BIO: PHILOMATHÆAN SOCIETY of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Adams County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/adams/ _______________________________________________ History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 _______________________________________________ Part III, History of Adams County, Pages 381-382 PHILOMATHÆAN SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE. On the 4th of February, A. D. 1831, more than a year before the State of Pennsylvania granted a charter to Pennsylvania College, the Philomathaean Society had its organization in the “Gettysburg Gymnasium,” on the corner of Washington and High Streets, Gettysburg, Penn. The students of the Gymnasium divided themselves into two equal parts, one part to form the “Phrenakosmian,” and the other the “Philomathæan” Society. Prof. M. Jacobs was made chairman, and a constitution was adopted, the title “Philomathæan” (lovers of learning) being given to the society, the name being significant of the object of the organization. The names of the founders, given in alphabetical order, are Samuel Oswald, Solomon Oswald, John Oswald, Christopher A. Tabler, Abraham B. Shuman, Daniel Miller, Samuel Russel, John Ulrich, Francis Springer, George Schmucker, William F. Wadsworth, Peter Sahn, William Mennig, Solomon Ritz, Walter J. Sloan and William Metzger. But two of the founders became graduates of the college - Abraham B. Shuman and Rev. William A. Wadsworth; and three are living, a half century after the organization - Rev. William Mennig, Rev. W. J. Sloan and Rev. Dr. Francis Springer. The first to pass the initiatory rites as provided for in the constitution were William W. McClellan, of Baltimore, and Lewis Routzahn, of Frederick, Md. The professors of the several departments and the professors and students of the theological seminary and several prominent citizens of Gettysburg were among the first honorary members admitted; thirty-one were elected at one time. Among the names are Clay, Webster, Jackson, Chief Justice Marshall, and other dignitaries of church and State. Soon after the societies were firmly established in their literary work they entered into an agreement in regard to the election of active and honorary members, and “articles of confederacy” were prepared. The regulations prohibited either society from admitting any member until he had been in the institution six weeks, but afterward, under the charter of the college, admission was allowed immediately after matriculation. To prevent one society from too far outnumbering the other, the limit of membership was placed at two to one. This was the source of some trouble, and on the February 25, 1835, the faculty of college interposed, defining the limit of age, excess of membership, etc. Again, in 1846, a new set of regulations was adopted, in which the societies arranged all matters pertaining to membership, public celebrations, and all other mutual interests. Only the professors of the institution are eligible to honorary memberships in both societies. In the early days of the society the place of meeting was kept in order by the members taken in alphabetical order; who also introduced new members and had to attend to the making of fire, lighting of lamps, etc. This office was abandoned as soon as the society removed into the present college building, as a janitor was then necessary for the increased work in hall, library and reading-room. A mere desk was at first used for a library, secretary’s use, lamps, etc. The initiation fee was originally 50 cents, which rose to $2.50 and then to $5, at which figure it still remains. The first original declamation was in the German language. On February 17, 1832, the first anniversary celebration was held; speeches were made by two of the founders. The meetings were originally held in the Gymnasium building, and invitations sent to persons of a literary taste, afterward, until 1835, the celebrations were held in the German Church, then a few years in the Presbyterian, and in 1836 all public exercises of the society were held in Christ (College) Church. Biennial addresses were delivered, the society alternating in the choice. As the hall for the society in the present college building was not finished until almost a year after the college was occupied, the society met on the second story. The hall at the east end of the fourth story was assigned to the Philomathæan Society, and was neatly carpeted and papered, and busts of Washington and Franklin adorned the president’s desk. In 1851 the hall was remodeled, and again in 1868, the latter time made necessary to a certain extent by damage done after the battle of Gettysburg by wounded of Gen. Lee’s army, who were lodged in the hall. At first the library was very small, and all the money that was left after defraying other expenses was to be appropriated to the library. “Buffon’s Natural History,” purchased January 27, 1832, is recorded as the first book bought. In order to enlarge the library, members gathered books during their vacations. In this way several thousand volumes were collected and more than $100 annually expended. A permanent library fund of $1,000 was secured between 1853 and 1865, the interest of which is annually expended for books. A portion of a second $1,000 has been raised for the use of the library, Rev. S. S. Henry acting as agent for the society for a time. The original library room was enlarged in 1853, and again in 1880. At the present time the library contains almost 7,000 catalogued volumes and is handsomely furnished. An addition to the library, in 1861 a Philo reading-room, was established in the first story of the northeast corner of the college building. The room is supplied with the prominent daily papers, monthly magazines, and all other valuable periodicals, for the use of members at all times except study hours. At several times during the history of the society the subject of obtaining a charter was discussed, and especially was this the case after the library fund was secured. Legal advice was taken and the faculty notified, but the society finally gave up the idea, as the charter of the college would cover the difficulties under which the society was laboring. More than 1,150 students, about 400 of them graduate members, have received part of their training at this society, and, “one of the closest bonds of Philial affection for alma mater is the connection with the Philomathæan Society.” The Philomathæan Society of the present is in a flourishing condition, having about forty-five members. The hall and library are in excellent condition, and, besides the library fund of over $1,300, has $125 in the treasury.