The Elizabethan Club at Yale University is a private social club that was founded in 1911 by Alexander Smith Cochran, a wealthy Yale alumnus. The club is named after the Elizabethan era, which is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of English history, and is known for its rich literary and cultural heritage. The Elizabethan Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs at Yale, and its members have included some of the most prominent and influential figures in American society.
History of the Elizabethan Club
The Elizabethan Club was founded with the goal of promoting literary and intellectual pursuits among its members. The club’s founders were a group of Yale alumni who were passionate about literature, history, and the arts, and who wanted to create a space where like-minded individuals could come together to discuss and explore these interests. Over the years, the club has hosted numerous literary and cultural events, including lectures, readings, and performances, and has provided a forum for its members to engage in lively debates and discussions.
Membership and Activities
Membership in the Elizabethan Club is highly selective, and is typically limited to a small group of Yale students and faculty who demonstrate a strong interest in literature, history, and the arts. Members of the club are expected to participate in its activities, which include attending meetings and events, contributing to the club’s publications, and engaging in discussions and debates. The club also hosts an annual dinner, which is a formal event that brings together members and guests to celebrate the club’s founding and to honor its traditions.
The Elizabethan Club is also known for its impressive library, which contains a vast collection of rare and historic books, manuscripts, and other literary artifacts. The library is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers, and is often used by Yale students and faculty who are working on literary and historical projects. The club also publishes a quarterly journal, which features articles, essays, and reviews on literary and cultural topics.
| Year | Notable Events |
|---|---|
| 1911 | Founding of the Elizabethan Club by Alexander Smith Cochran |
| 1920s | Establishment of the club's library and publication of its first journal |
| 1950s | Expansion of the club's membership to include women and minority students |
| 1980s | Renovation of the club's headquarters and establishment of its current programs and activities |
Notable Members and Alumni
The Elizabethan Club has a long list of notable members and alumni, including authors, poets, historians, and scholars. Some of the most prominent members of the club have included T.S. Eliot, who was a member of the club during his time at Yale, and Thornton Wilder, who was a frequent guest at the club’s events. Other notable members have included John Hersey, Jerome Robbins, and Stephen Vincent Benet.
Impact on Yale and the Literary World
The Elizabethan Club has had a significant impact on Yale and the literary world, and has played a major role in shaping the university’s literary and cultural landscape. The club’s emphasis on literary and intellectual pursuits has helped to foster a love of learning and a commitment to excellence among its members, and its events and activities have provided a platform for writers, scholars, and artists to share their work and connect with others.
The club's influence can also be seen in the many literary and cultural institutions that have been established at Yale over the years, including the Yale University Press, the Yale Review, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. These institutions have helped to promote a culture of literary and intellectual excellence at Yale, and have provided a foundation for the university's reputation as a center of learning and scholarship.
- The Elizabethan Club's library contains over 10,000 volumes, including rare and historic books, manuscripts, and other literary artifacts.
- The club's quarterly journal has been in publication for over 100 years, and features articles, essays, and reviews on literary and cultural topics.
- The club's annual dinner is a formal event that brings together members and guests to celebrate the club's founding and to honor its traditions.
What is the purpose of the Elizabethan Club?
+The purpose of the Elizabethan Club is to promote literary and intellectual pursuits among its members, and to provide a forum for discussion, debate, and exploration of literary and cultural topics.
How do I become a member of the Elizabethan Club?
+Membership in the Elizabethan Club is highly selective, and is typically limited to a small group of Yale students and faculty who demonstrate a strong interest in literature, history, and the arts. Interested individuals can apply for membership through the club’s website or by contacting the club’s secretary.
What are some of the benefits of membership in the Elizabethan Club?
+Members of the Elizabethan Club have access to the club’s library and publications, and are invited to attend the club’s events and activities. Members also have the opportunity to connect with other writers, scholars, and artists, and to participate in discussions and debates on literary and cultural topics.
