Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 1 no. 4
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APRIL, 1886. Kappa Alpha Theta. PUBLISHED FOR THE FRATERNITY KAPPA CHAPTER. LAWRENCE, KANSAS : JOURNAL BOOK AND JOB PRINTING ROOMS. 1886.
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Kappa Alpha Theta AGNES EMERY, Editor-in-Chief. MAGGIE R. EIDEMILLER, j aoboptatk Fditors MAY L. WEBSTER, i ASSOCIATE EDITORS. HATTIE B. HASKELL, BUSINESS MANAGER. PRICE OF SUBSCRIPTION, 81.26 PER ANNUM. SINGLE COPY, 35 CENTS. Remit by Postal Note or Order to HATTIE B. HASKELL, Lawrence, Kansas.
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No. 4. Kappa Alpha Theta Vol. I. APRIL, 1886. JfleeMn$ of ike §mnd iSkafoiev. “Grand Chapter meeting called for the twenty-fifth of February at Wooster.” This was the message that found its way to every chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. It was a call they could not neglect, and having consulted their time¬ tables and pocket-books, the girls from east and west took the trains and were soon away to obey the summons of their chief. It is said in this age of the world’s progress, that time and space are almost annihilated by the inventive genius of man. This thought was impressed upon me, when having left home in the evening, I awakened the next morning to find myself rushing along through the river valleys and woodland farms of Ohio, with tall chains of hills rising on either side. On at the rate of forty miles an hour, toward Wooster, the place of meeting, and a more central point for such a convention could not have been found. On our arrival we were welcomed by members of Epsilon chapter, who conducted us to their various houses, where we were indeed made to feel “at home” during our pleasant stay. Wednesday was devoted to viewing the landscape o’er and to meeting the girls, who came in one after another, all eager to see the latest delegate and to discuss fraternity matters for a little time. According to arrange¬ ments issued in the call the sisters from Lambda and Kappa came early, thus gaining a little advantage over the rest of us, and we found them becoming quite popular and familiarly known among the girls as “ Ver mont ” and “ Kansas.” Wooster is a city of about five thousand inhabitants, situated high as the hills and overlooking the surrounding country for miles and miles. It is a little hard to reach, there being but one railroad through the town; but you are repaid for the journey by the beauty of the place and the cordiality of the people. The University is in a most prosperous condition, having an attendace of nearly six hundred students. The buildings are in the
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118 Meeting of the Grand Chapter . highest part of the town, anil present to the eye of the beholder a picture of comfort and prosperity. Wednesday evening some of us were entertained at the hall of the K * fraternity, and spent the time in introductions and merry conversation. This hall has recently been refurnished in elegant style and speaks much for the refined tastes of the chapter. The Sigma Chis also entertained us very pleasantly in their hall, which is fitted up to meet the cultivated taste and initiatory requirements of the order. The “inquisition must be seen to be fairly understood, and must be tested , we suppose, to make a full appreciation possible. That night the delegates continued to arrive, and when the convention assembled on Thursday morning the following chapters answered to roll-call: Alpha chapter, Greencastle, Indiana, Miss Hammond. Beta, Bloomington, Indiana, Miss Vanzandt. Gamma, Irvington, Indiana, Miss Holland. Epsilon, Wooster, Ohio, Miss Hanna. Zeta, Athens, Ohio, Miss McVey. Theta, Indianola, Iowa, Miss Ellenwood. Kappa, Lawrence, Kansas, Miss Eidemiller. Lambda, Burlington, Vermont, Miss Christy. Mu, Meadville, Pennsylvania. Miss Wilkinson. Xu, Hanover, Indiana, Miss Hill. Miss Markx, the delegate from Iota chapter, Cornell University, together with Miss Shepard, a visitor from Cornell, joined us later in the day and were heartily welcomed by all the girls. Delta, Bloomington, Illinois; Middletown, Connecticut, and Eta, Ann Arbor, Michigan, were unrepresented. The Grand Chapter convened in the parlors of Miss Madge Armour’s home, and could those walls but speak they would tell many a story of the plans and ideas for the promotion of Theta that were projected and discussed by the body that sat in council all the day and evening. At the close of the afternoon session the delegates were entertained by their charming hostess and her able score of assistants at a most delight! ul and refreshing lunch, after which an hour or two was spent in social talks and a general mingling of the sisters. Many were the items gleaned from other chapters as regards their halls, members, etc., each having something of interest to suggest. Then the night session was called, and almost into the wee small hours did we sit in deliberation upon the affairs of Theta. The last session of the Grand Chapter was held Friday morning, and at noon that day the delegates began to separate, and it was with a feeling of sorrow that we bade each other good-bye. In those few days we had formed many new ties of friendship, and now we were to scatter, perhaps never to meet again. “ Thus on the ocean of life we pass and speak to one
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Meeting of the Grand Chapter. < 119 another, only a look or a voice, then darkness again and silence.” Still though we go our different ways the memory of that meeting will return to us in years to come, and each sister’s face will appear again as fresh as though it were but yesterday. Such is the history of the first meeting of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, and we would recommend that it be not the last. We feel that it was more successful than many of our general conventions. It was purely a business meeting, and the energy with which the work was pushed through would astonish the uninitiated. Each girl went away feeling she had a grander idea than ever before of what a true fraternity was and what a noble work it ought accomplish. She returned to her chapter to tell them that the standard of Theta had been raised higher than ever before, and they individually must do their part to place it upon the pinnacle of victory, that can only be attained by perseverance and endeavor. To the girls of Epsilon we would return our hearty thanks, and say: You have always been noted for your hospitality, and again we award you the palm. Alpha.
