Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 1 no 1
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
«T IT 1ST IE, 1885. Kappa Alpha Theta. PUBLISHED FOR THE FRATERNITY KAPPA CHAPTER. I.AWKKMK, KANSAS: •hhiunal hook vni» ,jok printing rooms— -\\\ ,j. imntom. IKS5.
Page 2
Kappa Alpha Theta. AGNES EMERY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF. WEBSTER ILLER* ! As8°CIATE EDITORS. HATTIE B. HASKELL, BUSINESS MANAGER. TRICE OF SUBSCRIPTION, $1.26 PER ANNUM. SINGLE COPY, 35 CENTS. Remit by Postal Note or Order to HATTIE B. HASKELL, Lawrence, Kansas.
Page 3
Kappa Alpha Theta. Voi.. x. JUNE, 1 885. No. 1. 1 hPti0n We ha' e alrea(ly received. Yet when we consider what has been »bilitvPliShed ^ °Ur predecessors we are 11 little distrustful of our own prov m *S iaS'7 anything, if you only know how” is a trite and jjj T'k sa'*nS> but it contains more wisdom than at first appears. 1 'lienee is a great teacher and time will give us experience. there W tkeil party or&an- No feature of college life has advanced school ',P Uege papt,rs and magazines are to he censured when the Conduct n *'* tkeia *s 80 absorbing as to become a dissipation, rightly . in several ways they are productive of good. To those intimately
Page 4
Introduction. k connected with them they give a valuable training both from a literary and business point of view. To the great body of students they are entertaining companions both before and after leaving college. Moreover, we suspect, they serve as a harmeless outlet for the theories of many youthful reformers, idealists and fanatics, whom the practical world would not tolerate. From our own journal we expect much. We wish to hear from our chapters and to learm something of the aims, objects and ideas of each. AY e expect to gain a broader information concerning the colleges in which they are located. We will not neglect literary excellence. Perhaps more than all else we wish to gain an individual and social knowledge of our members. We would like our acquaintance with each other to be at least as intimate as that which we have already established with characters famous in past ages. In short we hope to publish a first class fraternity magazine. It is well to aim high. We want our kite to fly near the sun. Our first volume comes from the A\rest, from a comparatively new chapter. While those of us to whom the work has been entrusted are confident that in older colleges and older chapters, members much better qualified than we might have been found, still we hope by our interest and labor to partly compensate for what qualifications we may have lacked. Since time for preparation has been brief, and our experience limited, the first number does not quite fulfill our expectations, but our success will perhaps next time be greater. Believing that we have done our best and hoping that that best will grow better we send forth into the college and fraternity world the Kappa Alpha Theta.
Page 5
History of Kappa Alpha Theta . Jii&foty of Jyuppa JUpha SlieiaQ ^m°ng the pleasantest surroundings of college life, perhaps none is ^ujrtj delightful than a secret society, with its protits and pleasures. For e«uiy one hundred years the gentlemen only, have been organized into ii! nlent l)ands *or the purpose of mutual aid. Hut as has been the custom ^ Ilths, broken indeed by her brother in his manly ability to cope with ^uore primitive forms and ruder phases, toiling as she climbs to step as of11^ aiu^^uck as many flowers by the way. The Secret Fraternity is one . ie choicest blossoms culled by student hands, and surely a ladies’ secret ociety was bound to be organized sooner or later. of /n Jamiary’ 1870, ^*rs. Hamilton, of Greencastle, Indiana, with the aid left 61 tatlier’ (llew UP a constitution and made the plans for a ladies’ Greek tli *Y' society, to have its chapters in the best colleges and universities of VN^fted States. The organization was called “ Kappa Alpha Theta,” and lirst ladies’ society founded on principles the same as those govern- * «rdek letter fraternities. From this time, young women were admitted ^pnvileges in the college world, equal to those of young men, and this or- anotl/U^0n S*nan^ ^rom a similar desire for closer relationship with one T[> UI dS ^at encouraging the establishment of regular fraternities, in ei e are at Present fourteen active chapters of Kappa Alpha Theta located teY H1 10US cohegea an(l universities from Vermont to Kansas. Each chap- re* Ul a ProsPerous condition, and the active membership at present t'oY I** one hundred and fifty. JSix years after the fraternity was - 11 convention was held at Greencastle, Indiana, vvliich resulted in sid C 1 orSHUlzation. Keing the lirst convention there was con- iikY . ^ business transacted, and many measures taken to make the society folio C°m^ete *n ah Jts lines of management and work. The third year tr otting the Greencastle assembly, representatives of the different chap- and however, that she had not yet reached perfection and went 188‘> °eSt ^°oc* °f the society it was decided thereafter to hold biennial Port ^side from the general fraternity work, the young ladies re- frat Y tilUes in a SCHaal way the college faculty and the gentlemen’s With1i11| ler a^ *n their power to make the visiting Thetas remember ^ as they have done, their happy assembly at Greencastle. Eta KlP ci, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, kindly invited the convention of March,
Page 6
6 History of Kappa Alpha Theta.. 1885, to meet with them, which invitation was unanimously accepted. An account of this last convention will be found elsewhere in the June num¬ ber of Kappa Alpha Theta. In 1884 a song book was published for the fraternity containing a col¬ lection of one or more songs from each chapter. The book is of forty-eight pages and is a treasure to Kappa Alpha Theta, which enables us, “With hearts both light and free, her praise to sing.” A complete catalogue of the fraternity is in progress of publication, it will make its appearance about the first of June. The colors of the fraternity are black and gold, and the badge is kite shaped. Thus as the kite aspires, so may we, to high, noble characters, and “hand in hand firmly stand,” having as our motto Excelsior. Fannie E. Pratt. m
Page 7
Poetry. i “TRAILING ARBUTUS.” There may be hearts that lie so deep ’Neath griefs and cares that weigh like drifted snow. That love seems chilled in endless sleep, And budding hopes may never dare to grow. Yet under all, some memory Trails its “ arbutus dowers ” of tender thought, All buried in the snow, may be, Still with the sweetest fragrance fraught. April 27, 1885. Annie J. Fellows. HYACINTHS. Dainty bells from the green spire swinging. None but the fairies hear your ringing. Up their ladders of moonbeam climbing, Have they set all your pink bells chiming? Then, when ended their vespers pealing, Into your waxen chambers stealing, Did they drowse, till the young moon, beaming, Called the elves from their blissful dreaming? They have down, but they left behind them All the dreams that in slumber bind them, And the dreams, into fragrance growing. Fill your goblets to over*dowing. And the glow of the fairy fingers Still on your waxen petals lingers, And, the dawn, through the east returning, Sees his dres in your bosoms burning. RAIN. The rain drops twinkle on the tufted grass, The dripping leaves with liquid jewels gleam ; The lily shyly bends her dewy head, To see her broken image in the stream. Like fairy bells, or twinkling water-falls, Or a lone Mermaid’s chant beneath the echoing deep, Through the hushed air the mystic cadence doats And lulls the weary soul to dreams and sleep. Elianor Igleheart.
