Pharetra (1880s - 1920s): Sleigh Rides, News, and Literature The Pharetra was one of the earliest newspapers to ever be published on the Wilson College campus. The Pharetra first appeared in the 1880s, and was the successor of Wilson College’s first publication, the Eclipse. The early Pharetra featured short stories, poems, news, events, and advertisements. In the 1800s before cars, one method of transportation in the winter was by horse-drawn sleigh. One particularly interesting and entertaining account was of a sleigh ride to nearby Fayetteville in January 1893. The past week has been a notable one at Wilson on account of the number of sleighing parties to Fayetteville. Although the Richards girls started the plan of former years, they were not the only ones to adopt it. The party from the “Cottage” on Tuesday was followed the next evening by one from Main Hall composed of fifteen gay Wilsonites… Although the air felt very much like rain, and there was considerable doubt as to weather Mr. Beyers’ sleigh could be procured for that evening, yet the brave spirits of these Wilson girls were not to be daunted. But when seven o’clock came and no sleigh made its appearance, the questions flew thick and fast over the telephone, and resulted in bringing upon the scene, at half past seven, three comfortable sleighs, in which the merry crowd were soon stowed away. When they started and found before long that it was raining, they never thought of turning back, but overcame this difficulty by procuring a few umbrellas in town, and nine o’clock saw the entire party landed in safety at their destination—namely the large and commodious hotel of Newcome. It made no difference to the ever-ready host that our party dropped in upon him unannounced and the “ballroom” was soon the scene of much merriment. The well-known orchestra of the town, consisting of one violin and two guitars was soon procured and added much to the gayiety of the occasion. An “elegant supper” was served later in the evening and at half past eleven we were forced to turn our faces toward Chambersburg. A swift ride brought us to Wilson about half past twelve. —Alas for some recitations next morning! But we had fun. In the 1890s, The Pharetra turned into more of a literary publication and was published that way for the next thirty years until it was replaced with the present day Billboard. —LeAnn Helman
