University of Virginia Library

SOCIETIES OF STUDENTS.

Literary Societies.—There are two Literary Societies of long standing,
the Washington Society and the Jefferson Society, connected with
the University. They meet weekly in their respective halls for the purpose
of cultivating debate and composition, and hold public exhibitions
at intervals during the session, and at its close. The two Societies
jointly maintain the University Magazine, and annually invite some distinguished
orator to deliver an address before them in the Public Hall
at the close of the session. In each Society medals are given, one to
the best debater, another to the best orator. And a third medal is
awarded for the best original contribution to the University Magazine
by a member of either Society.

Young Men's Christian Association.—This society seeks to guard
new students from evil influences, and furnishes opportunities for Christian
work in the University and its neighborhood. It is the oldest of
the college Associations having been established in 1857, and has been
in active operation ever since. It conducts several Sunday-schools in
the neighborhood of the University, coöperates with the Chaplain in
the maintenance of the Religious Services, secures periodical Public
Lectures and Sermons, and directs the Students' Reading Room.

Students' Reading Room.—This is convenient of access, comfortably
arranged and furnished, and supplied with a large selection of the
best periodical literature. It is open to all members of the University
upon the payment of an annual fee of $4 to meet its current expenses.

Temperance Union.—This association does good service in guarding
students against dissipation, promotes literary culture by weekly meetings
for debate, and offers valuable prizes to its best debaters and
orators.

Squibb Gymnasium Association.—Founded upon a liberal gift from
E. H. Squibb, M. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., for the promotion of physical
culture. It is provided with a convenient hall, and with apparatus.
Two afternoons in November are annually set apart for athletic competitions,
at which suitable medals are awarded.

Rives Boat Club.—Founded upon a liberal gift from F. R. Rives,
Esq., of New York City. It is provided with a Boat House on the
Rivanna River, and a number of boats with appliances for rowing, and
engages in the State regattas.