International Lyceum, 1905

This photograph from 1905 depicts the International Lyceum, also known as the International Literary Society, of the International YMCA Training School, now Springfield College. There is a group of 22 men in four rows shown in the photograph. It is believed it was taken in a professional setting, probably in a studio.The Interionational Lyceum was formed in 1902 because of limited membership in other societies. The name International suggests the cosmopolitan character of its membership. The lyceum won their first inter-society debating contest in 1904. At first, one of the great difficulties of the early organization was the lack of a critic. Professors Durgin and Simmons acted as critics for the first few years, until 1903 when Dr. F. N. Seerley performed as main critic of the society. “Already the standard of efficiency has been considerably elevated in the society. In Dr. Seerley we see the future guiding star of the society’s career “ (The Massasoit, 1905).A pencilled caption on the back reads "International Lyceum". Another one reads "Rachel Perkins"