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no Lambda and Kappa. lambda and Jvappa. On the 19th of February, of the year of grace one thousand eight hundred and eighty-six, two lone and weary pilgrims, journeying from the hill sides of New England and the plains of the Great West respectively, landed in the pleasant town of Wooster, Ohio. The unsophisticated per¬ sonage from the green hills of Vermont gazed mildly about her from behind her spectacles and then was surrounded at once by an eager crowd, asking if she belonged to the Y. W. X. Y. Z. etc., Association; and to her decided negative, boldly replying: “ What came ye out for to see?” But shaking off these bold seekers after truth, this pilgrim was soon where she fain would be, within the care and hospitality of Epsilon chapter. The weary, but indomnitable traveler from “Sunny Kansas,” had already reached this haven and now stood ready to give the grip and her words of cheer to all that might chance this way. Vermont and Kansas were happy to clasp hands as the representatives of the most widely separated chapters in regard to distance, though closeiy united in thought and action. Their welcome by the young ladies of Wooster was cordial and hearty, and certainly the pilgrims do not regret their pleasant days with the Epsilon Thetas— the days spent in work, in meeting “the girls,” both graduate and active, and in visiting the University. We remember in particular the entertainment at Music Ilall with the fine musical programme in memory of the recently deceased, Prof. Anna B. Irish, and then the Washington’s Birthday Exhibition, at which we had the pleasure of sharing in the applause so well deserved by, and so plenteously bestowed upon a sister Theta. But Wednesday, the 24th, arrived, and with it members from other chapters. On Thursday morning the first Grand Chapter meeting of the fraternity was called to order and proceeded to the transaction of the business on hand. Delta and Xi chapters sent no members to the meeting. The following is a list of the Grand Chapter members present: Alpha, Miss Kate Hammond; Beta, Miss Maud VanZandt; Gamma, Miss Julia Holland; Epsilon, Miss Lenora Hanna; Zeta, Miss Lizzie McVey; Theta, Miss Grace Ellen wood; Iota, Miss Stephanie Marx; Kappa, Miss Margaret Eidemiller; Lambda, Miss Jean Christie; Mu, Miss Mary Wilkin¬ son; Nu, Miss Margaret Hill. As the object of the meeting was strictly business, none of the festivi¬ ties incident to conventions were indulged in, but thanks are due to Miss
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Lambda and Kappa. 121 Armor for the grateful refreshment she so kindly provided for the 41 worn and hungry Theta.” The meeting adjourned on the 26th, having been most harmonious and satisfactory throughout. We would tender our thanks also to the Wooster chapters of Sigma Chi and Phi Kappa Psi for their kind offers to loan us their halls for the meeting. Lastly, Epsilon has the gratitude of the fraternity for her suc¬ cessful and pleasant entertainment of the meeting, and it is to be hoped that all assemblies of the Grand Chapter hereafter may be as satisfactory and enjoyable as that of ’86.
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San Diego , California. San j California. One of the most charming features of travel is the opportunity afforded for the study of our kind in peculiar situations and varied phases. The “ rolling stones” are sometimes very queer and interesting, and fossil remains are not uncommon among them. This is not such a very large world after all. Nothing makes one realize this more than to meet the same people in far-distant places. On our way out here I saw a young man on our train whom I last saw on the boat coming down the Rhine. Seated near us on the boat, as we left Mayence, were three young Americans “doing up” the continent at one fell swoop. One was an artist in embryo, from Boston, who confided to his companions in our hearing, that it was easy enough to be an artist when one had plenty of friends to buy one’s paintings. To the other two, the beauty of the Rhine, its legends and romance, were as naught. They told how many places they had visited on the Rhine, but forgot to mention what they had seen. They were interested in getting the whole business done up with neatness and dispatch. If they were not interested in the German legends of those “good old days of yore and gore,” they were violently interested in a lovely young Portuguese girl near us, whose attention they made desperate attempts to attract. La belle Portuguese chatted and laughed to the admiration of her family and the despair of young America. The budding artist sketched her, the others watched her, and we watched them all, sandwiching them in between the castles, mountains and fine turns of the river. Ah, it was beautiful to be young and fresh and fair, drifting down the Rhine. They drifted — the young Americans with their stirring lives, and the lovely little Portuguese and her fate so sheltered and definite — all day, till evening, down the Rhine. We all dispersed at Cologne, not thinking ever to meet again till I saw one of the young Americans on the train coming west. In our hotel are people from almost all the cities of the northwest. It was snowing and blowing when most of them left their homes. It is comical to see their enthusiasm over the sunshine and bay when they first arrive. Then come various stages of the San Diego mania until they own property, when it becomes dangerous to insinuate that San Diego has draw¬ backs. Our life here is not very giddy, the crowd is not very “ madding.” The ladies sit about on the broad piazza most of the morning, knitting and basking in the sunshine. The gentlemen ride down town after breakfast with an air of rushing off to business, and soon — ride back again. The
