Munsellian Society, 1869 - 1894

"On the 22d day of May, 1863, Wm. N. Rutledge, Win. T. Collins, A. B. Funk, B. V. Sharp, J. W. Boggess, S. E. Pendleton, T.J. Barr and J. Thomas, members of the Belles Lettres Society, which, for years previous, had been the only literary organization in the College, met for the purpose of forming a new Society. These gentlemen, to whose energy and ability the Society will ever be indebted, left the old Society with the kindest feelings and most honorable motives. They believed that its crowded membership and entire lack of healthy emulation necessitated the formation of a similar but separate Society. It was thought that two Societies organized for the same laudable purposes, upon an equal basis, would, from the competition which would naturally arise between the two, result in greatly benefitting all parties concerned. Thus was begun the Munsellian Literary Society, named in honor of the learned and respected head of the University, Rev. O. S. Munsell, D. D. Collins, now an eminent member of the Scott County Bar, was elected as the first President, which office he held with special credit until he graduated at the end of the term. Boggess and Rutledge graduated with the class of 1866. The first three years of the Society's life was not the most flattering. It had no well furnished and beautiful hall to exhibit, and no past record of brilliant literary productions to which it might point with pride. There was a powerful and already thoroughly organized Society to compete with. For these reasons it was difficult to induce new students to join the Munsellian. Some, not over brave ones, left this and joined the Belles Lettres. But Rutledge, with his unflinching determination and hopeful spirit, worked on until he found himself surrounded by a band of earnest, aspiring young men, who mutually pledged themselves that, by their efforts, the Society should and must become second to no similar Society in the College. In 1867, the Society was first granted the exclusive use of their present hall. This was immediately richly carpeted, and its walls appropriately adorned with suitable engravings and portraits. The nucleus of a Society Library was also commenced, contributions to which, from all patronizing friends, are at all times duly appreciated by the young gentlemen who are so zealously working in this behalf. The present members send greeting to all the fast actual and honorary members of the Society : In whatever field you work, in the mechanical or agricultural, in the mercantile or professional, they extend to you the fraternal hand, and bid you God-speed. With pleasure they record the present status of the Society. The fondest anticipations of its founders are more than realized. The regular sessions are usually of a very high order. Every encouragement is given to literary composition and to that no less essential quality, oratorical culture. Quarterly open sessions and annual exhibitions are given, thus allowing its members the honor and discipline of addressing large and popular assemblies. Of the character of the members, it may be said that they are eminently a practical, ambitious, energetic, enthusiastic and honorable body of young men. The record of the past is satisfactory twenty-five of the Alumni have belonged to this Society. Numbering on its present roll about two-thirds of the present attendance of students, representing more than half of the regular classes, and placed on a firm basis by the Charter of the last Legislature, a prosperous future is certainly secured to the Munsellian Society." written by Luther Keplinger, Alumni Journal, 1870-06-01, pg. 18-19