University of Virginia Library

Jefferson Hall Provides Place
For Lively Talk, Good Cheer

Jefferson Hall, located in the
center of the West Range, has since
1825 housed the Jefferson Literary
and Debating Society. The society,
founded by students who were
originally a splinter group of the
Washington Literary Society, is
now the oldest organization on the
Grounds and the second oldest
Greek letter society in the United
States.

Traditionally the Hall has been
one of the University's centers of
open discussion, public meetings,
and forum debate. Throughout its
history the purpose of the society
has been to "provide for our
common improvement in debate,
promote general culture amongst
ourselves and those around us, and
drill ourselves in all exercises which
strengthen for the free duties of
citizenship."

The society meets at 7:29 p.m.
every Friday in Jefferson Hall and
throughout the year provides
prominent speakers, such as William
Faulkner, John Dos Passos and
Norman Graebner. In addition the
Hall has promoted discussions
between Student Council
candidates and is now holding
debates between candidates for
president of the College.