The Philomathesian Society was the dominate extracurricular activity at Middlebury College for the first half-century of the college's existence. Founded by Henry Chipman (Class of 1803) and several of his classmates shortly after Middlebury opened its doors in 1800, the society was modeled after other such organizations and societies at other antebellum colleges. The society was a literary club that placed emphasis on debating, public speaking, and original composition. It was non-exclusive and welcomed any student without prejudice. Meetings were held every Wednesday evening, during which political, social, religioius, educational, and moral questions were posed and debated.