Page 8
8 Currents. Burn nl). In every society and country there are always some general currents or tendencies which control its civilization. It is not in the power of any of us to reverse these ; but by observation we may so direct them, as not only to grind our own grists, but to contri¬ bute our share to the general good. Nothing is so important to the direction of any new enterprise, like the one our traternity is about to enter upon, as to form a clear conception of these general currents and tendencies; for doubtless the lives of our readers may be somewhat influenced by the harmony existing between the principles of the Kappa Alpha Theta and the general spirit of the age in which we live. Let us, then, take note of some of these tendencies or currents, with¬ out seeking to trace their fountains, or to defend them from opposing theories. The first tendency of the times which may be noticed is the tendency to concentration. This is observable in government, religion, business and population, nor is it less noticeable in our educational institutions where we see traternities forming and breaking down local and provincial barriers. We are learning by experience that combined and concentrated effort avails more than individual and scattered strength. K l^hivibus Utiutn is no longer translated " one composed of many,” but “ many combined into one.” Our own civil war has fused us into a powerful nation. The tendency to combine in all business affairs is very strong. Corpor¬ ations have a wonderful development in our country. They extend to all trades and occupations of life. Another tendency of the times is to the development of tin* practical, as distinguished from the theoretical or ideal. By practical, I mean the ap¬ plication of knowledge to actual use. The days when a smattering of a lew fashionable accomplishments constituted woman’s education are over, and we now live in a practical, matter-of-fact age, which places in our hands the implements with which we can make our lives a success. Deep- rooted prejudices have given way, more just and liberal views are now prevailing. We are no longer taught that our mental orbit must be lower and narrower tlian that of man. To-day the Tree of Knowledge is offered to us as well as the Tree of Life. The Tree of Knowledge which can fit woman either to be a radiant in¬ fluence in society, a Christian educator of her own children in her own home ; a teacher of a larger public, or its minister in any womanly form of service in art, literature or science. While therefore, these facts call for our gratitude, they also minister to our encouragement.
Page 9
Currents. 9 The republican institutions of the United States, freed from caste and aristocracy, and bearing the necessity of industry, have destroyed the gods of clay, reared by other forms of government to be worshiped by what they called the lower classes. Our age is a practical one in its charities. Vast sums are spent by states, communities and citizens for the relief of the poor and unfortunate. Hospitals are provided for the sick, and organized charity reaches a helping hand to the blind, the deaf and the dumb. Another, and very important tendency of the age is a mental, rather than a material one. It is a toleration of opinion. Intolerance is a natural propensity of mankind, and has been practiced by every sect in every age. It is the foundation of caste. The tendency of our age is to check this evil. We each have a right to an individual opinion. The dogma that the Pope is infallible does not disturb us any more than the dogma that Mohammed is the prophet of God. If we believe it, well : if not, well again. Now, if we would have our paper rise to the ideal, an ornament, a pre¬ siding priestess over our fraternity, let us mold and fashion it in harmony with the tendencies of our age. Let us concentrate our efforts in its favor, and as we have been success¬ ful in many other things, let us rise to the rank of any of our college exchanges. Woostek, ( )iiio.
Page 10
10 Lerjal Nor fils. J>e6al J^oveti. Novels have now fully established themselves. When first invented they filled a gap that had been, perhaps, hardly suspected, and the line of authors, who since then have made th(n selves famous in the novel field have at the same time settled the novel’s claim to a high place in literature. Probably one of the most interesting investigations would be to find what has constituted the charm,— in all, if such a thing be possible,— catch the moving spirit in one novel ; then, by a series of progressions through the author’s other works, find some key— the key to the works and to the author’s power extend this process of elimination and differentiation to his contemporaries, then back to his predecessors and on to his successors. This is probably impossible. It could not be done successfully, however, without evolving some important metaphysical truth. But it is a comparatively easy matter to pass on any one book— so re¬ reviewers seem to think— or author, or class of bouks. That is, make a general if not a scientific estimate. And in looking over our authors we see that this one excels in one thing and that one in another. Cooper can paint sea scenes ; Lytton, high life ; Dickens, common people ; or, as one auther has given a book to some particular style of writing. Adam Bede is devoted to a religious development, Warren’s Diary of a Physician is medical in its turn, Reade’s Put Yourself in His Place, trials of the working classes. We must see that most authors have turned their attention, now and again, to writing which requires technical or professional knowledge ; not a mere smattering to help out some point, but a considerable knowledge if their works are to stand the test. A close observation may, in some cases, supply the place of actual study of a subject ; but writers often seem to have thought that a lively imagination was all that was necessary, and till the book meets a reader qualified on this point in question, perhaps it is. Nowhere have wild dashes and graspings at the truth been more fre¬ quent than in those novels that have occasion to touch upon the law. Per¬ haps the work turns upon a legal question, or court scenes are to be drawn, or the machinery of the law laid bare. There is a court scene in Miss Woolson’s Anne, a trial, whoever heard of one like it? And all the interesting, unreal, highly-questionable points about the left-handed murderer ! A very taking story, but extremely weak in its law ; and yet for the most part, in this very case, looking at facts and not at what the author might have thought ought to be, would have saved the scene. Take Dickens. lie is a caricaturist. Perhaps he is. Is there any of it in Bleak House? Not a bit ! He describes Chancery, and who can say it is not perfect ; yes, as perfect as a description can be ! All the dilly¬ dallying, the yards of jokes on Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, the ruined suitors,
Page 11
Legal Noeels . 11 the deep well with no truth at the bottom ; sarcastic, ironical ! Surely it is needed. Too bitter? Hardly. The relief points are caught and fastened, for all the world to look at. It is accurate. Perhaps it is a sad story, but it has done great good, lieade, in his Hard Cash, has brought in consider¬ able law, questionable law, too. The case is an action for false imprison¬ ment. That is a real case, where a man must have more than mere obser¬ vation, nothing less than accurate legal knowledge will serve him. Bulwer Lytton,in hisNigntand Morning, worked up his case apparently with fear and trembling, and to reassure himself submitted it to his lawyer to draw up again, and see that he had sound law. And so, though doctors may differ, he, as in the case of the defendant in an action for malicious prosecution, who can show that he was advised by a lawyer, can establish . a good defence on the ground of “ probable cause.” But one of the most elaborately wrought novels, founded on a law case, is Warren’s Ten Thousand a Year. And though Warren was himself a lawyer and presumably to be trusted on a case — he would get up as law with no bias toward a client— he has certainly failed in the law in that book. Tittlebat Titmouse is known as somebody, even to those who have not read the book. Quirk, Gammon & Snap are a law firm forever. Tit¬ tlebat is a a dry-goods clerk, small in every way. lie is discovered by Quirk, Gammon & Snap to be heir to a large property in the possession of one Aubrey, the gentleman of the story. They begin an ejectment suit. In the first trial the question turned on the admissability of a deed in which an erasure had been discovered. The learned judge refused to admit it. Now, as Irving Browne criticizing the same case, says : “ That has not been law for three hundred years. That deed was bound to be admitted for what it was worth, whether, as some hold, the presumption was against it ; or, as others hold, there was no presumption at all ; yet it was bound to be admitted, subject to what could be shown concerning it on either side.” However, as the story itself turned out, Aubrey regained his heritage, Tit¬ tlebat’s title having turned out invalid. It may save the reader’s feelings but does not patch up Warren’s law. Many writers have touched upon legal questions and interests, if only in the way of bringing in lawyers for characters. Dickens has lawyers familiar to everyone. But it is noticeable in Dickens’ works that nearly everything he writes about, or is most successful in, is something he could find out by looking and listening, lie was a student of human nature. Our novels will, certainly should be, required to attain a higher standard as the art progresses. Our novelists will have to be not only widely read, cultured, up on all ordinary and some extraordinary subjects, and people who go through the world open-eyed. But it will be an immense advantage, perhaps indispensable in time, to be soundly versed in some particular sub¬ ject. Deep knowledge on one subject, to one who makes use of himself, is an incalculable benefit in others, — must be so. And there is more and more a tendency to call for words with an idea ; a tendency, too, in no wise con- llicting with “ novelistic essence,” and to venture a prediction, one that will be greatly to the advantage of novels, novelists, and public. Jessie E. Weight, Burlington, Vt.
