University of Nebraska--Lincoln. Palladian Literary Society

Biography

Founded by a student named J. Stuart Dales in the fall of 1871, the Palladian Literary Society was the first student organization at the University of Nebraska. Twenty-five charter members met in University Hall to decide on rules and bylaws, and the first open meeting was held on December 19, 1871, with readings, prayers, music, and a debate. The Palladian began the first student newspaper, the "Hesperian Student".

The organization had several disputes in 1873 and splintered into the Aldephian and an all female society called Pierian.  The Aldelphian Society disbanded in 1875, and in 1876 the Pierian rejoined the Palladians.  In 1875 the organization had the first female president. 

By the 1880's the Palladian Literary Society was the foundation of almost all student activities on campus. In 1883 it published the University's first yearbook, The Sombrero. By 1899 the Palldian Society had gotten so large that it was forced to break into two societies, the second being named the Delian Literary Society. 

In 1904 the Palladians moved into the Temple building, where they remained until World War II. They moved into the Student Union in 1962 and stayed there until they dissolved in 1969, due to a move to a fraternity/sorority system.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records: