The oldest literary society to remain on the University of
Kentucky campus was the Union Literary Society.
It was formed in 1872 by the consolidation of the Yost Club and the
Ashland Institute and was operated under a charter from the Legislature. Eventually,
the society had a well-furnished hall in the Main Building which housed a
library due in part to an appropriation from the state. The society held weekly meetings devoted to
declamations, essays, and debates. The society held an annual oratory contest
on February 22 of each year. The Union
Literary Society was formed at the Agricultural and Mechanical College while
part of Kentucky University.
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Union Literary Society circa 1890
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The Patterson Literary Society was formed in 1887 under the
suggestion of Governor Knott and named in honor of President Patterson. The society was chartered in 1888 and was
also provided a room and a good library. The Patterson Literary Society had a
similar contest held on March 26th of each year – the birthday of
President Patterson.
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Patterson Literary Society, Kentuckian 1913
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In 1882, the Philosophian Society was formed by women of the
college for literary improvement and social pleasure. The society also had a well equipped hall for
the meetings and events. In addition to
their weekly meetings, the Philosophian Society provided public events
consisting of declamations, essays, criticisms, and orations once every year.
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Philosophian Literary Society, 1919
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