Before Thomas Paine ventured across the Atlantic to fire up the American Revolution, he honed his debating skills in Lewes, England at the White Hart Inn where a debating society called the White Hart Evening Club or perhaps more appropriately the Headstrong Club met fireside to enjoy tankards of ale and plates of oysters while debating the various important issues of the day. Many of the Club's topics are familiar today, such as, corrupt elections, the division of rich and poor and the question of the basic rights of the people.
When debates heated up and became intractable, the most compelling arguer was presented with the Headstrong Book, which was kept as a prize until the next meeting. It is believed that Paine held the book more than any other debater.
It was during his time in Lewes that Paine began to dabble with the written word when his ability to reason and persuade was admired and encouraged by his fellow club members.
We hope you will join us at The Headstrong Evening Club where conversation among friends will inspire and encourage all to active citizenship in the spirit of Thomas Paine.
Thomas Paine Society is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with a mission to educate the public about the life and works of Thomas Paine.
Alaine Lowell
Thomas Paine Society
99 S. Raymond Avenue
Suite 104
Pasadena, CA 91105
Tel (626) 796-4529
Fax (626) 583-8118.
