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Dear Renter,
Thank you for renting Demosthenian Hall! Please read the following guidelines carefullybefore going on to print, fill-out, and sign the contract. Once you have signed and mailed in the contract along with the rental fee and deposit, you are obligated to fulfill the terms of the rental.
Renting Demosthenian Hall:
A Brief Guide
What is the Demosthenian Literary Society?
The Demosthenian Literary Society was founded in 1803 to promote
the art of extemporaneous debate. For over 200 years, the Society
has groomed generations of young men and women for success in
life by teaching the fundamental basics of arguing and encouraging
open-minded discussion.
The name Demosthenian refers to the great Greek orator, Demosthenes.
When Demosthenes was swindled out of his inheritance, he went
to plead his case before the Athens council, but was ridiculed
because of his harsh and unmusical voice, weak lungs, and awkward
movements. Plutarch
tells the story of his rise to prominence. Determined to overcome
his speech impediments, he practiced reciting as he climbed
steep hills, and he defied the roar of the waves upon the seashore
to drown out the sound of his voice. He shut himself up in a
cave, shaved half his head to remove any temptation to return
to the outside world, and polished his speech to incandescence
by speaking with pebbles in his mouth. Through these efforts,
Demosthenes became one of Athens' greatest statesmen and one
of history's greatest orators. The perseverance and dedication
of Demosthenes continues to inspire us to strive for excellence
in all we do.
The History of Demosthenian Hall
Demosthenian Hall is the fourth oldest building at the University
of Georgia and was placed on the National Register for Historic
Places in 1971. Constructed in 1824 by Dr. James Tinsley of
Columbia County, Demosthenian Hall has become the physical expression
of a living tradition which binds generations of students. The
Society's minutes show that by September 5, 1829, the building's
$4,000 construction cost had been completely paid off. The construction
was financed by the Society's members, alumni, and friends.
Located on the University of Georgia's historic north quadrangle,
its facade in the formal Federal style forms a pleasing contrast
to the later columned Greek revival structures which surround
it. The front is graced with a Palladian window over a light
doorway. The exterior walls are two feet thick and are of stucco
over brick construction.
The upper chamber is the meeting room of the Society. The speaker's
desk has been dated to the 1820's and may have been built for
the Hall. The stump beneath the lectern is stood upon by members
seeking office in the Society. That tradition is in memory of
Robert Toombs, one of the Society’s more notable alumni.
While a student at the University, Robert Toombs managed to
break most of the rules. Finally, in exasperation, University
officials expelled him in 1828 several months prior to graduation.
While commencement exercises were underway in the Chapel, he
began to hold forth in true Demosthenian fashion under an oak
tree located in front of the Chapel. He spoke with such fire
and enthusiasm that he succeeded in emptying the Chapel. Legend
says the tree was struck by lightning the day Robert Toombs
passed away.
The simplicity of the carved mantels, window moldings, doors
and deep paneled wainscoting emphasizes the drama of the ornate
plasterwork ceiling medallion which is based on a template designed
by Asher Benjamin. It is a medallion of holly leaves surrounded
by swags of smaller leaves which are framed by delicate filigree.
This ceiling is one of the most architecturally significant
structures at the University of Georgia and is one of the few
remaining examples of this form of decorative artwork.
In 1997, Demosthenian Hall received a $200,000 facelift. Financed
primarily by alumni donations and conducted by the architectural
firm Serber and Barber, the construction work restored the ceiling
medallion and the rest of the Upper Chamber to its original
1824 layout and color scheme. The original hard wood floors
were uncovered and restored in the Lower Chamber.
Why We Rent the Building
Contrary
to popular belief, the Society does not rent Demosthenian Hall
to make money. In fact, we generally tend to lose money on most
rentals. The primary reason that we allow others to use our
Hall is to demonstrate our great appreciation for the support
we receive from the University and the greater community.
The Hall Rental Contract
The Society is the only organization on campus that has its
own building. With this great privilege comes great responsibility.
If anything were to happen to the Hall, the Demosthenian Literary
Society would be held responsible. To ensure the safety
and well-being of our building, which is a historic landmark,
we ask that you sign a rental agreement. This contract can access
at the bottom of this page. Once you have accessed the Hall
Rental Contract, read it carefully. Keep the first page of the
contract for your own records. Then, fill-out, sign, and
return the second two pages to the address listed on the bottom
of the agreement. If applicable, please be sure to enclose your
rental fee and security deposit.
