In 1885, six boys with a literary turn of mind received permission from Dr. Coit to organize a society devoted to debating and literary exercises. They called their organization the Cadmean Society and held meetings on alternate Friday evenings. The society flourished and was soon recognized as both desirable and important. At one meeting a debate would be held; at the next three there would be literary exercises, consisting of the reading of original poems, essays, and stories by members to whom the preparation of such contributions had previously been assigned. Prizes were given for the best poem, essay, and story read during the year, and also to the best debater.