Philomathean Club collection

The Philomathean Club was organized on February 5, 1906, at the home of Mrs. Sarah Hufford on West Adams Street in Muncie. The Philomatheans ("seekers after knowledge") grew from the original five charter members to twelve and then to twenty. Club members chose as their motto "No excellence without great labor." According to an early constitution, the club`s object is "the promotion of higher mental and social culture of its members, and to encourage a liberal interchange of thought by means of paper and discussions." Over the decades, programs expanded from the club`s original focus on literature, art, music, and needlework to include a variety of speakers, travelogues, and discussions of current events. The club also supported a number of local charities and community projects with its annual Charity Day meeting. The Philomathean Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006.