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San Diego , California. 123 short evenings are filled with whist, billiards, bean bags and like hilarious innocent sports. The other day a young lady at the hotel asked me to drive out to the old Spanish mission. On the way she mentioned having attended college at Ann Arbor. Then it appeared she was a Theta too, so we had a good old- fashioned fraternity meeting right in a canyon by our two selves. She says the alumnae of the Eta chapter feel dreadfully about the recent action of their younger sisters, and are as much attached as ever to the black and gold. It seemed so good to have a good college talk so far away from the old associations. We have been fishing. The season has not yet arrived, but we couldn’t wait for it. We went after it. There is a delightful little yacht here, schooner-rigged, with a cabin, galley, berths and all the requisites for house¬ keeping aboard. The skipper is an ideal skipper, nautical and hearty, and has sailed the world around. O, how exhilarating it was when we hauled in four Spanish mackerel, one after another. They weighed a ton in the water, and shone, as they liew through it, like burnished silver. Out of the water they weighed seven pounds each, and were the prettiest iish I ever saw, far handsomer than pickerel. Their sides were irridescent, like the inside of a tinted sea-shell, and black streaks alternated with the silver on their backs. One of our party was a young man from St. Louis. He was wild to catch a fish from the Pacific, and declared he would not come in until he was successful. While he was in the bow a moment, the skipper attached a salt codfish to his hook. As soon as Mr. O. took his line he felt that indes¬ cribable electric thrill attendant on a “ bite,” and began to haul in his fish, with many cautions from the skipper not to be too precipitate, etc. “ Oh, my,” he cried, “ ain’t he a daisy ? How he pulls! Isn’t he gamy V” Just then the dried codfish hopped up on the surface, and with an unfeigned exclamation the youth retired to the bow to ruminate. Yesterday we went rowing to the peninsula, opposite the town. The harbor here is formed by a long, narrow, sandy peninsula directly in front of the town, and a rocky promontory on the right. On one side of the narrow sandy neck the surf beats, thunders and moans; on the other side, the glassy bay stretches to the town, peaceful as a quiet river, though of sufficient depth for great vessels. We threw ourselves upon the sands to watch the mad frolic of the waves, for it was high tide and Nature seemed to be having a matinee for our benefit. The white sails dotted the main. The fishing boats were all out for the day. It was a winter idyl. There are some places about San Hiego which a traveler with any exploring propensity at all always visits. One of them is the Mission valley; another the mussel beds. To day we went to the latter. We started a little after ten o’clock and the morning was perfect, as most of the mornings are here. We have had damp weather for several days, so it was
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San Diego, California . 121+ doubly appreciated when we drove along a pleasant road in sight of the * bay, smooth and glistening as a mill-pond in the morning sun. We had a lunch-basket with us, intending to stay as long as we wished upon the beach. Our way lay across a salt marsh and then over the airy hills where the breeze blew strong from the ocean. The meadow larks, and the rest of the feathered tribe with which we are not yet acquainted here, were having a concert in the low bushes, a hidden orchestra whose music was unspeak¬ ably delightful. They made it even a charming thing to be alive — and going to the mussel beds. As we made a turn around some low sand hills we came suddenly upon the breakers, making royal sport upon the beach strewn with their playthings; the pretty shells and mussels, and sea anemones and spider crabs. The tides have worn deep holes in the rocks and these holes, at low tide, are so all aquariums full of shells and all kinds of little sea creatures. We hitched our horse to a post, put out our wood and kindling with which we intended to boil mussels for our dinner, and sat about the first step of a recipe — obtaining the wherewithal. Our horse was a rented one, so we supposed he would not be particular about our society and would esteem any opportunity of standing still, but he seemed to consider the surf racing in near him personal. We compromised, gave up our mussel hunt and spread our lunch near him to encourage him. Ilis melancholy did not abate. lie began to dig his grave in the sand. The tears stood in his eye, and then he stood on his head as a final protest against beach picnics. Then we folded our tents like the Arab, but much more briefly. As we ate our lunch on the wing and watched the scene of our anticipated frolic vanishing around the corner of a sand-hill, we saw a light cloud low down in the horizon. In half an hour the dense mist of a genuine pink fog was blowing in from the ocean across the hills. We were determined not to return ignominiously to our hotel this early in the day, so concluded to go to the light-house. The view from there is fine, and it is the second highest beacon light in the world. We were not familiar with the road, but ventured to follow one that looked forsaken enough to lead anywhere. We went, and we went, and neither the light-house or anything else appeared, for the fog blew in and shut out all the beautiful views. The road could not end in a squirrel track and run up a tree, for there were no trees, but it finally manifested such an unmistakable tendency to hide among the bushes that we beat a retreat before the fog. When we came into the valley the fog lay on the hills like a pillar of clouds, but all the valley, Old San Diego and New San Diego, lay bathed in sunshine. Old San Diego is very nearly a deserted village. The streets are also lately quiet. Its queer little graveyard, fenced in with a crumbling adobe wall, and the bells of the church marked 1802, bespeak the age of the town, and the vacant, staring windows of untenanted houses, give the place a
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San Diego, California . 125 weird, uncanny look. Long stretches of marshes extend to the bay as though the bay had left the town stranded, and it seems as though those pious old gentlemen, the Franciscan friars, must have been dreaming when they built a town there. The bells of the old churches here do not hang in steeples. Either earthquakes were considered hostile to steeples or an adobe* steeple was a triumph of architecture beyond the ken of the early settler. The antique bells hang on a sort of wooden structure made of four posts stuck in the ground and connected by cross-beams. Instead of the poetic image of a hoary sexton tolling the bells in the cobwebbed belfry, weather-stained and mellowed with the soft caress of tine, the sexton runs out behind the church and tolls the bells, rain or shine, and can be seen when there is a funeral swinging on to the rope, in mid-air, like a bean on a string. We stopped in the old town for some wonderful morning glories, then wended our way down the valley homeward. We have come in now from the sea and the breezy hills, from the bird-songs and the sunny valley. We have come in and the day is done. The pillar of cloud still rests on the hills and stretches its pallid arm across the sea. There is a sound of many feet in the corridors and a hum of voices and much life is going on within the four walls of our hotel. There are no firesides for us here. There is no snow, no ice. The sun and the roses smile on us, and the wild flowers are coming, and spring. Eleanor Igleiieart, Alpha .
