The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-07-01
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has been deemed Indispensable, in order
that these who, in the general distribu.
tion of good looks, may have been un-
fortunately forgotten, might Join in one
common bond of sympathy. When the
South Carolinn College was in its pris-
tine glory, the "Ugly Club" was in full
blast, and many lahghable dncidenss
occurred which will never be fofgotten.
But when the University was organized,
the times were 80 unsettled, and SO many
difficulties bestrewed the path of The
students, that the club was entirely for
gotten. However. this yenr--perhaps,
because there were greater number of
uyortundtes than usual, or because they
were not 30 engrossed in their literary
duties, some OF the students conceived
the idea of re-establishing this time
honored society. At first, the secret was
ouly entrusted to few; the times and
place of meeting were unknown to the
uninitiated, and it was rumored TINT
there was club of this sort organized.
at first, it was regarded merely as a
myth, existing only in the fancies of n
few OF the ugliest among the students,
and the Ugly Club was tho subject of
sport.
But as time progressed, tho prospects
OF the club frightened. Several new
members we're added to it's list until it
embraced students from all pnrts of the
State, some of whom could compare fa-
vorably in homeliness with anything in
the country. But there were still some who
belonged to the doubling sort, who re-
fused to believe tho ugly Club" to be
anything but an unmitigated humbng.
But all doubts were laid Mt rest on Monday
morning. A committee waited Oh tho
Chairman of the Faculty and requested
the use of the University chairs, and n
place beneath the green trees of the cam
pus, where their celebration might be held.
The Columbia PHOENIX also announced,
officially, that the ugly Club" was
sad reality, and that some fun might be
expected by visit to the campus, at 6
P. NJ.
All the morning, the ugly men were
busily employed in making preparations
for the celebration; and at last the doubt
ers opened their eyes That evening,
at o'clock, the company assembled.
The young ladies of the city, and some
who had come from abroad to participate
in the festivities of the commencement.
graced the occasion, and, by their
bright eyes, sunny smiles and bewitch-
ing glances, formed most pleasing con
trast to tue as.semblsge of ugliness
grouped Oh the other side The profes-
sors,' students and other visitors were
there, and, on the whole, there was quite
a select assemblage.
fhn
u. ID. of the club, in n few words intro.
dnced the anniversary orator, Mr.. J. H.
Thorpwell. 1t is impossible for us to do
justice to the oration delivered by the
latter. Knowing not only what to say,
but also ho,o to say it, and ACCOMPANY
ing his words with most appropriate
looks, tones and gestures, he succeeded
as men rarely do. Commencing Mt the
chapel and coming down, there were
very few of the students who were so
fortunate as to escape his wit And woe
to those upon whom it did fall. Although
everything was said in the most perfect
good humor, so that no offence could be
taken, still, rs each person received his
share, he would give an involuntary
vince. Woe to the unfortunate who re.
loiced in superabundance of nose or
feet; those prominent parts were sure to
be attacked. Conceit. curiosity and dan
dyism also were roughly handled. The
illusions were. of course, mostly local,
and thus though losing their streng 9Th with
outsiders came with peculiar force to
those who knew them. The Grafton had
scarcely commenced, when all saw that
dignity had to be laid aside. Ladies,
professors, students and children were
compelled to join in the general roar, as
shaft after shaft fell thick and fast. We
have heard of side-splitting laughter,
and if there is such thing, it was in.
dulged in or Monday afternoon. The
orator at last concluded his remarks,
amidst great applause.
Then came the distribution of prizes
The most worshipful B. D., in his
usual admirable manner, announced that
Mr.. F. had been declared to stand
prominent in the galaxy of ugliness,"
and thnt az token of sympathy, the
club had bestowed on him pair OF fine
boots; and in order that they might fit
he had bought the largest pair in town;
that tho County Surveyor had surveyed
them, and pronounced them to be three