Canton
Massachusetts
Historical Society
Canton Lyceum Had Lively Debates
In the early days of the Town, radios and televisions were not around to interfere with neighbors meeting for long discussions on topics of current interest. For formal discussions there was the Canton Lyceum, which started as a literary society at Canton Corner in 1828. By 1833 it was organized formally as the South Canton Lyceum, which flourished until around 1837. Its successor started in 1838, was successful for a time until the topic of "Universal Salvation" was introduced. Later a third popular Lyceum was started around 1850 and continued for many years.
It is interesting to note the topics which were debated in lively fashion by Lyceum members. Some of them seem quaint and tr5ivial; others would provoke as much interest today. Some of the debated questions were: "Is Slavery on Any Principle Justifiable?" "Are Theatrical Exhibitions Beneficial to the Community?" "Is Dancing a Desirable Accomplishment for Any in the Present Society?" "Is the Reading of Novels Productive of More Good than Evil?" "Which Has the Greatest Influence on Society, Wealth or Talent?" "Which Has Been Productive of the Most Evil, Avarice or Intemperance?" "Should the Fashions of the Day Be Patronized and Supported?" "Is Dwelling in Any Case Justifiable?"
Huntoon refers to votes, taken on some of the questions debated by the Lyceum organized in 1838. The votes are particularly interesting because they show the thinking prevalent in those days. For example, the United States would not have grown much, if the anti-foreigner feeling had prevailed as in the Lyceum’s negative vote of 18-5 on the question "IS the Emigration of Foreigners To this Country Beneficial?" Another negative vote resulted from "Is the Boston and Providence Railroad More benefit Than Injury to the Town?" Another topic, for which no vote is mentioned by Huntoon, would be equally appropriate for modern debate. It was "Whether the Negroes or the Indians Had Been Most Oppressed by the Whites?"