Page 12
n Hamlet. JiutnM. The steadily increasing appreciation of Shakespeare but proves the truth of J oh son’s assertion : “lie was not of an age but for all time.” The history of opinion in regard to him is an interesting record of the progress of human ideas. He is now placed iirst among dramatic writers. Though honored by his contemporaries this position was not by them granted him. Among all Shakespeare’s creations the play of Ilamlet is the longest, the most varied in incident, and has probably excited the greatest interest. There has also been more written about Hamlet than about any other play in the world. The books, pamphlets and papers that have appeared would constitute a respectable library. The story seems to have been drawn from the Historia Danica of Saxo Grammaticus, a native of Elsinore, who wrote about the end of the twelfth century. Shakespeare took what he wanted wherever he found it, but it has been sagely said that not every man could create a Ilamlet from Saxo Grammaticus. According to some interpreters Hamlet had no place in history, and his story is a mere development of the great Scandinavian system of mythology. Perhaps the mystery that surrounds him in Shakespeare’s drama would disappear if we could regard him as a mere personification of the contest between light and darkness, or a phase of the never-ending battle between good and evil. The story of the play is briefly as follows : Ilamlet is a student of Wittenberg when he is called home by the sudden and mysterious death of his father. lie hastens home to find his mother married to his uncle ; an event which shocks his soul and poisons his feeling towards her. While in this morbid humor and “ world weariness ” his father’s ghost appears to him and calls for revenge. And it is a peculiar mark of Hamlet’s character, that while that stern command still rings in his ears, “Adieu, Adieu! Hamlet, remember me,” he turns to his tablets and to his old habit of making generalizations. Though full of incident the main interest of the play is centered in the moods of mind through which Hamlet passes until he meets death in the fulfillment of the purpose towards which he has not marched or hastened, but simply “drifted.” In this play we have a good illustration of Shakes¬ peare’s many anachronisms. In order to make philosophical inquiry of Hamlet he is brought down to a time much later than that in which he really lived. In the age of the true Ilamlet of history universities were not in existence. In no other of the poet’s dramas does the interest turn so entirely on the hero as in Hamlet. “ The hero has no plan but the play itself is full of
Page 13
Hamlet . IS plan.” Emerson said: “It was not until the nineteenth century, whose speculative genius is a sort of living Hamlet, that the tragedy of Hamlet could lind such wondering readers.” Hamlet is in advance of his ;ige socially, morally and intellectually. The original story is uncouth and barbarous. This Danish prince utters meditations on life death, and immortality, so full of meaning that they have served as texts ever since they were spoken. Shakespeare’s characters make a deep impression on us because of their reality. They belong to the permanent elements of society, the permanent facts of life. They may be Romans or felts or Italians or Jews, living in times long past or formed by intluences long extinguished, to us they are real men. Yet Homer and Virgil could have understood them as well as we can. Shakespeare not only allows us to hear and read about the men and women of a former age, but he enables us to see them passing before us. We all have our ideal Hamlet as we have our ideal Shylock or Macbeth. Everyone has experienced disappointment when some celebrated actor failed to fiulfill expectations. This disappointment arises more from the fact that the spectator had his own pre-conceived idea of the character than from any defect in the actor. Hamlet is, probably, of all the characters of Shakespeare, the most difficult to personate on the stage. It is like the attempt to embody a shadow. Salvini says of Hamlet : “ Hamlet, indeed is an idea more than a real character: an actual Hamlet has never existed, and probably could not exist. It is not uncommon to meet persons possessed of many of the char¬ acteristics of Hamlet ; but they are only pale and feeble parodies of the complete personification described by the poet.” Hamlet is the one of Shakespeare’s plays that we think of oftenest, because it abounds most in striking rellections on human life. Indeed Hamlet has been described as “ a concentration of all the interests that belong to humanity.” Eor more than two hundred years learned min^ls have been battled by the problem presented in the character of Hamlet. Although he has been sounded “from the lowest note to the top of the compass,” still we do not “ know his stops.” While by some he is represented as in reality a madman, it is believed by others that he only feigns insanity in order better to accomplish his purpose. Some again see in him only the embodiment of a cold, calculating nature; others believe him full of poetic feeling. By some he is looked upon as a skeptic in religion ; by others as a devotee. “ In a word he is a chameleon, changing his color according to the light cast upon him.” To most of us after reading all these criticisms Hamlet is still a mystery. Schlegel expresses the feelings of many when he says: “This enigmatical work resembles those irrational equations in which a fraction of unknown magnitude always remains that admits of no solution.” Though we may not “pluck out the heart” of Hamlet’s mystery, yet he remains to us a real character exerting a peculiar and subtle intluence. In our day many legends and past beliefs have vanished into thin air. So it has been suggested that Hamlet is merely a [personification of the phenom-
Page 14
Hamlet. U (•non of revolutions. But the charm and strength of his personality forbid us to believe this. Too much can hardly be said in admiration of the great dramatist. Ilis influence reaches silently through the centuries and determines the char¬ acter of the world’s literature. Carlyle calls Shakespeare a “world-voice.” May not this be a prophecy of the poets future fame? Only in some twilight of the gods can this wonderful voice be lost in darkness. And wherever Shakespeare is read and studied, first in the minds of many will be the Danish hero and his wonderful philosophy. Kappa.
Page 15
The Kappa Alpha Theta Convent inn 15 She Jretppa Jllpha Shela j£mwnUm. The Sixtli Biennial Convention of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity which was held at Ann Arbor, Mich., on the 20th and 27th of March, was one of the most interesting and profitable meetings we have ever had, and all of us who were fortunate enough to be there, were well satisfied with the work which was done. The convention was composed of representatiues from twelve chapters: Eta Chapter , Ann Arbor , Michigan.— Miss Houghton, Miss West, Miss Borland. , Iota Chapter , Cornell N. F.-Miss Boulton, Miss Grotecloss. Lambda Chapter, Burlington, Vt, Miss Mills. Alpha Chapter , Greencastle , Ind.— Miss Ilall. Miss Ward. Kappa Chapter, Lawrence, Kan.— Miss Thompson, Miss Hudson, Mrs. Sandford. Mu Chapter , Alleghany Colleye , Meadmlle, Pa.— Miss Goff. Epsilon Chapter, Wooster, Ohio.— Miss Pepper. Beta Chapter , Bloomington, Ind. — Miss West. Gamma Chapter , Butler University , Irvington , Ind. — Miss Green, Miss Holland, Miss Pendleton, Miss Philipps. Nn Chapter , Hanover , Ind.- Miss Fitzgerald. Delta Chapter , (Wesleyan) Bloomington , IU.— Miss Patton. Zeta Chapter , O/no University , Athens, Jhio.— Miss Bradshaw. Theta Chapter, Indianola, Iowa, and Ki Chapter, Middletown, Conn., were unrepresented. The first arrivals came Wednesday morning, and were cordially re¬ ceived by a reception committee and conducted to the house ol Mrs. AV il- liams, where so many of the Thetas live that it has received the appellation of “KAO House.” A number of the delegates were entertained here, and it was made the headquarters of all, between the sessions. Wednesday morning a number of us were shown over the University buildings. We were sorry to find that the school was not in session, but everything con¬ nected with it was, of course, interesting to a stranger. One can easily imagine hpw delightful the campus must be when it is dressed in green, instead of white, as we saw it, for it is beautifully laid out in walks and drives, and filled with trees. In June some of the Com¬ mencement exercises are held out here in temporary buildings, and the surroundings would inspire the slowest tongue. I he main building has quite a venerable appearance, and brings” forcibly to the mind the import¬ ant part it has played in the education of America’s sons and daughter for so many years. . It seems to lend a dignified air to the campus and assert its superior
Page 16
