Additionally, they served to enhance the liberal arts programs of their schools through discussions on contemporary topics, hosting speakers, and maintaining libraries.

Although Philomathean Literary Societies existed at South Carolina's other schools as early as the 19th century, they have since become defunct or rechartered.

As at other colleges, the literary societies served to provide training beyond the scope of the classroom in speech-making, debating, and literature.

Their function was to enhance the reputation of the school's liberal arts focus and its prestige by sponsoring famous orators.

Members of the faculty had participated in literary societies, especially at Miami University, and the tradition was consequently impressed upon students at Erskine.

In 1827, the Erodelphians, with the Miami Union Literary Society, issued the first collegiate publication west of the Appalachians.

The highlights of campus life were the Junior Exhibitions, which were social events with young women and members of the community in attendance, and the annual summer commencements, which featured acclaimed orators.

[8] In 1846, James Lawrence Orr delivered an address at Philomathean Hall which was subsequently published by the Society.

The faculty issued an explanation to the local paper:[11] Miller was subsequently sentenced to 12 months in prison and fined 1000 dollars.

[16] The year the American Civil War ended, too few students enrolled at Erskine to maintain both societies.

[18]The society's motto is Tentare Est Valere or "To try is to be worthy", along with the letters N D, which stand for Nil Desperandum or "Despair in no way".

[19] The motto and letters read together illustrate the classical liberal arts and Christian educational aspirations of the college.

The motto is similar to several passages in the Bible, such as Luke 13:24, which state that worth is the result of careful conduct and agonizing effort.

First, brotherhood recalls the core purpose of the society but revisits the story of Teucer who was sent into exile because he failed to honor his brother's death.

The two-story stuccoed building features Corinthian pilasters, a pedimented pavilion, recessed balustrades, and a Palladian window.

The architectural similarities between the Hall and colonial American buildings, such as those at Mount Vernon, Monticello, and the White House, are thematic of the early 19th century.

Leaks in the internal gutter have caused significant damage to the jewel-box painting on the ceiling of the great hall on the second floor, which was added in the 1912 J.J. Darlington renovation.

On an annual basis, the society recognizes a member of the faculty or staff with the Man of the Year Award.

In years past, the meeting was held on Fridays; the afternoon was reserved for essays and declamations, while the evening was used for debates.

This tradition is called the Smoker and intends to expose candidates to the operation of meetings and the advantages of graduating as a member.

The society hosts two events that celebrate American history, the pre-Gay '90s semi-Formal and the Gay '90s outdoor party.

The latter is often held at a nearby lake in spring and celebrates the prosperity of the 1890s, a period that saw the North and South reconcile after undergoing Reconstruction.

At the time designated by the note, Philo women gather and sing Tell Me Why while passing a burning candle in a circle.