This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Rise of Franklin literary societies and early campus life
The Union Literary Society formed Franklin’s first literary group as the north building housed the college. In 1853 Webster and Periclesian societies split from Union, starting on the north garret and south hall. Early rooms, lamps, and a male-only culture gave way to debates, songs, and dreamlike climbs as women entered later and rooms moved to the third floor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Franklin
Union Literary Society
Franklin College
Old Union Society
Webster
Periclesian Literary Society
Websters