Victoria College (Cobourg, Ont.). Philalethic Society fonds

Fonds number

2088

Name of Creator

Victoria College (Cobourg, Ont.). Philalethic Society

Dates of Material

[1839?]-1842

Title

Victoria College (Cobourg, Ont.). Philalethic Society fonds

Source of title proper

Title based on the contents of the fonds.

Extent

2 cm of textual records

Administrative History

The Society was active from at least ca. 1839 to 1841 as a student society of Upper Canada Academy, and in 1842 of Victoria College. In vol 1 no 1 of Society's publication, "The Philomath." it gives the following summary of the Philalethic Society: "The Philalethic Society as the name clearly signifies, was established for the discovery and promotion of Truth. Its existence is not only antecedent to the Charter of Victoria College but its foundation may almost be said to have been laid with that of the noble edifice; and whilst U.C. Academy was struggling through the vale of obscurity to the attainment of a nobler name, and more conspicuous situation in the literary world; the operations of this first regularly organized literary club were felt and appreciated and known in the public account of the Institution."
The early minutes of the society shows that their primary function was to hold regular debates on various topics.

Custodial history

The records were given to Chancellor Wallace in 1936 by Joyce M. Ritchie.

Scope and Content

Fonds consists of minutes of the Upper Canada Academy Philalethic Society, 1839-1841 [1988.084V], and a manuscript of student periodical "The Philomath.", 1842 [1987.249V].

Note(s)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Transferred from the E.J.Pratt Library in 1984
1987.249V
1988.084V

Availability of Other Formats

A photocopy of 1987.249 (The Philomath Vol 1, No 1) is stored with the original.

Restrictions on Access

Researchers are asked to consult the photocopies in order to protect the originals from damage.

Category

Student/Alumni Organizations

Box/File List

Identifier Title Date
1987.249V1 The Philomath. Vol 1, No 1
December 3, 1842
1988.084V1 Upper Canada Academy Philalethic Society Minutes
1839-1841