Lodges mid Societies. 299 



JEFFERSON DEBATING SOCIETY. 



This institution was formed in 1823 by those young men of 

 Hingham who were attached to the political principles of Thomas 

 Jefferson, for the purpose of acquiring " general and political 

 information." Monthly meetings were held for the discussion of 

 questions proposed by the government of the Society. The anni- 

 versary of its institution was celebrated every year by a public 

 address, and addresses by members of the Society were delivered 

 every quarter. The preamble to the constitution contains tbe 

 following : — 



" The Republican young men of Hingham who adhere to the political 

 principles of that venerated statesman and ardent patriot, Thomas Jeffer- 

 son, desirous of increasing the ardour of their patriotism by the warmth of 

 their social affections, and of qualifying themselves to judge of the conduct 

 of their rulers by a knowledge of their own duties and rights, have agreed 

 and do hereby associate themselves. . . ." 



There are one hundred and one names subscribed to the 

 constitution. 



A great variety of subjects relating to politics and society were 

 discussed at the meetings. The records are very full, and the 

 society was one of the prominent institutions of the town in its 

 day. The last record is dated May 4, 1831. 



HINGHAM DEBATING SOCIETY. 



Formed Feb. 9, 1844. 



At its meetings the usual range of subjects were discussed, and 

 the organization continued with more or less interest among its 

 members for two or three winters. 



MONDAY NIGHT CLUB. 



This club was formed in 1877, and its membership was limited 

 to about twenty-five. It was formed by gentlemen who felt that 

 it would be agreeable and profitable to meet together for the dis- 

 cussion of subjects of general interest. For the sake of harmony, 

 political and religious subjects were the only ones prohibited, as 

 the club admitted its members without regard to their political or 

 religious convictions. The club met during the winters at the 

 houses of its members in turn. The host read a paper upon some 

 timely topic, which was followed by a discussion of the subject, 

 after which a supper served to send the members home in good 

 humor. These meetings extended through eight winters. The 

 last meeting of the club was held in the spring of 1885. 



