This report focuses on the rhetorical, oratorical, and grammatical missteps of the members who spoke at this meeting. Baumgartner also discusses the generally rowdy behavior of the students. Transcription included.
Baumgartner, Charles G. (Charles Greene), 1881-1968James Messler's report is fairly straightforward but he includes several barbed remarks towards his fellow Thencanic members. The acronym "A.O.B.W." at the top of the letter remains undeciphered, and one student cannot be identified. Transcription included.
Messler, James S. (James Stevens), Sr., 1884-1931This report, by an author known only as "F.W.", provides both praise and criticism to the Thencanic members. The author stresses the importance of proper posture, oratory, and behavior, among other points needing improvement. Transcription included.
unknownAnother report by William Bellerjeau, this one shorter than the previous. He spends most of the time chiding the members for "rubbering" (staring) at girls. Transcription included.
Bellerjeau, William Y. (William Young), I, 1881-1963Two reports for the meeting, or meetings, in the last weeks of October. Both are dated October 27, but J. Foster Post's report likely refers to the meeting of October 20. Regardless, Post's report was rejected. The second, by an unidentified author named "R. Reynolds," directly criticizes the apparently poor quality Post's report.
Both reports describe events surrounding the Thencanic's anniversary celebrations, held the last Friday in October, which further complicates the question of dating. Either way, these reports together give insight into a long-running and much beloved annual Thencanic event. Transcription included.
An unusual typed report, detailing the final meetings of 1898. Post notes the debate's topic, which may reflect post-Spanish-American-War discussions of the role of the media. He also mentions a challenge from the Normal [School] Debating Society, fines levied against "unruly members," and the return of a lost "opera hat." No transcription, as this is a typescript.
Post, J. Foster, ca. 1882-A sharp report on a "wretched" meeting, one of the first of the academic year. Bellerjeau recounts the behavior during the election of officers, and also criticizes the Society for having every member give a speech at this meeting. However, he also mentions an oath the boys swore at a previous meeting to "turn over a new leaf." Transcription included.
Thencanic Society (Model School (Trenton, N.J.))A long, slightly meta, commentary on the meeting. Persifor Spilsbury emphasizes the need for honest criticisms, even if they upset the Thencanic's members. He also points out flaws in the students' behavior and oratory, chastizes them for making excuses, and demands they "act as gentlemen or get out of the Society." Some students cannot be identified with the provided information. Transcription included.
Spilsbury, Persifor G. (Persifor Gybbon), 1882-1959J. Foster Post has strong words for the Model School athletes in this critic's report. In addition to decrying the athletes' complaints about attending one meeting a week, Post also critiques the membership at large for playing with the gas lamps and other rowdy behavior. Transcription included.
Post, J. Foster, ca. 1882-A report by one "W. Le Roy Randolph," who is currently unidentifiable. After stern words for the boys eating during the meeting, the author gives both praise and criticism to the day's speakers. Transcription included.
unknown