One of the College's earliest organizations, the Symposiac existed in the 1870s. While very little remains known about the group, it could be assumed that it was one of the College's literary societies, as symposiac means “a gathering of philosophers at a banquet,” suggesting the group's purpose.

Several societies have existed on the College's campus, both secret and literary. The Symposiac seems to have been formed as a rival to other early literary societies, or to explore specific literary interests. While there were a few “main” societies, many were formed to encourage rivalry and competition, or to increase the exclusivity of such clubs.

During their most popular days, such groups met weekly to debate and housed large libraries within the College.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Trinity Tripod, 12/09/1904.