Founded by John Van Vleck in 1857 as a men's literary society in the Holland Preparatory School, the society held weekly debates and presented an annual public program. Between 1889-1892 Meliphone divided into two sections, the Alpha and the Philomathean. The sections held separate meetings during the fall and winter terms and in the spring term they met together to draw up anniversary programs and to transact necessary business.
From the description of Records, 1859-1938. (Joint Archive of Holland, History Research Center). WorldCat record id: 30767327