University of Virginia Library

LITERARY SOCIETIES.

There are two Literary Societies of long standing, the Jefferson Society
and the Washington 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.