Philolexian Society

Philolexian Society

Formation	1802
Type	Literary society
Headquarters	Columbia University
Location	New York City, New York, USA
Official language	English

The Philolexian Society is one of the oldest college literary societies in the United States, founded in 1802 at Columbia University in New York City. The name "Philolexian" is derived from the Greek "phil-" meaning "love" and "lexis" meaning "words," reflecting the society's appreciation for literature and eloquent speech.

History

The Philolexian Society was established to improve its members' literary skills and to foster a deeper understanding of the literary arts. Throughout its history, the society has been involved in various literary and debating activities. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Harlan Fiske Stone and writers such as Allen Ginsberg and Herman Wouk.

During the 19th century, the society was known for its rigorous debates and public speaking events, which were a central part of intellectual life at Columbia. The Philolexian Society also published several literary journals over the years, contributing to the cultural and intellectual fabric of the university.

Activities

The Philolexian Society hosts a variety of events, including debates, poetry readings, and writing workshops. One of its traditional events is the annual Joyce Kilmer Memorial Bad Poetry Contest, celebrating deliberately bad poetry in honor of poet and former member Joyce Kilmer.

Impact on Columbia University

The Philolexian Society has played a significant role in shaping the literary culture at Columbia University. It has been a platform for students to express themselves and engage in intellectual discussions outside the classroom. The society has also contributed to the development of future writers, journalists, and public speakers who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields.

Notable Members

Over the years, the Philolexian Society has had many distinguished members who have excelled in various fields such as literature, law, and politics. These include:

• Harlan Fiske Stone - Former Chief Justice of the United States
• Allen Ginsberg - Renowned poet and one of the leading figures of the Beat Generation
• Herman Wouk - Pulitzer Prize-winning author

See Also

• Literary society
• Columbia University
• Debating society

This Colombia related article is a stub.