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126 Reminiscences of Kappa. SCemintimicvi ©/ Jyapfoa- We were “ flowers that bloomed in the spring,” the original thirteen Kappas. The 19th of March, 1881, is the famous day and year which saw the establishment of the first chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta in the old border state. Kansas always did lift her sunllower head in pride and draw within her limits the noble, the true and the generous. To be sure it is a case of the foot hill and the mountain, but we will beg pardon of the great state of Kansas if she deems us presumptious in comparing our little selves with her, and saying, that her young daughters, while drinking at the fountain of knowledge which she had placed in their pathway, paused to bring under the influence of that fountain an institution of their own, based upon the principles of nobility and truth, and whose broad tendencies were calculated to make them what the women of the prairies should be. Our watchword was Kappa Alpha Theta, but the road that led to our cherished ambition was rough and discouraging, and had our feet not been shod with the sandals of determination, we would probably have yielded to the many stumbling blocks which we found in our way. Not least among them were the ungenerous remarks, interspersed with bits of scorn and sarcasm, with which our I. C. friends greeted us; and the poisoned arrows, given a greater impetus by the strong arm of Beta, often wounded us sorely. But friends we have forgiven you now, although you never asked such grace. It is scarcely necessary, however, to recount the discouragements which present themselves in every possible form to a band of girls requesting a charter. Every charter member has passed through the fiery furnace, which seems in all cases to be heated seven times hotter than ever before, and unlike the Hebrew children, they usually come out with at least the smell of fire clinging to their garments. To the young ladies who are not charter members, Kappa would say: “Dear sisters providence has seen fit to shield you from real troubles, be thankful and make the best of your imaginary ones,” and if you wish to know something of the reliner’s fire ask some of your early members to stir up the ashes of auld lany syne , and you will undoubtedly say to yourselves, “’tis better we lived as we did.” Toward nightfall on that ever to be remembered day, twelve girls stole silently to the home of the other future KAO, and there, with all due solemnity and invested with the authority of her order, Lee Bird, of Eta chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, initiated us into the mysterious and delightful bonds of our beloved sisterhood. To describe that night, would
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Reminiscences of Kappa. 127 require a pen much more apt than mine, but I will tell simply, if I can, a little of our experience. The initiatory ceremonies may be passed over in silence now, to compensate, if you choose, for the lack of it at that time. Suffice it to say that we were properly and legally “gripped,” “pinned” and pledged to stand by each other until the stars should fall and the earth be rolled together as a scroll. The never-omitted banquet then received our undivided attention, and the new feeling of sisterhood added greatly to our enjoyment. The merry songs, lightsome jests, bright prospects and plans made us feel truly that, “ Whatever tie may bind, we none can dearer find, None can ever stronger, happier be, So let me live till heaven’s sweet boon of life’s withdrawn from me, Held by the golden chain of K. A. T.” It was not until the first streaks of dawn warned us that there is always a next morning, that we sought our couches for a short time and exchanged converse for dreams. And the great transaction was done. We had now an object in our college friendship, which we declared to the world by the badge we so eagerly donned. College life assumed new pleasures and new aims. That experience you have all realized; your parties, oyster-suppers, sleigh-rides, bus-rides, etc., differed from ours only in time and place; the same spirit has touched us all and made us kin. How well remembered is our first party. It was, we thought, the grandest affair ever given in the city, and our friends were too generous to disabuse our minds of such a prejudiced opinion. The commodious home of Miss Watson was thrown open to one hundred of our friends, whom we entertained to the best of our ability with the usual evening amusements. It was one of the poet’s lovely June nights, and the large, brilliantly lighted lawn afforded delightful promenades, while a few availed themselves of the arbors and settees. The very house bore the insignia of Theta, black and gold streamers floated from the chandeliers, festoons in colors and emblems adorned the walls and drapery. The loyalty to their order shown by these abundant expressions of fraternal feeling, has ever characterized the charter members of Kappa, and to-day they are as truly and heartily Thetas as on that June evening five years ago, when they bade their guests “good night” long after the candles had burned out and “ the clock in the steeple struck three.” From March until the following September, we had no additions to our number, but soon after the opening of the fall term we held our first initiation, and since that time we have taken in twenty-seven young ladies, making a total of forty for this chapter. Six of our charter members are married, one of our brightest and sweetest sisters “ tired and lay down to rest,” her place we can never hope to fill, we can only linger fondly over her memory and regret that her short life was so soon rounded with a sleep. Considering the entire chapter there has been ten marriages, making an average of two for each year since our establishment.