The Kappa Alpha 'l'lieta Convention. age over the more modern buildings. The Library is the gem of the build¬ ings, and to the residents and students it is the “apple of the eye.” Their pride is justifiable, however, for both the building ami library are unusually line and well worthy admiration. One of the choicest features of the library is a Shakespearian department, for the study of which a special course is provided. We visited only a few of the many buildings, for they are all so interesting that a mere glance is more of a trial than a pleasure. In the evening an initiation was held and two charming ladies were added to Eta chapter. After the dark and direful secrets had been dis¬ closed to the terrified initiates, and the ghosts and hobgoblins had returned to their mysterious hiding-places, dainty refreshments were served, which no one knows better how to appreciate than a genuine K A o. Music and the pleasure of becoming acquainted with each other occupied the evening, loi we discovered that it would take qui^e a brilliant mind to remember each new name, and to what part of the country between Vermont and Kansas it belonged. As the early morning was to see our convention assembled, we dispersed at a seasonable hour delighted with our first view of K A o as a fraternity On the evening of the 2fith an informal reception was held at the K A o I louse to which were invited the ladies who were to act as our hostesses on the following evening. A very nice arrangement, as we were thus enabled to become much better acquainted with them and pass a very pleasant evening. For a full report of the convention I must refer you to the secretary of the meeting as she will be able to give a much better account than I can. A\re hope that the work there reported will be satisfactory to our chapters as we endeavored to use our time to the best advantage. The session proved too short for finishing all our business, although it had been extended beyond usual time ; the growth of the fraternity and necessarily increasing business will demand preparations for more sessions at our next meeting. 1 he establishment of our paper was one of the most important questions in this recent convention, and now that a beginning has been made and this our first issue, lies before you, I am sure we will all have cause to feel proud of it. I he undertaking is a great one especially us our members are so scat¬ tered, and all arrangements must be made through the medium of corres¬ pondence. On Kappa chapter was conferred the honor of managing the new journal, and the western girls, appreciating the compliment will endeavor to make the paper fulfill the expectations of their eastern sisters. I ertect harmony existed during the entire session of the convention and in two years arrangements for many long cherished plans will be completed w hich our limited time at this meeting compelled us to defer. Enthusiasm energ\ and withal a loyal feeling of love for Theta assured the present prosperity of the fraternity and promised a bright and progressive future It was decided that the next convention would meet with Iota chanter Cornell University, Ithaca, Xew York. The finishing touch to our visit was a large reception, the finest ever held in Ann Arbor, given at the residence of Mr. Israel Hall. About two
Page 17
The Kappa Alpha Theta Convention. 17 hundred invitations were issued and nearly every one was Answered in person, making a charming company. The large and admirably arranged house was all throw n open and elaborately decorated with flowers and vines, the most exquisite roses wrere in profusion everywhere and filled the rooms with their delicate odor. The letters K A 0 in flowers were placed at the head of the stairway, and in one of the parlors was a beautiful monogram in black and gold. The hostesses of the evening wrere : Mrs. Israel Hall, Mrs. Gen'l. L. C. Hunt, Mrs. (’has. H. Walker, Mrs. IT. Wade Rogers, Mrs. George 8. Morris, Mrs. Dr. (’has. H. Stowell and Mrs. P. R. R. DePont. Through the kind attention of the ladies and Miss Charlotte Ilall no one remembered if she were a stranger, so many old friendships wrere revived and so many pleasant new acquaintances formed. Towards the close of the evening very elaborate refreshments were served w hich w’ere thoroughly appreciated by all. From an upper hall came softened strains of music, surrounding the bright and happy faces of both young and old, with its magic presence. The time for separating came all too soon and each one made her adieu writh a feeling of congratulation for herself that she had been one of the partakers in the kindly hospitality of the K A 9s of Ann Arbor. Mamie Hudson.
Page 18
18 Editorial, Sdihnai:o The object of Kappa Alpha Theta is to publish everything of interest pertaining to the fraternity, gathered as equally as possible from all the chapters. The contributions for the present issue, however, have been quite varied in their length and in the amount of chapter news contained. From one or two chapters, indeed, we have received nothing ; consequent¬ ly, any irregularity in the distribution of fraternity news cannot be attrib¬ uted to us. We have endeavored, so far as in us lies, to make the journal as interesting to one chapter as another. We wish to express our pleasure at the good wishes sent to us in many of our chapter letters. In all cases they have been much more gladly re-, ceived by us than the writers know. We would also thank some members of our own college for timely and practical advice, which has aided us con¬ siderably in our first attempt toward publishing a magazine. Three fraternity magazines at present published in Kansas State University are : The Shield , of the Phi Kappa Psi ; The Arrow , published by the Kappa chapter of the I. C. Sorosis, and the Kappa Alpha Theta. The recent action of the Harvard faculty in regard to classics has ex¬ cited considerable comment in educational circles, especially from the de¬ fenders of the Ancient Languages. The opponents of classical education seem sure that they have won the day, and are content to rest on their laurels. The position taken by Harvard is but the natural result of that feeling which first found expression in the address of Charles Francis Adams two years ago. The College Fetich has since received a large share of attention. However, admirers of the classics need not be alarmed. The antici¬ pated change in the curriculum of the preparatory schools has not yet taken place. Nothing is gained by forcing students into studies that are distaste¬ ful, although opinions may differ in respect to the advisability of giving them the latitude in the choice of subjects now allowed by Harvard. Probably the change is altogether for the best, as now those eager for ad¬ vancement will no longer be kept back by those who would succeed much better in some other course of study. Of late years ideas have changed in reference to the manner of teaching Greek. Mere grammatical knowledge is now made of less importance and a better knowledge of literature isj
Page 19
Editorial. 10 gained We do not believe that Greek will become not only a dead language but an unknown tongue. It is not possible that these words of thinkers had fulfilled their mission when they delighted and instructed the audience which first heard them in those sunny, “ white-pillared cities by the /Egean or Sicilian seas.” We wish to call the attention of our members to the Association of Collegiate Alumni. Although, perhaps, many of them know more about it than we do, others may not be so well informed. This seems to be an organization in every way desirable, and one likely in a few years to be¬ come a great army of graduates, possessing a mighty inrtuence in the edu¬ cational interests of the country. After leaving school it is sometimes difficult to keep up an interest in study, especially if circumstances all seem against it. Many who join may never have any actual work to do, and may never attend the meetings, but they will encourage others. Reports are sent to all members, giving an account of the proceedings of each meeting and a copy of the papers read. Only graduates of certain colleges are now eligible for membership, although whether the number of colleges or of members is limited, we cannot say. The association has been organized about two years, we believe. These energetic graduates have recently determined, as far as may be, to settle the much-disputed question concerning the health of college-bred women. Facts, and not theories, must rule in this practical age. To this end, some time ago the association sent to about 1,400 women graduates of different colleges a circular, con¬ taining a list of questions as to their health on entering college, their health during the course, and their health since graduation. The object was to ascertain, as far as possible, the actual effects of the higher education upon the health of women. The paper of questions was filled out and returned by 705 women. The results are very satisfactory to the advocates of the “higher education.” The average age of entering college was 18.33. Of the 705 only two expressed the belief that the higher education of women was a mistake. The full report, yet to be published, will be the most im¬ portant contribution yet made to the discussion of the higher education versus the health of women. “Westward the course of Empire takes its way,” says one of our col¬ lege papers, when offering congratulations upon the fact that the Kappa Alpha Tiieta Mas to be first published in Kansas State University. We trust that Me have, elseMiiere, made our omhi appreciation of the honor conferred upon us clear, although we hope our exultation may not have been so great as to in any way interfere w ith the success of our venture. Rut a minor chord mingles with our song of triumph. In plain words, send in your contributions early next time. Not money contributions, al¬ though they are indispensable, but literary contributions. We know that Commencement in all colleges is a hurried season, and believe that this pnce delays were unavoidable.
