In 1803, students founded a society to promote extemporary speech. The organization, which later became known as the Demosthenian Society, constructed its hall in 1824 at the cost of $4,000. The building served as a repository for books and a place for lively debates with the rival organization, the Phi Kappa Literary Society. From 1979 to 1981, the Society restored the first floor and collected period furnishings for the building, which continues to serve her founders.