Mary Church Terrell: An Original Oberlin Activist

Aelioian Literary Society

By the mid-nineteenth century, Oberlin had two societies for women for the purpose of improving their intellect and moral character -  L.L.S. (Litterae Laborum Solamen), formerly known as the Ladies Literary Society, and Aelioian, which was formed by L.L.S. students with the progressive view that women should debate as well as read and write essays.  A history of the organization in the Hi-O-Hi yearbook of 1897 notes that the name Aelioian was derived from the Greek word Helios, or sun, and signifies "Light Bearers." 

Given its reputation for a more liberal approach, it is not surprising that Terrell would gravitate towards membership in the Aelioian Society :

While I was still in the senior preparatory class, a young woman in the senior college class rushed after me one day and insisted upon having me join Aelioian, the literary society to which she herself belonged.  She was one of the most brilliant and popular members of her class, and I felt honored to have such a student solicit my membership in her society.  She did not have to persuade me long to gain my consent to join Aelioian. I am glad I began work in this society so early in my course  (CWWW 44).

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