Literary Societies
The literary societies at Centre College began with the formation in 1828 of the Chamberlain Philosophical and Literary Society. The Deinologian Society and Athenaean Society followed. Those societies on which information is available include the Agore Adelphon Literary Society (of which very little is known) and the three listed above. The societies were formed to promote literary excellency, and at each meeting members debated a given argument, finally reaching a decision on what the correct answer was. Addresses were also given before the societies, and on celebrations such as Washington's birthday, many addresses were given. Discipline in the societies was strict. Very small offenses could lead to fines being placed on the responsible members.
Very little information could be gathered on the Agore Adelphon Literary Society. It was established, according to the one volume available on the society, around December 1855. The organization changed its name early in 1857 from Agore Adelphon to [Greek letters] (Philo Logoi Society). It was apparently not particularly strong.
The Chamberlain Philosophical and Literary Society of Centre College was founded in 1828 and named in honor of the College's first President, Rev. Jeremiah Chamberlain. The Society included such prominent names as Hon. James B. McCreary, J.C.S. Blackburn, Boyd Winchester, and others. It was extremely active in annual celebrations and oratorical contests, and annual exercises were held for graduating seniors. The Society apparently died out around 1927, but then was revived around 1939 for only two years.
The Deinologian Literary Society was founded in 1835 by students who were dismayed with the Chamberlain Society. The Society included such figures as John C. Breckinridge (U.S. Vice-President), John Young Brown, and Thomas Crittenden. This Society was also very involved in annual celebrations and exercises for graduating members, and continued in existence until about 1940.
The Athenaean Literary Society was an offshoot of the Deinologian Society. Little information is available, but apparently it did participate in annual celebrations.
The 1830 minutes of the Board of Trustees mentions permitting the Blackburn Literary Society the use a room in Old Centre until directed otherwise. This entry is the only mention of the society.
For additional information see