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1%8 Reminiscences of Kappa . We have had a hall for meeting for more than two years, and now have it very comfortably furnished. We enjoy the feeling of ownership which accompanies all such ventures, and would be supremely happy if we could purchase a piano. There are very few of us who have any musical educa¬ tion, but with the assistance of an instrument to keep us in time and in tune, we could at least sing, “For Kappa Alpha Theta I would lay me down and dee.” “ Our share too, of troubles, we’ve had,” but since it is mere politeness for one to keep his trials to himself, we will not relate our many struggles for peace, place and supremacy. To be sure we have been drawn up in battle array with our captains and colonels ready to do and die, to shed, if need be, innocent tears for the sake of the altar tires on the Greek hearthstone. We have struck too, not “while the Irons’ hot,” not for higher wages; like the Knights, we scarce knew what for, but our difficulties were always settled amicably and each one mounted her engine and steamed off onto another track, leaving as a trace of the trouble only the curling smoke which soon vanished as she disappeared in the distance of her new endeavor. Lest we should appear presumptious by saying too much of ourselves, we will retire from publicity, and as a woman’s name should appear in print but twice, having made one appearance (though not in a marriage notice), we will keep silent evermore, and ask some kind friend to write up our obituary, reminding them of the old law of death for anything uncom¬ plimentary said of the departed. We trust that our little emblem will continue to sail through the upper spheres as peacefully as it has done, reflecting upon its golden surface only the faith which we pledged it, the aims and true womanhood to which we aspire. Faithfully, Kappa.
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Editorial. m SdUoriai^ O' The present number completes Volume I, of Kappa Alpha Theta. The first number of Volume II, will be issued about the 1st of June, that month in most colleges sacred to Commencement. As the magazine will be partially, if not entirely, under new editorial management, and as the last few weeks are nearly always hurried and busy ones, it will be well to make early preparations for the June number. In a sense this should be a prophetic number. Please let us have, as far as possible, accounts of Com¬ mencement appointments, honors and so forth; such reports have so much more interest in season than in the following autumn. We will not pause and felicitate or commiserate ourselves on our successes or failures. Our delegate to the Convention says she heard nothing but approval and satis¬ faction. Perhaps it w ould have been better if she had heard some criticism so that we might have profited thereby, but no one knows better where improvements might be made than do the editors. In respect to these personages, it is but fair to say that they have showm an admirable capacity for hard work, but it is, perhaps, unnecessary to add that their work has not been of that genus closely allied to genius. Some of our exchanges speak of chapter correspondence, alumnae notes and personals as the “mainstays” of all our numbers. We cannot do more than quote this opinion. Special correspondents deserve praise for their promptness and faithfulness. May the Kappa Alpha Theta improve until it is one of the very best of fraternity publications, and may succeeding volumes have all the merits and none of the defects of Volume I, is the hope of all who have labored for its success. One result of too zealous ambition for a fraternity, and a result really wrorthy of criticism, and even censure, is that tendency to take all the honors fairly or unfairly won. Some fraternities are determined to be * represented on all occasions, whether their demands are at all reasonable or not. This spirit drags down all fraternities and colleges in which it is allowed full sway. It is but a phase of college politics, and springs largely from close competition. A fraternity may frequently claim pre-eminence in some directions, but rarely in all. In a college containing several f rater-
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ISO Editorial . nities it is highly improbable that any one fraternity will, at all times, be superior in all respects. Of course it is difficult to make a very effectual opposition to this false standard. It seems natural, and some times neces¬ sary, to do as the Romans do when we are in Rome; still we believe the members of any one fraternity may successfully attempt reformation if they adopt right methods and are content to wait for the desired results. Kappa Alpha Tiieta has surely accomplished one of the ends antici¬ pated from the beginning. It has promoted acquaintance among the chapters, and between members of the chapters. This more intimate knowledge of each chapter and of the details of its surroundings, is due to chapter letters chiefly. A year ago we were very partial to literary produc¬ tions, but the experience of the last few months has caused a change of opinion in regard to the place they should occupy in a fraternity publication. The fact that nearly all our exchanges make the literary department of comparatively little important is not without influence, although this example does not, of course, necessarily form any precedent for us. Still it is but natural to suppose that such similarily of action is not without some good cause. The objection urged by many that their own college papers, literary societies, and so forth, would claim all the literary work they could possibly prepare, does not seem to us of so great importance, for we must remember that what has been spoken or printed in one college is still new in another. But it does not seem best to request literary contributions from our special correspondents, unless in so doing we consult a very decided preference. Articles of a more general character give us a much better idea of the writer and usually please a greater number of readers. We wish our correspondents would relate some of their experiences and adventures, and so give to their writing a personal interest. Essays «>r orations, associated with some particular occasion, are always interesting. Finally, we thank our correspondents for the papers they have sent us during the year, and assure them that their efforts have been appreciated. Almost every literary or social organization has within its rank some few who seem to think it both a duty and delight to Increase the member¬ ship of that society. The moral to the old fable receives from them a revised translation. In numbers there is strength, is their watchword. Fraternities are no exception to the general rule. How frequently a frater¬ nity that boasts too much of its numerical strength has no other strength worthy of mention, or at least is surpassed in many ways by rival fraterni¬ ties having a smaller membership. Other things being equal, numbers
