day, returning when autumn was ripe and golden. The scenes and experiences of that delightful summer lie in the sunlight of memory, as the purple hills lie in the golden haze of a declining September afternoon. Lingering in all the memories, and making an integral and important part of them, is Prex, genial, gentlemanly, unselfish, enriching by his culture, enhancing by his nobleness, and sanctifying by his religious faith, all places and all experiences. He has taken the final homeward journey first, and while we wait, Press, Pundit,* and Parson unite to bring this grateful tribute to the memory of him whom one could not know as we knew him without enshrining him among the best of earthly friends.

*Since this was written, “Pundit," too, has finished life's journey, to meet the fast-gathering company of redeemed ones.

CHAPTER XVIII.

LITERARY SOCIETIES AND LIBRARY.

THE FOUR LYCEUMS.

T

HE general unrest that comes into all student life was

especially apparent in attempts to form new associations

or societies. As the years went on, the Franklin Lyceum came to be the especial organ for the older students, thus giving the younger members very little opportunity for the improvement it offered. On this account the "Rough and Ready" society was formed, where at each meeting all the members were expected to take part, whether they were specially prepared or not. The Platonic and Amphyctionic societies grew from the desire of those in the Greek and Latin classes to give more attention to classical literature, history, philosophy, and law. For a time there was an effort, though unsuccessful, to unite all these interests into the Theological and Dedaskalian or Teachers' association-which it was thought would meet the demands of all classes. These were to give equal opportunities to both sexes. They all flourished for a time, but afterward split up into branches, out of which have grown the four lyceums that have for many years maintained their individuality, and afforded opportunities for growth and improvement to by far the greater number of those who have come to Alfred.

The "Orophilian"-lover of oratory-was formed in 1850, the members coming mostly from the "Amphyctionics." It adopted "Eloquentia Mundum Regit" for its motto, as being the most expressive of the design in its organization. Professor W. R. Prentice says "that in founding the society they builded

better than they knew. Their object was to secure better adyantages in learning the art of public speaking. They founded a society which has kept on making public speakers down through the years.

The "Alleghanian"-Head of the Mighty--was formed in 1851. It has proved, as its members hoped, a prophecy, since from its small beginning it has become a mighty stream in its educating influence. Its motto is "Perseverantia Omnia Vin

cit."

After the first ladies' society, the "Alphadelphian," had lost itself in the other co-working associations, a new society was formed, in 1850, called the "Ladies' Literary." Mrs. Professor Marvin, then preceptress, was its first president. In 1864 it took the name "Alfriedian," with the motto "Excelsior," a true index of its long, vigorous, and still active work.

The "Ladies' Athenæum," afterwards "Athenæan," was organized in 1859. Its motto is "La Sagesse soutient L'Univers." Of its early history May Allen Champlin says: "This new lyceum was very kindly received by the older ones, the 'Ladies' Literary' sending delegates and the 'Alleghanian' and 'Orophilian' both passing resolutions to receive its members as sisters. a lyceum it has been equal to any other in generosity as well as in literary merit."

SESSION ROOMS AND PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENTS.

As

These four lyceums long since became permanent institutions of the University, all holding their regular weekly sessions during the school year. The gentlemen have occupied rooms. in Chapel Hall, while the Ladies' Boarding Hall has provided those for the young ladies. These rooms have all been nicely furnished by their respective societies, and are provided with musical instruments and libraries. For many years the membership in the four lyceums has averaged about the same in numbers.

Near the holiday time in winter, and at the close of the spring term, each society has given a public entertainment. Often at these times the older members have been recalled to

give addresses or other assistance. Naturally there has been much pleasant rivalry on these occasions, and seldom has it occurred that any one society has felt to have fallen below the others in their public sessions. I am glad to say that no secret organization has ever obtained a foothold in the University.

THE SECRET OF HIS INFLUENCE.

During the many years that the metaphysics and general training for the senior year came under Dr. Allen's care, he often had from nine to ten classes in a day; this was severe, yet he was equal to the task. The morning hours before chapel were preferred for elocution, and the last hours in the afternoon for geology or botany, as this gave more time for field work. His evening classes were open to citizens. These were often held in the home, where ancient history, Chaucer, and Shakespeare were favorite subjects for consideration. These classes, though beginning with a small number, often increased till it would be difficult to find seats for all.

Dr. D. R. Ford, of Elmira, Dr. Allen's lifelong friend and co-worker, expressed the thought at the memorial service that the secret of his wonderful power and influence, and the incalculable benefit he had been to the students of Alfred University, were rendered possible only by his tact and originality in the art of organizing. This faculty was exemplified in the assistance he was constantly giving to the different organizations as they were developed by the growth of the institution in its different branches.

ALUMNI MEETINGS.

The Alumni Association, though it had long held regular meetings at commencement time, was organized in 1886 at the semi-centennial meeting of the University. Judge S. O. Thatcher, of the Supreme Court of Kansas, was chosen its president. This office has been held by Dr. Daniel Lewis, of New York, Judge P. B. McLennan, Judge S. M. Dexter, of Elmira, and Hon. W. W. Brown, of Bradford, Pa.

THE LIBRARY.

For increased efficiency, the theological library and those of the four literary societies were, with the University library, consolidated at the first meeting of the Alumni Association. Since that time the private libraries of Professor Larkin and President Allen have been added to these, and the main room on the second floor of Kenyon Memorial Hall has been fitted up for a general library and reading room. It is all indexed and catalogued on the "Dewey system," and is open to students and teachers every school day in the week.

Mrs. L. T. Stanton writes of the library:

"Were it possible to give a vivid word picture of Alfred University library in 1891-92, it would be another illustrative instance of the personal element in the character of President Allen, that made his life like a benediction to multitudes of young people. You would see the bright room, with its great windows overlooking the beautiful hills and valleys, the cases filled with books, in which are the life thoughts of the best minds of all ages, the long tables around which the students gather for quiet study, while the quick ticking of the clock tells off the passing hours. The chapel bell rings, the third recitation hour is at an end. In a few minutes the doors of the library open and the senior class of '92, bright, eager, full of joyous earnestness, enters, followed by the grand, courtly form of President Allen. How they crowd around him, won by that genial, buoyant nature, that always had time to give himself, and whose very presence added new value to everything! Eager questions were asked by the scholarly man, who was equally at home in science, art, literature, logic, philosophy, and theology.

"His mental movements were clear and rapid, and all felt that behind his unconsciousness of self was the hiding of great power. Passing from case to case, familiar with all the books, and reading intuitively the minds of others, he was ready to advise or direct each one to the needed source of knowledge. By his words of shrewd wit, humor, or wisdom, he awakened and stimulated their minds, until their faces shone with the joy of mental activity.

"There was always the most eager yet friendly rivalry among the seniors in their quest for books relating to their college work. Sometimes an hour or more would thus be spent in the library, until one after another of the class, having secured their desired help, would go out, and