From Philomathean Society

"Tribute to the Philomathean Society"
Hon. Michael O. Myers OF Pennsylvania
In the House of Representatives

VOL. 124 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1978 NO. 157

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 165th anniversary of the founding of the Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania, the Nation's oldest continuous collegiate literary society.

It was an October 2, 1813 that the original 13 members signed the constitutioning Articles in order to "promote our improvement in learning and likewise more fully establish the reputation of the University." In the years that have followed, "Philo," as she is known by generations of Pennsylvania students, has more than admirably realized that goal.

No finer example can be found of Philo's capacity and ambition than the "Rosetta Stone Report," published by the society in 1858. This remarkable volume contained the first accurate English translation of the Rosetta Stone, and was entirely the work of three undergraduate members. It quickly sold out two editions, and was internationally hailed as a great work of scholarship. In a letter to the society, German scientist Baron Alexander von Humboldt called it "a historic monument of great importance, especially worthy of praise since it offers the first essay at independent investigation by the litterateur of the New Continent"

Whatever task the Philomatheans undertook, they set about to accomplish on a grand scale. In 1917, the society staged "The Masque of the American Drama," which was considered at the time to have been the largest theatrical production ever presented in North America. It involved over 1,000 student workers and required 1,500 costumes. In another year, Philo built a full-scale replica of the Globe Theater on the university campus to house its production of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors."

The society has achieved an unparalleled record of service to Pennsylvania and its students. In the last 165 years, publications Philomatheans have founded include Punch Bowl, the Daily Pennsylvanian, Era, Penn Review, High Ball, Chac, the Red and the Blue, Junto, the Trend, Lotus, and the University magazine.

Philos have organized the university student assembly, the debate council, the Senior Tutor Society, Connaissance, Penn Players, and the Latin American Graduate Students Association.An annual speakers series, begun in 1814, has recently brought to Pennsylvania notables such as Margaret Mead, Henry Steele Commager, L. F. Stone, Ashly Montagu, Ayn Rand, and John Barth. The society established the first library for students at the university, sponsored the first permanent campus art gallery, and helped create the department of general literature.

Philo's sons and daughters have gone on to provide more service to the university and the world community. Alumni have included 3 university provosts, 16 university trustees, and 31 university professors. Also among their number have been seven Congressmen, three Senators (including a President pro tempore), two Cabinet officers, three Ambassadors, two Governors, and size generals, plus enumerable local legislators, judges, lawers, doctors, authors, editors, scientists, theologians, and educators.

The Philomathean Society could easily rest on its past glory, but today Philo remains as vibrant and ready to contribute as ever. Philomatheans produce a series of musical concerts, operate an art gallery, run a poetry reading series, sponsor speakers, show film programs, and publish Era, the university's scholarly-literary magazine. Philo still maintains its own library, which is available for use by any Pennsylvania student.

The Philomathean is one of the last of the great literary societies that at one time were represented on nearly every American campus. These literary societies trained generations of our Nation's leaders through the exercies they provided their members in writing, speaking, and thinking. Yet today, only a handful have survived. It is indeed a testimony to the dedication and wisdom of the students at the University of Pennsylvania that they have supported the Philomathean Society for over a century and one-half.

I wish the Philomatheans a happy anniversary on this milestone for the society, and extend my hopes for a successful and productive future.