Page 20
Editorial. 20 Kappa Alpha Theta takes her place among the journals of the fraternity world, asking a kind reception at the hands of the already well established and worthy papers ; trusting that with the assistance of favor¬ able “ breezes” her kite will sail into the realms of journalism, doing her duty valiantly and reflecting credit upon the Greek world. Our next number we expect to issue about the last of September, and would like to urge upon the chapters the necessity of taking preparatory steps now for work to be done during the summer and at the beginning of the fall term, as we desire all contributions to come in promptly. The first number of Kappa Alpha Theta will be sent to every mem¬ ber of the fraternity. It is desired and expected that each Theta should manifest her interest in the paper by sending her address and subscription ; also aiding in its publication by sending to the managers any items of general fraternity interest at any and all times. Contributions from the alum me are especially solicited, as we hear comparatively little of them through the chapter letters ; indeed, we should be glad to have a department devoted to letters from our alumnae, as we expect the magazine to do much towards keeping up the fraternity feeling between our members out of col¬ lege. In order to complete our subscription list, those intending to sub¬ scribe will confer a great favor and relieve us of extra work by sending their names immediately.
Page 21
Chapter Correspondence. ill ALPHA. Be Pauw University , Oreencastle , Indiana . Dear Sisters : — To me has been allotted the pleasant task of writing Alpha’s chapter letter. We were rejoiced, as doubtless were all the other chapters, to know that at last the long-talked-of project of a fraternity journal was to be carried into execution. We hope to see the catalogue, also, very soon. Our chapter here is very well situated and in good work¬ ing order, with twenty active members, of whom four are preparatory stu¬ dents, the last that were pledged for Senior preparatory, and so the last we shall ever take. We received this year a Freshman whom we greatly prize, pledged to the fraternity at Bloomington, Ills. During the middle term this year we had nearly twenty-five members, but the sad death of one of our Freshmen, Miss Emma Shera, of Connersville, and the sickness of several others somewhat decreased our number. There are nearly twenty resident alumnae members in the city, besides a half dozen active members ; and we have, also, three members of the faculty, who are among its best. Near the beginning of the winter term, on the 27th of January, we cele¬ brated the fifteenth anniversary of the founding of our chapter (of the fraternity itself, in fact,) with a very pleasant evening’s exercises, banquet and general social at the home of one of our number. We wish to every other chapter, at least, an equal measure of success ; and success to the journal. Call a L. Rudisill. April 29, 1885. BETA. Indiana University , Bloomington , Indiana. Beta chapter has only serene and comfortable prosperity to report to the quarterly. I believe that there was never a period in our history when we acted with more unanimity and enthusiasm than we do now. We have twenty-one in college and seven in preparatory, while our only rival, Kappa Kappa Gamma, has three in college and five in preparatory. The prospects for a good working force for next year are fine, accordingly ; and we are all full of interest in progressive measures and heartily in favor of increas¬ ing and extending the fraternity at large. We are flourishing at home, and want to see the organization, as a whole, do the same. The fact that the state has recently added so much to the material prosperity of our Univer¬ sity, and that she is bound to grow with her present resources and present
Page 22
Bg Chapter Correspondence . managers, will necessarily have its effect on fraternity circles as well as on other things. The fraternity idea is bound to grow, too,— more especially as our new president, Dr. Jordan, is decidedly not an intermeddler with the secret society and its system. And Kappa Alpha Theta, with her good start and earnest membership, is not in danger of missing her share of the general prosperity, or in retrograding from her present excellence. One of our sisters, Mary Winans, of Muncie, Indiana, with class ’85, through Sophomore, was married to Mr. Carl A. Spilker, of that city, on the 22d uK. The best wishes of our chapter go with herself and husband. At the Prepartory Temperance contest, on the evening of May 1st, the struggle for the prize in declamation lay between two of our Theta young¬ sters. They are, popularly and justly considered, the best declaimers in Bloomington. We shall be well represented in the Commencement festivities, having valedictorian of the Hesperian Literary society, senior prophecy on class-day, two preparatory graduates, and live seniors of the twenty-six in college. Com¬ mencement here this year bids fair to be a pleasant one, as everybody about the University is brimming over with enthusiasm. Although I should like to go into further details and remarks, 1 believe this letter has stretched out long enough and had better be checked summarily. Beta closes by express¬ ing her hearty enthusiasm for the quarterly, her earnest desire for its health and prosperity, and her most cordial support for its managers. Long may it wave ! Yours in Theta bonds, Mabel Bant a. May 1, 1885. DELTA. Illinois Wesleyan University , Bloomington , TIL The sisterhood of Delta chapter numbers at present nine active mem¬ bers, and five pledged, resident members eight. She has no seniors this year but hopes to have six in the class of *86. With but one or two exceptions^ all the sisters expect to complete the course. In our recent oratorical contest one of the Thetas was a contestant, and although she failed in winning the prize, she did herself and Delta honor. Theta has but one rival at the Illinois Wesleyan and that is Kappa Kappa Gamma. Their chapter is an excellent one, and consequently there is existing between the two fraternities no spirit of contention beyond that which fraternities naturally engender. During this term we gave an open literary session which was quite satisfactory to us and apparently all the invited guests enjoyed it. Our elder sister and Theta mother Mrs. Laura B. Humphreys presided over the meeting. She is the professor of vocal music in Wesleyan and is highly esteemed by each sister because of her noble character and winning disposition. Lovingly yours, May 15, 1885. M. Sadie Patton.
