ALLADIAN
boasts the distinction of being the first student
organization to be founded within the University. It
was founded as a Literary Society in 1871, just a
month after the establishment of the University
proper. At this same meeting to form Palladian, the
Hesperian Student, the original University newspaper,
was established, and its publication was managed by
Palladian until the following year, when the Hesperian
Association was formed.
In its early years
the organization was almost exclusively literary in
character, the programs consisting of essays,
orations, and recitations with occasional musical
numbers. Since that time the society has broadened so
that the aim now is to encourage literary activity and
to also provide social life and advance interest in
high scholarship among its members.
It is the interest
of Palladian to see the spirit of true democracy
prevail throughout the University. Open meetings have
always been held to students, and society members seek
to extend to visitors an enjoyable social time. Formal
and informal programs are prepared.
Palladian has had
many activities and plans many more in the future. In
1904 when the drive for the Temple building was begun
the society took an active interest and in return for
the sum which they provided were given the present
hall that they occupy in the building, which was ready
for occupancy in the autumn of 1907 and has been in
use ever since.
A recent activity of
the organization has been in aiding to establish the
Harry Kirk Wolfe fellowship. The Palladian society
pledged three thousand dollars, nearly one-third of
the entire amount needed for this memorial, which is
to a former member of the society.