Fonds AFC 134 - Baconian Club fonds

A group of London, Ontario lawyers, educators, writers and poets created the Baconian Club for its members’ “literary and scientific improvement.” It is named to honour Sir Francis Bacon, the Elizabethan philosopher, scientist and writer. The first bi-monthly meeting was held on January 10, 1885, and the first annual banquet on May 8 of that year. In 1953, members stopped using their professional titles during club meetings; in the spirit of equality, all members’ surnames are now prefaced simply by “Baconian.” The meetings of the Baconian Club consist mainly of readings and critiques. A short reading of not more than 10 minutes is critiqued on the basis of presentation only. The reading is followed by the opinion and the paper, intended to last for no more than 12 and 40 minutes respectively. Baconians critique the opinion and the longer paper on delivery and content. Members are scheduled to deliver these presentations, encouraged to speak on something with which they are not professionally familiar. Innovative thinking, constructive criticism, and joviality are stressed. Members gather twice yearly for banquets; a dinner is held in January, and a formal banquet is held in May. Membership in the Baconian Club has been, to date, exclusively male. Membership is by invitation only, although interested guests may accompany Baconians to meetings and banquets. Generally speaking, the membership is comprised of no more than 50 Baconians at any one time. Early meetings were held in various places, including the Knights of Pythias Hall on Richmond Street. Meetings were held for many years in the London Life building; meetings have recently been held at Chaucer’s Pub on Carling Street.