Page 23
Chapter Correspondence. 23 GAMMA. Butler University , Irvington , Indiana. This terra finds Gamma unusually happy and prosperous. Now that opposition on the part of the faculty and the barb organization is in a great measure removed. We hope, henceforth, to sail on tranquil seas and under sunny skies. At no time within the annals of our chapter has there been better prospects, more thorough enjoyment of the work in hand, or has keener appreciation and warmer sympathy been manifested. In short, Gamma has cause to “ rejoice and be exceeding glad.” It is now too near the close of the term for much strife to exist among the fraternities. The warfare is confined to occasional skirmishing. A short time ago a slight disturbance arose on the occasion of the senior class election, between the fraternity combinations. The defeated aspirants ap¬ pear to doubt the truth of the maxim that “might makes right.” The Butler students have enjoyed an unusually interesting course of lectures this season. Among the most interesting and instructive were those on German universities and students. One of the late social events worthy of notice, was the reception given the Greek students by Prof. Brown. Those present were highly entertained by representations of the personages of classic lore. Gamma has been honored by a pleasant visit from Miss Pierce, of Alpha. In the Kappa Alpha Tiieta we have promise of new strength and a closer bond of union. May her pages ever broaden ! May 15, 1885. Dora Pendleton. EPSILON. Wooster University , Wooster , Ohio. Our chapter has been characterized this year by the congenialty of its members. Since possessing this quality, in so eminent a degree, we feel that that, and not numbers, should be the aim and essential characteristic of every fraternity. By congenial girls we do not mean those who are uniform in character and identical in pursuits, but rather those who, though dissimilar, can unite in being jolly at the right time, and show a dignified and stately mein at other times, always being ready and willing to unite on the broad plain of common sense in fraternity matters. From observation of of other fraternities we see that no mixture is as unmixable as a mixture of people. They will not dissolve and appear as one solution before the great eye of the great public. Each member gives a different character to the fraternity. They cannot be pledged as a whole, thereby losing the strength of a whole. Instead of being sisters, they become step-sisters. We number thirteen, discreetly distributed in the different classes. The fates have been unusually propitious to Epsilon this year, bestowing
Page 24
Chapter Correspondence. an honor at just the right time, viz : receiving the Presidency of the Grand Chapter on the tenth anniversary of her foundation. Our pleasure is increased since we feel that we have chosen a most capable and excellent president in the person of a charter member, Miss Kate McSweeny. To celebrate our decennial existence we intend to give a large reception in the “leafy month of June,” to which the high and mighty ones — yclept “ faculty ” — are to bidden. Seven representatives from each of the six gentlemen’s fraternities, and ail of the ladies of the K K r fraternity will help us do honor to the Queen of Fraternities. We intend to carry out the wise suggestion of an emi¬ nent professor of Michigan State University. While talking with our delegate to the convention, he made the remark that “ fraternities in order to grow aright should be courteous to each other.” Of the honors which Commencement week^showers upon deserving heads, Epsilon has received a goodly share. In the Public, given by the ladies society, she has Historian and Orator; on ('lass Day, when all the participants are chosen by the class, she has Saluatory and two Essays. On the college paper Epsilon is always well represented, always having one and very often two editors. Our dearest wish at the present time is for a chapter-hall. We already have “ a name,” we now want a “ local habitation.” Next year will probably see the fruition of our hopes. Episilon chapter acts as 'impromptu toast¬ master and proposes long life and robust health to the Kappa Alpha Theta. Florence E. Johnson. May 10, 1885. THETA. Simpson College , Indianola , Iowa . Dear Kappa Alpha Theta : — The guardian goddess of the Hellenic World, whoever she may be, has been most propitious to Theta chapter throughout her existence, and never more so than during the present year. We have, however, within the past twelve months suffered bereavement in the death of two of our most promising sisters, Miss Emma Ilarned and Miss Media Cromer. These are the only ones, in a total membership of over seventy, that death has taken from us. Iowa Theta being, as she is, at such a distance from even the nearest of her sister chapters, will be especially benefited by the Kappa Alpha Theta, since through its columns she will be brought into a closer sympa¬ thy with interests otherwise so far removed. Although not represented at the Biennial convention, the measures adopted by that assembly, especially in regard to the publication of a fraternity journal received the ratification of the silent vote of Theta, and the news that at last, after the anxious fears and hopes and plannings of years, the white-winged messenger was about to take her fiight from Massachusetts to California, * was received with expressions of loyal enthusiasm from every wearer of the black and gold.
Page 25
Chapter Correspondence . 25 Fraternity life at Simpson is moving along very quietly, and there seems to be comparatively little feeling of distrust and clannishness. Party feeling generally dies down, to a great extent, after the annual fall cam¬ paigns, but emerges from winter quarters in full force at Commencement. The contests are exciting and interesting. A local fraternity, the lilio Al¬ phas, have created quite a sensation by appearing with the badges of the - , having been chartered by that fraternity some months ago. The chapter is a good one, counting in its membership a goodly share of the wit, wisdom and worth of our students and is bound to prosper. Theta wishes it all success. Yours in K A G, May 11, 1885. Theta Chapter. IOTA. Cornell University, Ithaca , N. Y. Dear K AG: Iota chapter sends greeting to the sisters everywhere, and hopes that through the medium of the new journal greater intimacy will exist between the chapters than has previously been the case. To those of us who have never met at conventions, the more distant chapters seem somewhat vague and indefinite, in spite of occasional reports of progress. Let us resolve to become better acquainted and to understand each other as thoroughly as is possible between East and West. In regard to the journal itself, ought not its entire object to be the spread of fraternity news, items of interest about alumna* members, etc., leaving out an idea of becoming a “literary organ" ? So it seems to us in Cornell. All our colleges have purely literary publications, which are none too strongly supported at present, and we shudder to conceive of their forlorn and rilled state were we to withdraw our help and devote it to the Kappa Alpha Theta. For the love of humanity at large, we implore you to make no demands on our literary exchequer ! Iota chapter is peculiarly prosperous at present. Every fall since its establishment has seen its numbers much lessened, owing to the fact that many of our most valued members have been special or post-graduate students whose course of study ended with one year. Hut the end of each year has seen our ranks full again, the number usually being between ten and thirteen. Our latest accessions are the wife of a prominent professor here, who is taking work as a special student, and a young lady who is a graduate of Smith College and is studying at Cornell for the degree of Ph. I) Hut if we are to carry out our idea of becoming acquainted with you all we must surely set the example and tell you who we are. It is hard to be intensely interested in people who are mere abstractions, K A G abstrac¬ tions though they be. So we will introduce some of our members to the fraternity in general. If you ever read the Boston Daily Journal , you will be glad to know that its assistant literary editor is a K A Q, Grace Weld Soper, Cornell ’82. She has been on the stall' nearly three years, and is most successful. Again, any of you who wish to escape from the bondage of
Page 26
m Chapter Correspondence. college life into the sweet freedom of boarding school, may go to Cincinnati and enter the fashionable school of Miss Nourse and Miss Itoberts, the latter of whom is a K A e. She graduated from Cornell in ’80 and took a Master’s degree in ’82. She is the author of a historical thesis which Prof. Adams, of Johns Hopkins, has used in his seminary work, and has pronounced “ a real addition to American historical Literature.” We have one prospective physician, Alfreda Withington, ’81, who is studying in the Woman's Medical College, of New York City, and another member, Olga Neymann, ’81, is studying dentistry. Mrs. Anna B. Comstock, wife of Prof. Comstock, the well-known entomologist, graduates from the university this year and will devote herself to the illustration of her husband’s scientific books. The list may close here, for it is unwise to introduce too many at one time. Again we wish KA0 great success in journalism and all other under¬ takings. Most cordially yours, April 30, 1885. Gertrude F. VanDusen. LAMBDA. Vermont State University, Burlington , Vermont. Lambda chapter gladly contributes its share to the new journal, though it has not much to offer in the line of chapter news. We are having a very pleasant and prosperous term, nevertheless ; for we always tind ourselves stimulated and reinvigorated after a convention. The transactions of the last convention were satisfactory to us, and we think it one of the most successful conventions ever held. The first of the term we gave a reception to our resident graduate members, at which our delegate gave her report of the convention, together with a graphic account of her adventures and experiences upon the journey, which, it is needless to say, we enjoyed. We have, in fact, been quite hilarious all the term Avith “ spreads,” banquets, and other festivities. We are now planning to take a pedestrian trip through the Adirondacs shortly after Commencement. It is to be exclusively a Theta affair, and with the aid of a guide we intend to wander entirely at our own sweet will. Our two seniors, who will be graduated this year, will be much missed, but as we were never more energetic and hopeful than at present, we antic¬ ipate “ fresh fields and conquests new ” next year. The new journal has our best wishes and shall have our best endeavors. Long life and prosperity to the Kappa Alpha Tiieta ! Yours fraternally, J. A. C. May 19, 1885.