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Editorial. 131 generally give a fraternity the advantage, but we seldom see these condi¬ tions fulfilled. A large membership has very many disadvantages, of which the most important arises from the fact that it is difficult to obtain such a membership, except from incongruous, if not inferior, elements. The same feeling that prompts to an enlargement of membership urges the extension of chapters. This is not a wise policy, although it may some times seem a pleasant one. These remarks have no local or particular, but a general application. They were partially ready for publication before the Convention. Moreover our delegate gave a most enthusiastic account of all in attendance at that assembly. We would merely urge a prudent conservatism in the extension of chapters and in the enlargement of their membership. What Oliver Wendall Homes would call conceit in young people, a recent writer, more charitably and probably more justly, terms enthusiasm and self-confidence. He goes on to say that nearly everybody is interested in the development of youthful minds and latent talents. They who have reached, or passed the prime of life, are amused, but still encouraged by the rose-colored visions of youth. Where they have, perhaps, hoped and failed, it still seems possible for others to succeed. Probably no class of young people is more open to the charge of conceit than that made up of college students. Not that they are really any more conceited than other people, but they are more used to the expression of their ideas. And now the season approaches when they will again have an opportunity to present to the people a vast array of facts and fancies. In a few months the newspapers will be filled with accounts of graduation exercises. In all our colleges preparations are being made for those closing days of the year. Very much is anticipated from these last days. No one should wish to take from the student the glory and honor of Commencement Day, for, as one of our university magazines philosophically states it, a Commencement appointment means three months’ labor and fifteen minutes honor. Neither should any one make fun of the youthful orator, unless he is more than ordinarily amusing. It is highly probable that he knows he is advancing some foolish ideas and impossible theories. If he does not think so himself he knows that everybody else does— which amounts to the same thing. We all know how much, or how little, is expected of the “sweet girl graduate.” But those simple essays, full of pretty adjectives, although they still furnish abundant material for the humorist, are really going out of fashion. Indeed, we believe it is not now considered absolutely necessary that every young woman should tie her oration with ribbon. This surely means progress.
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Exchanges. 132 SxchanM. The official organ of Delta Kappa Epsilon represents one of the oldest and best college fraternities. There is strength and prestige in the very name of A K E. The magazine is a quarterly, containing all the depart¬ ments of general fraternity literature and excellently edited. The tie which binds to earth each fair wearer of the kite, as the editor pleasantly expresses it, is a golden chain composed of many links, each link the exponent of our friendships, our pleasures and our aspirations. We are most happy to say, with their consent, that one shining link is engraved with the Greek letters ARE. The Arrow , of I. C., published in February, presents a pleasing appear¬ ance, and seems to have attained the “true inwardness” of a fraternity paper. The account of the convention, with its reports and notes, is very interesting and complete, occupying the greater part of the book. The Parthian Shafts are well written and spirited. The following “ feminine Greek gossip” is considered worthy of editorial notice: “ There arc two bits of feminine Greek gossip that are not yet officially announced but whose truth can be depended upon and as such here they are : Delta Gamma has entered Ann Arbor with a chapter of some size and considerable merit. But as some come others go, and the Ann Arbor chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta resignes her charter. This has been one of Kappa’s finest chapters, but there seems to be— “ A little rift within the lute That widening, soon shall make its music mute.” We are a little surprised that unauthenticated reports should be pub¬ lished in the editorial columns, and will state to the Arrow , that the Ann Arbor chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta did not resign her charter. We will address the editor of the Golden Key as Miss Taylor, fearing any other form might in some way be considered “making a bid for a title;” possibly “ Miss ” will be too feminine to suit her masculine ideas, but we will run the risk. The Kappa Alpha Tiieta considers it “ worth the candle ” to at least remind Miss Taylor that, while satiracal remarks are appropriate in regard to the cover of our magazine if she is not suited, ordinary politeness should prevent her remarks concerning the “ black bordered death notices in our first number.” Perhaps Miss Taylor cannot understand the feeling of sincere sorrow with which we had such a short time before followed our dear sister and friend to a grave which our loving hands lined with the pure white flowers of spring. We could not so easily forget one who had been
Page 19
Exchanges. 133 closely and tenderly associated with us since the establishment of our chapter, and if, as we said before, Miss Taylor could not appreciate our willingness to devote a little space to “ black bordered death notices,” the common courtesy of life should cause her to respect our grief — to at least pass it in silence. We must say, that on reading the exchanges in the Key , we felt very much like Oliver Wendall Holmes’ Scheherazade, and were very thankful, indeed, that, unlike her, our living did not depend upon the reception of our articles. We think that the editor of the Key might follow in the foot¬ steps of the above named author with profit, and be a little lenient toward girls just entering the field of literature. We are very glad to know that Miss Taylor does not consider us “objects of charity,” if we were we greatly fear she would “take away even that which we had,” if it was “ business.” She has given us her version of the “golden rule,” which we suppose bars the door that “opens but to golden keys,” and we will act for this time upon the revised version. The “cordial welcome,” given us in connection with the other new magazines, is all that the “puzzling editorial” requested, and we are sur¬ prised that a young lady of Miss Taylor’s evident j>enetration could not solve