User:Andwats/Philomathean Literary Society of Erskine College

The Philomathean Literary Society of Erskine College is one of Erskine College's four literary societies. The Philomelean Society is the sister organization and provides membership to women. Philomathean Hall is the oldest building in the Erskine College-Due West Historic District, located in Due West, SC. Alumni members have risen to some of the highest legal positions in the United States. The Philomathean Literary Society at Erksine is the oldest Philomathean Society still operational in the state of South Carolina

History
The Philomathean Literary Society was formed in 1842 when 12 students broke away from the Euphemian Literary Society. The founding Philomatheans sought to create debating rivalries such as those at Miami University. The two societies initially met in the college's main building with the Euphemians on the second floor and the Philomatheans on the third floor. Each Society was responsible for it's own hall and library.

During the 19th century, many notable American politicians and thinkers delivered addresses to the Society. In 1844, Benjamin Franklin Perry delivered a speech, published 43 years later by his wife. In 1846, James Lawrence Orr delivered an address at Philomathean Hall which was subsequently published by the society. The first moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Benjamin M. Palmer, spoke in 1854.

In 1912, the college adopted the Darlington Cup as the award for the school's Society debates. The trophy is made of sterling silver from Tiffany & Co. The donation was granted by Philomathean alumnus J. J. Darlington.

1957 saw the establishment of the Philomelean Society at Erskine.

In the1960’s and 1970's the rivalry between the Euphemians and the Philomatheans grew beyond Societal debates. In 1967, the Philomatheans stole the "Euphemian rock". In retaliation, the Euphemians let chickens loose in Philomathean Hall. The trend continued into the early 1970’s, when the Philomatheans stole the Darlington Cup from the Euphemians. No debates had been held in several years, though the Euphemians had won the most recent. The Philomatheans claimed the trophy was rightfully theirs since it was donated by their alumnus, while the Euphemians argued that the trophy was a gift to both Societies. The case was presented to the Student Government Association by James A. Quinn and Richard B. Thompson. The S. G. A. ruled in favor of the Euphemians, and the trophy was returned.

The Philomathean Literary Society is associated with several of Erskine College's awards. On an annual basis, the Society recognizes a member of the faculty or staff with the “Man of the Year Award”. The “James Steven Henderson Memorial Scholarship” is awarded in memory of a 1979 graduate with preference given to members of the Society.

Membership
Membership to the Philomathean Society is open to all male students of Erskine College. Women may apply after their first semester to the Philomelean Society. Members are known as “philo”.

Philomathean Hall
The Philomathean Hall is the oldest building in the Erskine College-Due West Historic District. As such, it is a contributing property in the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in1859, under the architect Thomas Veal. The building was constructed in the Italian Renaissance Revival Style. The two-story stuccoed building features Corinthian pilasters, a pedimented pavilion, recessed balustrades and a Palladian window.

Notable Philomatheans
J.J. Darlington- was a Washington based lawyer. A Diana statue in Judiciary Square stands in memorial to him. Darlington was involved in prominent cases regarding the First Amendment rights of workers and laborers organized in unions.

Joseph Neely Miller- a prominent Lawyer and active member of the Democratic organization. Was chosen to place on the presidential ticket.

Leo Hill- served as president of the Philomathean Literary Society. In 1968, Hill was elected as the President of the South Carolina Bar at the age of 41, making him the youngest to obtain the post. He is credited with modernizing South Carolina's bond laws and creating the state's Public Defender and Legal Services Agencies. Additionally, Hill served as South Carolina Supreme Court appointee to the state Judicial Council, as secretary to the Greenville County Democratic Party and as City Attorney and Special Counsel.

Kent D. Talbert- served as president of the Erskine Student Government Association. He was nominated by in 2005 by President Bush to serve as General Counsel to the U.S. Department of Education.