Page 27
Chapter Correspondence . 27 MU. Alleghany College , Meadville , Pennsylvania. Our chapter is very prosperous this year, probably more so than ever before, our number of members being twelve. We represent the only ladies’ fraternity in college, although there are five Greek chapters, the ATA,i0,(l'r^«l'Kt and K A 0. There have been rumors of the estab¬ lishment of a chapter of K K r, but the reports are probably unfounded. During the past year we have been furnishing a chapter room in the ladies’ boarding-hall. The 4* A 9 fraternity being aware of this fact , pre¬ sented us with a beautiful easy chair. We appreciate, not only the gift, but also the kindly feeling thus manifested by the A 0. The fraternity has lately been infused with new life, as our delegate, Miss Mae Goff, gave a report of the convention, both beneficial and pleas¬ ing. We trust the journal will have a like result. Yours in Kappa Alpha Theta, Harriet Reitze. May 8, 1885. NU. Hanover College , Hanover , Indiana. Nu sends greeting from her home among the hills. Hanover is rapidly approaching the close of her thirty-six-weeks’ session, and is already pre¬ paring for the coming college year. At the opening of the fall term an addition will be made to the faculty and a new professorship established, Rev. A. P. Keil, of Ohio, having been invited to the chair. The curriculum, also, has been extended, to some degree. The senior of the future will have less time to disturb the stony slumber of trilobite and spirifer, and the coming sophomore will be less intimately connected with his tin vase il¬ ium, than at the present time. Commencement, with its own cares and interests, is drawing near. The class of ’85 is comprised of eighteen members, seventeen of whom are gentlemen and the “daughter of the regiment” is a Theta. Her diploma, from the ladies’ Literary society, will be delivered by Mrs. Josephine Nichols of Beta chapter. The programme for the annual May exhibition of this society appears with a Theta as presiding officer, and Thetas in the two positions of hon<*r. The various fraternities here, aware of the pressure of time, have opened their campaign among the senior preparatory students. Beside our own fraternity, Hanover has representative chapters of Sigma Chi, numbering fifteen ; Delta Tau Delta, eight ; Phi Gamma Delta, fourteen ; Beta Theta Pi, eight ; Phi Delta Theta, eighteen ; Delta Gamma, four. As our college regulations leave but ninety students— twenty of whom are girls— eligible as fraternity members, it will be seen that our chapters are comparatively strong in numbers. Fraternity spirit has long been a marked characteristic of Hanover,
Page 28
Chapter Correspondence . Nu is pleased with the decision of the late convention in regard to both time and place of the Kappa Alpha Theta’s publication, and awaits with bright anticipations the arrival of the first issue. Yours in Kappa Alpha Theta, May 10, 1885. Oressie Gilchrist. XI. Wesleyan Universty , Middletown , Connecticut. We are glad to report a prosperous year for Xi chapter. Both socially and educationally we feel that Theta does for us what five fraternities do for the boys of Wesleyan. Our meetings are full of interest for us all, and are carried on with enthusiasm. Our hall, too, is very pleasant, contains a piano, and is the scene of many an hour of merriment and song ; surely, university life has left many a pleasant picture on the memory, which time will only brighten, not efface. We number at present fifteen active mem¬ bers, with four resident members, — two being honorary, two inactive; but “ All loyal to Theta, The true and the tried.” We intended to speak at some length of our University, but have so far exceeded the intended length of our letter that we will not attempt a detailed description. Of its beauty, no words of ours can give an adequate idea. Just high enough above the city to give through the trees glimpses of the river, half-hidden by elms and maples, stands our well-beloved Alma Mater . The words sung under those grand old trees, at her semi-centennial an¬ niversary, we all find to be true of her : “ Not ivy-clad walls that are hoary with time, But God’s touch of beauty mukes this place sublime.” Of course, we are not prepared to state that Wesleyan is the best of all colleges, (which statement you would probably be inclined to contradict in favor of your own Alma Mater), nor that it is perfect in every particular. But we are quite sure that at no college can the influence for thorough scholarship be stronger than at Wesleyan. From 3 greetings to the Theta sisters, hoping that this publication will serve to bind more closely the bonds of sisterly love which unite us. Carrie M. Hill, May 18, 1885. Special Correspondent. We received from a Theta sister the following letter, which is so enthusiastic, so full of encouragement and good cheer that we could not refrain from giving it to the journal.
Page 29
Chapter Correspondence. 20 A LETTER. Deak Tiietas: — While sitting in the lire light last evening my thoughts wandered far away to the girls in Kansas, “dear old Kansas” and very “dear old girls,” as I thought of you all and what each one was doing, 1 began to wonder how your many different projects were succeeding. I thought especially of the Kappa Alpha Theta, and deemed it not inop¬ portune to write you a word of encouragement and wish you success with the paper. Fraternity journalism is a new held of labor and you will probably find it very trying. While some of you have held positions on the college magazines you have never had the independent experience of publishing your own official organ, and your hearts may fail you many times, but be Robert Bruces every one of you. The Kappa Alpha Theta will succeed. You must send it out to “ Wait for its story— the birds cannot sing it, Not one as he sits on the tree. The bells cannot ring it, but long j/cars will bring it Such as you wish it to be.” You must be prepared for criticism and also to act upon the suggestions given even in that way, by contemporaneous journals. Dear sisters I hope you will not think me officious, but having had just a little experience with magazine work, I can sympathize with your difficulties. However I can assure you that there is not a Theta jin college or out, but is anxiously awaiting the appearance of the first fraternity paper, wishing it nothing but success and hoping that it “may live forever.” May 5, 1885. Yours sincerely, * * * * i
Page 30
30 Alumnae Notes . Jkumnm jf'oMQ ’77— Alma Holman, Alpha chapter, is Professor of Modern Languages in I)e Pauvv University, Greencastle, Indiana. ’77— Anna Downey, Alpha chapter, is Professor of English and In¬ structor in Greek in De Paiuv University, Greencastle. Indiana. ’82— Emma Powell, Mu chapter, is teaching Latin in Oxford Seminary. ’82— Rosa M. Redding, Alpha chapter, is Insturctor in Science^ in l)e Pauw University, Preparatory department. *84— Sallie Welch, Mu chapter, is at her home in Franklin, Pa., study¬ ing music and painting. ’82 Lizzie Wilder, Kappa chapter, is teaching in the High School at Abilene, Kansas. ’83— Susie Stivers, Theta, is teaching in the High School at Osceola, Iowa. ’81— Birdie Morrison, Theta, is conducting classes in Oil Painting at Creston, Iowa. ’81 — Julia M. Watson, Kappa, is teachhig in Bethany College, Topeka, Kansas. ’84 — Cora E. Pierson, Kappa, is studying music and German in Boston, Mass. ’81 Ida J. Henderson, Mu chapter, is Professor of Literature in the State Normal School at Mansfield, Penn. ’83— Mrs. Jessie Dunham Stuart, Mu chapter, is living in Warren^ Penn., and represents Mu chapter’s only married Alumnae. ’83— Anna Robertson, Epsilon, has been spending a most delightful year in Europe. After visiting points of interest in Great Britain and France, she located for the winter in Dresden, Germany, where she studied German and French. In February she departed for Italy, making Rome her temporary home, while she visited Southern Italy. She passed a week in the little island of C&pri, once so famous as a resort of wealthy Romans, now almost deserted save by German tourists. She expects to revisit Paris before returning home, which place she will probably reach in time for Commencement. She says she wears her badge everywhere, thinking she might come across a sister. ’83— Clara Fink, Theta chapter, is teaching in Atlanta, Iowa. — Clara S. Gillham, Kappa, will probably teach in Wanda, Illinois, next vear. ’84— Kate L. Ridenour, Kappa, is at her home in Kansas City. She has been studying French during the past winter. Anna L. Adams, Nu, of Topeka, Kansas, is preparing to attend the Commencement exercises of her Alma Mater , at Hanover, Indiana. Jessie Wright, Lambda chapter, is attending the Boston University Law School.
