The Philo(mathesian)
by Haowei Claire Tong and
R. Hunter Bratton
Brief History of a Wake Forest Literary Society
The vibrancy of extracurricular life defines Wake Forest. Debate, writing, and other academic endeavors have been immensely popular and fruitful since the university was founded in 1834 as a Baptist all-male college. The Philomathesian Society began providing a forum for the liberal arts in Feb. 1835. Along with its conservative sister organization, The Euzelian Society, The Philo served as an outlet for intellectual discussions and declamations. These two societies were integral to student life; in fact, all matriculants were assigned to one. The small and spirited societies selected their own forms of government, elected officials, and held bi-weekly meetings, most of which were conducted in secrecy.  On March 21, 1835, The Philomathesians chose their first topic of debate for the following week: whether it would be the policy of the United States to declare war against France. (The gentlemen decided the United States would not declare war.) By 1837, both literary societies were maintaining their own libraries for members to use — their institutional importance had been established and their rival nature solidified. The Philo flourished on the old campus and enjoyed solidarity with similar societies around the nation. Prominent members included future lawyers, doctors, politicians, educators, and literary elites such as J. C. Dockery, Charles R. Merriam, and W. W. Childers. Famous honorary members included Washington Irving, John Tyler, John Q. Adams, Sam Houston, and many others. The Philo and Euzelian societies remained strong for over a century, but World War II caused their popularity to dwindle. In 1956, the relocation and reorganization of campus delivered a second blow to student participation. The societies never recovered from the transplant; they were unable to adapt to the evolving collegiate atmosphere. In 1993, student Joy Goodwin decided to revive The Philomathesian as a literary journal. She approached her peers and formed a student steering board. Together, they identified a handful of professors who were interested in the endeavor. These university advisers spanned departments and academic interests. Among them, Dr. Anne Boyle and Dr. Ed Wilson remain dedicated to The Philomathesian today. The Philo has experienced the standard ebb and flow observed by most student organizations. Last semester, Madeline Eckenrode invited us to join the editorial staff and we gladly obliged, unaware of what a mission it would be. We have been honored with and motivated by an array of positive feedback from faculty, staff, alumni, and students, and submissions have grown eightfold since we started our campaign. |  -- H. Clay, Ashland. May 30, 1835. I received your letter some time ago, giving me information that the society with which you are connected at Wake Forest Institute had done me the honor of making me one of its honorary members. I owe an acknowledgement of thanks for this mark of respect from strangers, and I pray you to accept, Gentlemen, for yourselves and your brethren of the society my cordial good wishes for your health and happiness and for your rapid advancement in all good learning ... -- Danl. Webster, Boston. Oct. 22, 1835. ... I feel much flattered by your proposal to enroll my name as one of the honorary members of the Philomathesian Society of the Wake Forest Institute and accept the offer with great pleasure. I have felt the advantages of such association myself and I believe they cannot be estimated too highly in connection with the other Exercises of a literary seminary ... -- Ja. Iredell, Raleigh. May 29, 1835. |