Payment Plan for Rental Fees (CHECKS ONLY)
The
Demosthenian Literary Society has three payment categories that
determine the cost of using the building for an event.
Payment category (Plan) A covers the general public.
Individuals in this category should be sure to send in a $100
rental fee and a $100 security deposit.
Payment category (Plan) B is the option that student
organizations should select. We do not charge student organizations
a rental fee, although we still require that they send us a
$100 security deposit. In order to verify an organizations status
as a student organization, the group’s faculty advisor
must sign the rental contract in the appropriate place. Where
your advisor should sign will be obvious once you examine the
rental contract.
Security Deposit (CHECKS ONLY)
All Rental Parties must provide a $100 dollar security deposit.
If we determine that the hall has not been abused during the
course of your rental, we will tear up the check. If the hall
is damaged, left in an unacceptable condition, or terms of the
rental contract are violated, we reserve the right to keep the
damage deposit in its entirety.
Donations
Unlike other student clubs on campus, the Demosthenian Literary
Society does not receive funds directly from the University.
Instead, we rely on the generous donations of individuals like
you to continue our mission of advancing public speaking and
debate.
We would be honored if you would consider making a contribution
to the Society. Your generous donation will allow us to continue
to provide free hall rentals to the community and will help
us achieve new levels of excellence. Selecting the box
to donate your security deposit to the society is an easy way
to help support a vital University of Georgia Tradition.
We gratefully accept all gifts, regardless of the amount given.
Checks can be made out the Demosthenian Literary Society.
Prohibitions and General Rules:
As our hall has come to represent over 200 years of history,
we feel obligated to preserve it for future Demosthenians. Therefore,
we ask that you observe the following requests. If any
of these rules are violated, the Society reserves the right
to retain the security deposit in its entirety and assess additional
damage fines as needed.
1. Please do not use an open flame in the hall. This includes
the burning of candles. If your event requires the use
of candles, DO NOT rent the Hall.
2. Smoking is prohibited.
3. As Demosthenian is party to the regulations of the University
of Georgia, we do not allow alcoholic beverages in the hall.
Please do not drink alcohol at your event!
4. Please refrain from bringing food or beverages into
the upper chamber.
5. Please do your best to leave the Hall in a neat and
orderly condition.
6. Do not break state or federal law. Please also abide
by all the regulations of the University of Georgia.
Gaining Access To the Hall
The Hall Administrator, Maggie Kantor, is responsible for ensuring
that you are able to gain access to the hall on the date of
your rental. Please e-mail her at mkantor@uga.edu.
Emergency Contact Information
In the event of a major problem contact the Hall Administrator,
Maggie Kantor, at mkantor@uga.edu
or (404) 983-0044.
Check out Procedure
In order to ensure that we can continue to allow individuals
to use our historic hall at low cost, the Demosthenian Society
asks that all renters follow the check-out procedure outlined
below. If any of the following procedures are not followed,
the Demosthenian Literary Society reserves the right to retain
the security deposit in its entirety and assess additional damage
fines as needed.
Before you leave:
1. Pick-up all trash and place it in the garbage
can.
2. If the garbage can is full, please remove the
bag and take the trash out to the dumpster located behind the
hall. If you would be kind enough to put in a new trash bag,
we would be very appreciative.
3. Place the keys to the hall on the fireplace mantle
in the main sitting area of the lower chamber.
4. Turn off all the lights in the Lower AND Upper
Chamber.
5. Close the door as you leave. It will lock automatically.
Your rental helps the Demosthenian Literary Society keep the
Hall in good condition. Your assistance will reduce the burden
placed on our all volunteer and student run operation, and it
will also allow us to preserve our beautiful 200 year-old building
for future generations.
If you have any further requests, comments, concerns, or questions,
please do not hesitate to ask. I am happy to do whatever I can
do make your hall rental a successful and enjoyable experience.
Maggie Kantor
Hall Administrator of the DLS, 2008-2009
If you are interested in renting the Hall, please proceed and fill out the Hall Rental Form. We will contact you within one week letting you know whether the Hall is available or not. |
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