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Chamberlain Literary Society

The Chamberlain Philosophical and Literary Society of Centre College was founded in 1828 and named in honor of the College's first President, Rev. Jeremiah Chamberlain. The Society included such prominent names as Hon. James B. McCreary, J.C.S. Blackburn, Boyd Winchester, and others. It was extremely active in annual celebrations and oratorical contests, and annual exercises were held for graduating seniors. The Society apparently died out around 1927, but then was revived around 1939 for only two years.

Literary Society Records

Inventory of the archival holdings of Centre's various literary societies, including the Chamberlain Literary Society.

Literary Society Programs

Nineteenth-century literary society programs, many for the annual Washington's birthday celebrations.

Act of Incorporation (February 13, 1837)

Text of an act passed by the General Assembly of Kentucky to incorporate the Chamberlain Philosophical and Literary Society.

Constitution (May 1859)

Text of the constitution, copied May 1859.

By-Laws (May 1859)

Text of the by-laws, copied May 1859.

Public Exhibitions (May 1859)

Rules and regulations for speakers at the February 22 celebrations. Copied May 1859.

Library Laws (May 1859)

Duties of the librarian, and regulations and fines for use of the Society's library. Copied May 1859.

Catalogue of the Regular and Honorary Members (1860)   (PDF, 4.3Mb)

Catalog of the members of the Chamberlain Literary Society at Centre College from 1823 to 1860. Arrangement is by date in which individual joined society. Entries include occupation and residence. A brief history is also included.

Address (1864)   (PDF, 2.6Mb)

Address by Edward R. Wing, Centre College Class of 1861, given in 1864 to the grduating memebers of the society.