Have you ever wondered why this seat is located here
on the Old Main lawn?
The Philomathian seat has a long history that begins before it even existed.
The Philomathian Society was organized by President Matthews in 1900
as one of three literary societies.
All men and women students were required to participate in one of them.
Their goals were to learn about parliamentary procedures used by organizations
and to develop their public speaking and writing skills.
There were three societies: the Alphas for freshman only, the Olympians or the Philomathians.
Every year they would compete at an annual debate competition for an award trophy.
A popular cheer was used by the Philomathians to excite their team.
It went something like this:
Oh! Philos always win, Olympians always howl!
As long as we can win the prize, oh what's the use to growl.
By 1912, the societies were broken up and replaced with voluntary clubs.
Although in 1921, the Philomathian society was revived as an all-women's club.
Dedicated to the "Lovers of Learning," they adopted the lamp of knowledge,
the color red and a stylized letter 'P' as their symbols.
And what finally appears on the front lawn of Old Main?
The Philomathian seat, installed just before commencement in 1929.
Many changes occurred — the society became a sorority and finally in 1949,
it disbanded when Arizona State College founded a number of formally recognized
fraternity and sorority chapters.
The seat has been moved several times in its history.
It was placed here in 2010 from its original spot about here.
So next time you're walking by this place, have a seat and remember the
history of our great student organizations, and relax in the shade
on a hot Arizona day.
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