the riddle. We will thank the Key on behalf of our worthy printer, who seems to be the only one capable of giving entire satisfaction. Miss Taylor, we imagine in future years attired a la I)r. Mary Walker, since she “does not care whether she is masculine or feminine,” and as she seems so opposed to feminine appellations, we judge that her preferences are decidedly masculine. We suppose she would be a “stunning character” in taking one of the heavy parts of the dramatized Quarterly novel, and presume she would be “no end jolly.” She feared she might frighten the Star at id Orescent into spasms, with her rendition of “Ila! ltodrigo, I will foil thee yet! ” Should not wonder if she would. We know we should hide behind the Star and Crescent until the expected effect was 'produced, and then fright would compel us to require a “black bordered death notice,” or to borrow the Beta Theta Pi Pegasus and dash away to the wo >ds. We would be glad to forget by “honest review,” or “just criticism,” but if the weapon of warfare is to be determined and merciless ridicule, we will simply encase ourselves in the armor of silence , add trust that we will not be “ perforated like the spectators at an amateur archery match,” by the deadly missiles aimed at us from the barracks of K K r.
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Selected. 134 (Selected. It, therefore, becomes apparent that college fraternities exert influences which frequently extend to an entire life. Responsibilities devolve upon them which they cannot escape. They havg an account to give for the manner in which their stewardship is discharged. Is it not, then, important that these influences should be beneficially exerted? That the mission they have to perform should be of a high and inspiring character? That, as they grow, year by year, into larger proportions, their importance as a means for the extension of social, intellectual and moral good should keep pace with their development, and that, by their example and purpose, they should gain and retain the respect of the college world. Organized prima¬ rily for the promotion of good feeling among students, it certainly seems that its opportunities' for usefulness are still worthier, and, were it necessary to formulate the true mission of a college socret society, it might well be said that it is to brighten and vivify academic existence; to make college days radiant with royal cheer; to foster friendships which shall last for life; to promote the happiness and the good of every member, and to so act as to win for itself universal esteem. To those to whom the college bell has rung for the last time; to whom the campus and the elm are no longer realities, except as they form green spots in memory; to those who have exchanged the cap and gown of student days for the uniform of the soldier in life’s actual battle — the duties of the class-room for the curriculum of the pulpit, the bed-side, the bar, or the stock-board; to the graduate members who have flown out of the nest and are bent upon a long flight, but which will likely prove a weary one before accomplished, our society sends a missive: She bids you God-speed in your duties and your soaring, but she would • remind you that neither fame nor gold can take the place of genial fellow¬ ship, or preserve the heart fresh and green. She ventures to suggest that, as life at best is short and fleeting, you pause at times to review the lessons she taught you before spreading the wing, and keep alive that heavenly spark, the soul, by the cultivation of your friendships. She hopes that, although you may have somewhat outgrown your fondness for her as displayed in your college days, you still entertain for her some of the attachment you then professed; and she wishes for you, one and all, lives of usefulness, with prosperity, and a future which shall prove as pleasant as the days of “ Auld lang syne!”— Chi Phi Quarterly .
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Selected. 135 Fraternity Government. AY hat food for study could be found in the open books of fraternities! How much might be learned, what peculiarities marked in each! Their aims, their requirements, their laws, how different! Their governments, too, how radically dissimilarl But from the very nature of Greek-letter fraternities this must largely end in conjecture. The doors are shut, and move only at an “Open Sesame” from a member. The investigator of fraternity government, however, may learn much in other ways. Some do not see to keep their systems from the world. But it is from sentences culled here and there, the noting of unguarded expressions and other forms of fragmentary knowledge, that one must look for information in discussing this question. History repeats itself in fraternities. Political tendencies in the secret world have fairly mimicked the tendencies in the world of nations. Looking back to the early days of the fraternity system we see a weak government — under-graduates wholly in control. No other system was then possible. Unlike Topsy, fraternities had to be born. Even those that sought strength in honorary elections, vested the control of affairs in active members. The weakness of exclusive management by under-graduates is apparent. Few have wisdom at twenty-one, or even at twenty-five. The head of government was changing continually from chapter to chapter. The ruler of last year would find it hard to become the subject of this. What respect could the Grand chapter, the Alpha chapter — call it by whatever name you will — receive under such a system. Its rule would be little more than a name. These considerations, and such as these, have led many fraternities to completely change their constitutions. Few now cling to this primitive system. Control by the alumni undoubtedly presents fewer difficulties, and yet its merits are not such as warrant its general adoption. It is strong where the other is weak. Graduate officers must of necessity command respect from their under-graduate brethren. Their larger experience would give to the government more of strength and unity. Yet in the majority of cases the very ones upon whom such a burden might safely be imposed, are those whose professional or business engagements would render the acceptance of such a trust impossible. What are some of these plans of government? One of our friends has suffered long under the Grand chapter system, which, be it said, he acknowledges to be imperfect. What we have said of the pernicious effect of under-graduate control applies here. Each convention placed the power in new and untried hands. In the language of political science it was an elective monarchy. History has demonstrated the failure of such a governmental system. Experience has shown to more than one fraternity that it is equally a failure in society life. Still less may be said of that system which makes the mother chapter the perpetual seat of government.
