Events
Philomatheans have been at the center of Erskine’s social life since the 1850s. At first, the debates and declamations facilitated by the society became public gatherings. Eventually, as the interest of young college attendees shifted, the role of the literary society broadened to include dances and eventually community projects. The Junior Exhibitions and the summer commencement orations held in the 1800s offered Erskine’s men a chance to mingle with the young women of the neighboring Women’s College of Due West. When Erskine became a coeducational school in 1889, the dances and formals soon came to dominate the campus’ social life. In the 20th century the community and social service components of the societies flourished.