DiPhi Hosts UNC History Talk

Harry Watson, the director for the Center of the Study of the American South, spoke about UNC in the 19th century for the annual Kemp Plummer Battle Lecture. The event is hosted by the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies and is held every year on University Day.

"Our societies are very much historical societies," said Brandon Briscoe, joint senate president of DiPhi. "One of our main purposes is to promote the history of this University."

Nearly 20 people gathered on the fourth floor of New West to listen to the lecture, which covered the history of the University from its 18th-century beginnings to Reconstruction.

Watson spoke about reasons for the University's establishment, early concerns about the focus of the studies, and the different directions past University presidents have taken.

"The charter said the University couldn't be located within five miles of the state capital or within five miles of a county seat," Watson said. "Presumably that was to protect the students from the drinking and fallen women that frequented county seats."

Watson also mentioned DiPhi, the oldest student organizations on campus, in his lecture.

"The student life centered around the societies," Watson said. "It's likely that the education most students received was more involved with the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies than the courses."

In fact, Watson said that at one point the societies owned more books than the University's library.

Watson also discussed the typical student's day in the 19th century - sunrise prayers, breakfast at 8 a.m., classes during the day and studies in the evening. Saturday afternoons were reserved for sports, and Sunday was strictly observed as the Sabbath. Daily prayer and church attendance were required.

Junior Jonathan Crisp, a linguistics major from Vass, came to the lecture to learn more about the University's history.

"What struck me the most was just how different things used to be," Crisp said. "The times were so different and the University reflected that."

Deandra Scott, a senior English major from Wilmington, said she would have come to the lecture even if she was not a senator in the societies. "I just like knowing about the University history," she said.

"It makes my time here more enjoyable and colorful."

Scott also feels a connection of sorts with the people for whom the campus buildings and roads are named.

"I know that in a sense, though they are nothing like me, we all share the same history," she said.

"I can hope one day that I'll have a building named after me, and someone will tell my history."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.