Page 31
Personals, 31 Alpha. Florence Durham and Kate Rippetoe, two of Alpha's Freshmen, are out of college at present on account of sickness. Minnie Friedley, of Madison, was married last month to Joseph G. lbach, of Huntington, Indiana. Theta. Clara Jacoby and Ina Kircher, the only graduates from the musical department of S. C. C. for ’85, are Thetas. Jessie Mills was recently called to her home in northeastern Pennsyl¬ vania, by the serious illness of her sister. Ella Elliott is instructor of instrumental music in the college at Ft. Collins, Colorado. Flora Bussell, a charter member of Theta chapter, was married to Mr. W. T. Thompson at the home of her parents in Indianola, April 17, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson went immediately to Central City, Nebraska, where Mr. Thompson will engage in the practice of law. Mu. ’86. Virginia Miller was obliged to leave college at the beginning of this term on account of illness. We trust that she will soon be with us again. ’85. Clara Snyder received the Ossoli Society commencement honor. Although she is not in college at present she will return to her duties sometime in May. Epsilon. ’85. Madge Armour has been spending the winter in New York City, where she took lessons of a very fine elocutionist. Kappa Alpha Theta may expect much of this lady as she has marked abilities as a reader. Her voice and manner are especially adapted to tragic selections. Epsilon chapter has, we venture to say, something that no other chapter possesses. This something is a “Theta baby,” having adopted the little daughter of Mrs. Fred Mullins, one of our charter members. Although not yet initiated, she is pledged. ’88. Misses Marion Stiles and Mary Baker have entered the Texas State University as Freshmen.
Page 32
32 Personals. Kappa. ’84. Mrs. Josie Brown Sanford, of Pontiac, Michigan, attended the convention at Ann Arbor. ’87. Ida E. Bay returned to her home in Ft. Scott a short time ago after spending a very pleasant year in Chicago. She was much pleased to lind Mrs. Lee Bird Baron delightfully located in that city, and they renewed a very pleasant acquaintance begun in March, 1881, when Mrs. Baron estab¬ lished Kappa chapter and initiated Miss Bay as one of the charter members. ’83. Alice E. Bartell, of Junction City, attended the New Orleans Exposition. She reported a delightful time. One of the pleasantest recollections of her trip was meeting a Theta sister from one of the eastern chapters, who clasped her hand just fis she was about to leave a man-of-war on the Mississippi, and though they had but little time for conversation, the Theta “ grip ” bound them as closely as months of association. ’87. Mamie Swaim delightfully entertained Cora Pierson at her home in Washington during the inaugural festivities of March. ’84. Kate Ridenour and Fannie Pratt recently made some very pretty donations to the Ilall. Thanks girls. ’87. Alice G. Noble is attending school in Philadelphia, Penn. ’8d. Nellie F. Griswold attended the New Orleans Exposition. ’84. Cora E, Pierson will return to Lawrence about the middle of June. Dame Rumor whispers that ere long our sister, Nellie F. Griswold, will take into her keeping the future happiness of a prominent, young man of Lawrence. Of all the hearty good wishes that will follow Nellie, none will be heartier than those of Theta.
Page 33
Fraternity Notes. 33 c?mkmti§ Jfcok6@ The last Grand Arch Council, held at Columbus, Ohio, complimented Kansas Alpha of Phi Kappa Psi, by giving to them the publication of The Shield It has much improved in its new hands, and we extend our con¬ gratulations to the boys. Alpha Xu chapter of Beta Theta Pi is represented at Ann Arbor by J. G. Smith and C. E. Parker, who kindly remembered their western friends by a pleasant call on Kappa chapter’s delegates to Theta convention. The Key , published by Mu chapter K K r at Greencastle, Indiana, is a bright fraternity journal, and though it has preceded Kappa Alpha Tiieta nearly two years, we hope it will kindly receive us. Phi Gamma Delta is publishing a song book at Lafayette, Penn. Lambda Deuteran chapter, at Dennison University, Ohio, is the latest established chapter of the r A fraternity. The Arrow , the journal of I. C., has appeared to the public, and we hope the future numbers may be as good as the first. It is an honor to the society and to Kappa chapter, which has so ably undertaken its publication. Kappa chapter, of Kappa Alpha Theta, entertained Kansas Alpha of Phi Kappa Psi on the evening of April 24, at the residence of J. G. Haskell. To entertain the Phi Psis is always a pleasure, and especially so when they yery kindly express themselves hs having had a good time.
Page 34
In Memoriam , IlSl MEMORIAM. Died May 22d, 1885.
Page 35
Resolutions. 35 Whereas, We, the members of Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity, for the first time since our organization, are called upon to mourn the loss of a clear sister. Being a charter member she had entwined herself, from the first, into our warmest affections, and time has only strengthened the bonds of love and sisterhood. Whereas, Our Heavenly Father has taken from our midst one of our brightest and dearest sisters, and Whereas, In the loss of this sister we are deeply grieved ; therefore, be it Resolved , That in the death of Carrie Tiiacher, the fraternity has sustained a loss which can never be repaired. In all our relationships the influence of her gentle and loving nature has been deeply felt, aud will be greatly missed in the future ; and be it further Resolved , That these resolutions be printed in the city papers and in the Kappa Alpha Tiieta, and a copy be sent to her husband and friends. Ida E. Bay, Grace Finney, Roberta Lewis, Committee. Whereas, Almighty God, in his over-ruling providence, has seen fit to lay the heavy hand of affliction upon our dear sister, M. Lizzie Wilder, by calling her beloved mother from her earthly cares to everlasting rest ; and Whereas, We sisters in Kappa Alpha Theta earnestly desire to express our sympathy for our sister in this, her great sorrow ; be it Resolved , That we, Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, do indeed make her sorrow our own, sympathizing deeply with her and with her fam¬ ily, and reminding her that the mother’s love, of which she has been deprived here for a few short years, will be restored to her two-fold on the other shore ; and be it further Resolved , That we send a copy of these resolutions to our sister and to the family, and that a copy be published in Kappa Alpha Tiieta. Clara S, Gilliiam, Alice E, Bartell, Maggie R, Eidemilleh, i aa ,, Committal tikwreilce, Kan., May 9, 1885.
Page 36
In Memoriam. IN MEMORIAM. Tim m;i j§|snr. Alpha Chapter.
Page 37
Resolutions. hi Whereas, We, the members of the Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity, for the first time in many years are called upon to mourn the loss of a sister. We deeply realize that our chain has lost one of its brightest links, and we can never meet again without feeling our loss. Whereas, It has been the will of the All- Wise Father to permit death to enter our circle and take from it one of our youngest members ; and Whereas, We deeply regret the loss of our sister ; and Whereas, It is befitting that we, as a fraternity, make known our sor¬ row and express our sympathy ; therefore, be it Resolved, That in the death of Emma Sheba the fraternity has lost one of its brightest members, both in Scholarly attainments and social life. That, though she has been with us but a short time, the influence of her pure and noble life^will be felt among us in coming years ; and Resolved , That these resolutions be printed in the city and college papers, and that a copy be sent to the parents and friends. Mollie Collins, Grace Ward, May Kidpath, Committee.
Page 38
38 Contents. ^CONTENTS. PAGE. Introduction . 3 History of Kappa Alpha Theta . . . . Fannie E. Pratt 5 Currents . 8 Legal Novels . Jessie Wright 10 Hamlet . Kappa 12 Poetry: “ Trailing Arbutus/' Hyacinths, Pain . 7 The Convention . 15 Editorials . ' . 18 Chapter Correspondence: 21 Alpha, De Pauw University; Beta, Indiana State University; Delta, Illinois Wesleyan University; Gamma, Butler Univer¬ sity; Epsilon, Wooster University; Theta, Simpson Centenary College; Iota, Cornell University; Lambda, Vermont State Uni¬ versity; Mu, Alleglianey College; Nu, Hanover College; Xi, Wesleyan University; A letter. Alumnae Notes . 30 Personals . 31 Fraternity Notes . 33 In Memoriam . . . . 34
Page 39
Page 40
Advertisements, Jfi Kappa Alpha Theta IJT EVERY YAEIETT. Best in Quality. Finest in Finish. Manufactured by Official Jeweler to the Fraternity, 19 JOHN STREET, NEW YORK