The Franklin Society

(Whittier, CA) on December 9th, 1921. It is also the oldest student organization of the College.

The Society began as a literary society that based itself on "virtues" espoused by Benjamin Franklin. The Sons of Ben (SOBs) remain active members of Whittier College despite their probationary status imposed by the Whittier College administration for alleged violations of new member education procedures. The Franklin Society boasts a distinguished roll of members ranging from academics, public servants, and successful business owners. Among those who have been denied membership to this exclusive society is former president Richard Nixon.

The Franklins flourished for 85 years as the most recognizable organization on campus. Society members were easily recognized by their purple "sleeves", a white shirt with purple sleeves emblazoned with the image of Benjamin Franklin on the back. Franklins would assemble every Tuesday afternoon at the top of Founder's Hill to promote their society and celebrate brotherhood.

Brief History

Whittier College’s first actual literary society was the Atheneum Society. It was founded during the first year of the college, 1891 (Elliot, 48). By the late 1910s the society waned and others sprung, but those also disappeared. During December 1921, Whittier College President Wright stated that he wished to reanimate the old literary society tradition and student Gerald Kepple became the chairman of creating a new literary society (Elliott, 126). On December 9th, 1921, the students and faculty unanimously voted to organize a literary society. Distinct from the old Atheneum Society, the new literary society was for men only (Elliott, 126).

In March 1922, the literary society had its first organizational meeting. During the meeting, President Wright and several professors were assumed into the literary society as honorary members (Elliott, 126). Later in April, the literary society chose for its name “Franklin Literary Society." Other names that were nominated were the Lincoln Literary Society and the Olympic Literary Society (Elliott, 126). The officers were as follows: Warren Mendenhall, president; Arthur Corey, vice-president; Leonidas Dodson, critic; Gurney Reece, vice-critic, Alonzo Frazier, marshal (Elliott, 126).

Early in its history, the Franklin Literary Society became a social society and soon thereafter it became the fraternity known as it is today, the Franklin Society. The Franklins were responsible for publishing the Student handbook and would annually present the Stag Follies, which were plays used to raise funds for the handbook (Elliott, 133). In good humor, the Franklins would dress up in women's clothing, to which Richard Nixon was not too thrilled nor enjoyed the "Franklins' idea of fun" (Elliott). Although today the Society no longer performs the show but the tradition of dressing up in costumes continues. Every year in January during the New Member Convocation Ceremony, the Franklin actives and their pledges will dress up in comical costumes in the spirit of celebration and fun in keeping the tradition of Ben Franklin’s humor and wit.

Currently

As of January 2006, Whittier College placed the Franklin Society on a 3 and a half year suspension for alleged violations of their probationary terms in 2005. The suspension has thus been lifted and the Franklins will be in good standing with the College in the Fall of 2007.

Both the Franklin Alumni Association and the Actives have modified the fraternity's new member education program and have produced a more elaborate purpose and values document for the fraternity.

References

"Elliott, Charles. Whittier College: The first century on the poet college. California: Legend Press, 1986."