1914-1930
The early lives of the literary societies.
In 1914, the first literary society, the Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society (E.B.L.S.), formed. The aims of this organization in its early years were to define a social sphere for women, discuss politics, and to promote academics. In 1916, together with the short-lived male literary society, the Owl Literary Society, the E.B.L.S. started the Thresher, Rice Universities newspaper.
As the popularity of literary societies grew alongside the student population, another society began. Six members of the E.B.L.S. formed the Pallas Athene Literary Society (P.A.L.S.) in 1919. This group focused specifically on the study of literature.
With help from the E.B.L.S. and the P.A.L.S., the Owen Wister Literary Society (O.W.L.S.) began in 1924. It pledged to buy library books and band uniforms.