McLennan County, TX - Schools - Baylor University, Calliopean History ************************************************************************************* This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: June Tuck Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************************* Baylor University, Calliopean History From the research files of June E. Tuck CALLIOPEAN HISTORY Fall of 1920 The second to the oldest womanÕs literary society in America is no other than the Calliopean Literary Society of Baylor University. During the early days of Baylor, in the year 1867, seven choice girls, composed mostly of seniors, formed a secret society by the name of Calliopean Literary Society, which name was taken from the muse of eloquence. The first president was Mrs. J. W. Jenkins of Waco, then Miss Georgia Speight. Other charter members are: Liela Terrell, now Mrs. Cook of Austin; Siga Burleson, daughter of Dr. Burleson, now Mrs. Moore of Fort Worth, and Miss Kate Renfro of New Braunfels. On dress occasions the members wore a white linen badge with the word Calliopean printed upon it in gold, and a black ebony ring with a gold music lyre upon which was written the motto of the society, "Vincit Quae Se Vincit." In later years the emblem was put upon a pin and the ring discarded. The society published a weekly paper called the "Calliopean Chip Basket." As the years rolled by the society underwent many changes. Probably the greatest change was when the Calliopeans threw off their robe of secrecy and became democratic. However, not for a moment did they lower their ideals, but with a large open heart, which has established them as the largest and most influential organization, it has grown to a membership of approximately four hundred girls. As old Baylor continues to increase her prestige in an ever widening circle of literatte. The Calliopeans are ever ready and willing to do their part. Owing to the Diamond Jubilee the Calliopeans were greatly honored when Amy Lowell and Harriet Monroe, two of the greatest modern writers of today, accepted honorary membership in the society.