Lee Literary Society, 1909-1911?

Item Information

Title:
Lee Literary Society, 1909-1911?
Description:
This photograph depicts members of the Springfield College, then the International YMCA Training School, Lee Literary Society. It was probably taken between 1907 and 1910, due to the graduation dates of some of those pictured in the image. Some of those pictured in the image include: top row, second from left, Lewis Henry Field (Class of 1910) and far right, John Drummond Brock (Class of 1910). Also bottom row, far left, Harold M. Fiske (Class of 1911) and center, George Cornelius Baker (Class of 1910).
Creator:
Simons, J. F.
Date:
[1907?–1910?]
Format:
Photographs
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Series:
IMLS YMCA Historical Image Collection
Subjects:
International Young Men's Christian Association Training School (Springfield, Mass.)
Springfield College--Clubs
Springfield College
Lee Literary Society
Field, Lewis H.
Brock, John D.
Fiske, Harold M.
Baker, George C.
Group portraits
Clubs
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Springfield
Extent:
Postcard; 8.5 x 13 cm.; 2 Pages
Link to Item:
https://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/8243
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield College
Notes:
This literary society was founded in 1900 when the "zeal for a more extensive training in public speaking was felt at the Training School, with the result that the first literary society was soon organized. Eight men formed the Lee Literary Society on December 4, 1900" according to the 1912, Massasoit, p. 121. The club was named in honor of Henry S. Lee, who "was a big hearted man and a friend to every one in the school. Because of his interest in the work of the society and the high ideals that they were striving for, he gave a sum of money and several valuable pictures for the equipment of the Lee room. During its infancy the club held debates among its own members on subjects which had been discussed thruout the year, the first president being the donor of the prize metal. The history of the society would be incomplete without mention of Prof. H. M. Burr, who since the inception of the club has acted as critic." --The Massasoit, 1912, p. 121. The 1910 Massasoit offered more information, "the chief reason for this club was the development and furthering of literary talent. Until this time, no club of this character had ever existed in the Training School, and the men had felt the lack of familiarity with parliamentary law as well as the lack of ability to thing and speak in a clear and effective manner while on their feet." The yearbook goes on to state "The club meets weekly on Monday evening a a varied program is arranged which includes current events, magazine reviews, readings, recitations, papers on topics of interest and a good 'live' debate. Last year new enthusiasm was added to the life of the Lee Club, when the Inter-Society debates were renewed-they had been discontinued for three years. This move was a wise one and we feel sure that under this new impetus, debating will flourish and be of a better quality in the Club." --The Massasoit, 1910, p. 113.
On the back of the photograph a caption reads: "Simons". It could be related to J. F. Simons who served in the College as Assistant Librarian from 1901 to 1911 and then as a Registrar and Superintendent from 1911 on.
Identifier:
SC22838