that they should herald the birth of the new organization by singing the song that has in- spired the millions to do grand and noble work. Interest in the new society increased until, on March 9, 1895, there were thirty three active members, and more were constantly being added. The permanent constitution was adopted October 27. It has since remained as then adopted, with the exception of a few amendments made necessary in order to meet the changing ond itions From the time of the adoption of the constitution until the school year, ,97-'98, the society enjoyed a gradual growth. The members were deeply 'interested in the work being carried on and found in the meetings that training which is so essential when the prescribed course is completed, the Normal halls receive the last good-bye and the stu- dents go out into the world to do and to dare for that which is elevating and just and noble and right. -' 3l

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SKETCH OF THE ZETESIAN SOCIETY. T was in the year 1870 that the pupils of the Fredonia Normal School organized the Zetesian Society. This being the first organization of the kind in the school, the members included not only young men, but young ladies also, although these were later excluded. One of the striking facts about the first records is that the pages are beautifully written, and-invariably by young ladies. Since then, the work and nature of the society has changed and broadened, the innovation of mock con- gress being introduced in February, 1887. Of old members who have since risen to distinction, the society has many to boast. And they afhrm that the training obtained in their society work has been of great practical value. At any rate the old ties of fellowship and devotion to the society are easily seen in the conversation of these men, no matter how much busied since then they may have been, the old society feeling has clung to them. Among these honorary members are many residents of Fredonia-Henry Leeworthy, Dr. A. W. Dods, W. A. Holcomb, H. L. Cum- ming. Also the names of a few. well known not only in the county, but some with almost a national reputa- tion-john lVoodward, james McGraw, C. C. Hill, A. C. Anderson, Robert Eddy, H. G. Rask, J. Crissey. Perhaps every subject possible to be debated may be found on the Zetesian books, from that of vihether the dog is of greater usefulness than the cat, to the deepest and broadest subjects of morality and politics, as Does Morality Keep Pace With Civilization? and VVill Our Republic Be Permanent as Such? Every little way in the secretary's books may be found records of the diversions the society used, to relieve the strain of school work-or' for some more useful purpose, which the couples bound by indissoluble ties in these later days are witness to. The mere mention of these picnics, plays, debates, outings, banquets and the rest, must bring a flood of limpid, flashing memories to our revered Zetesians of earlier times. Yes, they acknowl- edge it by the enthusiastic sparkle of eye, and the momentary wistful feeling that follows, for the dear, good old days, long gone. , 33