Founded in 1905, The Symposium first met met at Frederick H. Clark’s studio, and later on, at the Old Barracks. It was the practice of the group to gather at 8 PM, hold a short business meeting and then discuss the topic of the evening. At about 10 PM (and often later), they would adjourn for a light supper or collation, usually prepared by the lady of the house and her staff. The dues were $10 per year (roughly $185 in 2005 dollars). There were fourteen founding members of The Symposium. The Constitution authorized a membership of 17, all of whom must be residents of Mercer County.
On Thursday, October 19, 1905, a special meeting was held to hear a proposal for the admission of new members. Mr. William Clark, Col. Washington A. Roebling, John Campbell, Judge Alfred Reed and Governor Edward C. Stokes all were proposed for membership. It was noted that adding six new members would violate the constitutional limit on membership. However, in December, 1905 (at the club’s 8th regular meeting), Col. Washington A. Roebling, President of John A. Roebling’s Son’s Co., became the first member added to the original founding fourteen.