Page 135 - YB1904

Browning Literary Society. ffcf;=;te=~~~Pi1HE name "Browning" seems peculiarly appropriate for a girls' society, and when in l867, the girls of Western Maryland organized their literary society, naming it Browning, they placed before them a very high ideal, embodied in Elizabeth Barrett Browning, an author whose noble character and beautiful writings are well known. For a motto, "Vita Sine Litteris Mors Est," expressed their realization of the influence of literature on culture, and also their desire to attain the highest ideals. It has been said that ideals are never attainable in this life; but, though Browning may never have reached the heights towards which she is aiming, nevertheless she has not striven in vain, as witness her past and pres- ent success. The society rooms are bright and attractive. They consist of the Society Hall proper, well-furnished and well arranged, and a library, or reading room, which is supplied with works of standard authors, as well as with the latest books and magazines. There is also a small collection of curios, which is occasionally added to. To this reading- room the girls have free access and make good use of it in their hours of study. Never in its history has Browning been more successful than during the past year; the number of members has greatly increased, and'the general interest in society matters has been better. Linked by mutual bonds of sympathy, strengthened by success, her members constantly strive towards the highest ideals. The name of Browning is sweet to us all; the literary feasts we have enjoyed in her halls are dear to us; and we cannot be too proud of the merited success which she has achieved. But we must not give all credit to present Brownings; the old Brownings, have assisted immeasur.ably, not only in laying the foundation for success, but in constantly giving sympathy and sup- port. Browning's successful past, her present, with its very favorable circumstances, and her future bright with promise, are a very sufficient reward to its founders, and a result goodly in the sight of those, who, laboring for her benefit, were willing to sacrifice much for the society which was and is dear to their hearts. So we present Browning to the future students of Western Maryland, hoping that they will strive to make her future even greater than her past. rsr