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136 Selected . No words are needed to prove its weakness. A grand council of alumni can hardly be called the ideal system. Exclusive alumni control, it should be remembered, virtually disenfranchises the active members. The fact, however, that there is an experienced head to the government in the person of the president of the council must not be overlooked. When, as we interpret the system of a certain fraternity, the presidents of divisions bind the alumni board of control closely to the under-graduates, little fault can be found with its solution of the problem. The system of a governing committee, composed of both under-graduates and alumni, has been tried. One of the latter as chairman of the board is ostensibly the head of the fraternity. Prominent alumni may be elected to nominal offices, but the executive control rests in the mixed board. This seems to be the coming system, and many fraternities have already adopted it. It unites in one board representatives of the two great divisions of a fraternity. Power is centralized where the experience of the older brother can balance and check the enthusiasm of his younger associate. The bond between alumnus and collegian is drawn closer. Inherent faults and defects every plan must have in a greater or less degree. Nevertheless, as we look around among the scores of fraternities, we cannot but feel that this system and systems closely allied to it, are destined to stand in fraternity history where stands the republican form of government in the history of the greater world.— Purple and Gold,
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Chapter Correspondence. 137 &hafoht l&oUe&fo ondeme^ BETA. University of Indiana , Bloomington , Indiana . Dear Sisters:— You certainly will welcome a few lines from a college town on the L. N. A. & C. railroad, not far from Indianapolis. Here may be seen, mingled together, in all their phases, youth, age, beauty and intel¬ lect. K A 0 is not behind in any of them. Fraternity, meaning a brotherhood, includes also the sisters, that is in the meaning of this word. We may say mankind includes womankind; it surely must, as our fraternity admits no man except upon occasions, when, by special invitation, he may be allowed to break bread with us; or through his own kindly feeling toward the girls, possibly some particular girl, he is received at our outer door. He asks if Maud, Ella, Emma or Grace have company home, sometimes kind enough to take under his care several young ladies, and then again only one, seeming to think that two is com¬ pany, three is a crowd. At any rate, a nice thing of evenings when the stars only give us light. Some few, at odd times, have experienced a lonely home-going when it seemed we did not even have light from the stars. Since the great fire of ’83, we have the Wylie, Owen and Maxwell halls erected in the eastern part of the city. Another will be built in ’87. Indiana University now stands in a beautiful grove of twenty acres, where students were once wont to go to practice speeches, the thought and eloquence of which was to turn a world. But the old main building is still at the foot of College avenue. That is home to the old girls and boys, who come back to their Alma Mater , which stands as a monument of the happiest days their lives ever knew. In the old buildings K A 0 pronounced herself as having come to stay. Theta holds her place high in rank, looked upon as something above the ordinary. Among her number, which is a goodly one, are poetesses, writers, mathmeticians and chemists. One of our girls is making a specialty of chemistry, and would rather anything almost happen her than to get a low grade, hence is always excellent. We are not taking in any new members now, as our number is already large. We have two red headed girls who show temper sometimes, but know well how to control it. Their sense is acute; their feeling for others always considerate, and they are quite an addition to us in strength of character.
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138 Chapter Correspondence . We have girls whose black eyes sparkle with joy, and when sorrow comes are not ashamed of the tears which moisten them. Then there are the delicate fair haired backward blondes, who hold us in check and keep us from going at too rapid a pace, all kinds belong to our make-up; a large number working in harmony. Beta sends love to her sister chapters, wishing them long life, health and happiness. Yours, M. E. H. THETA. Simpson Centenary College , Indianola , Iowa. Dear Sisters:— Theta chapter has had a very pleasant term’s work thus far. There has been a greater degree of interest, in the fraternity at large, caused by the meeting of the G. C. Our delegate, Miss Grace Ellen- wood, returned from the meeting with glowing reports of the various chapters there represented, and we feel as though we were brought into closer fellowship with our sister chapters. Simpson has had a good enrollment of students this term. Her pros¬ pects grow brighter and brighter. Miss Jay is the latest member of the faculty. She is an L. F. V. Her work is very satisfactory, and she is well liked by all. The K K r have been doing quite active work in securing new members. We have three of the six lady members of the Senior class, Mrs. Allie Butler and Birtha Todd from the Music Department, and we feel quite proud of our members. Grace Ellenwood and Cornelia Saleno, members of the faculty, are Thetas. A number of letters from old Thetas prove that she is not soon for- gottten, and the ties that unite us are not easily broken. Long may Theta live in harmony and prosperity. Fannie A. Perkins. IOTA. Cornell University , Ithica , New York. To her sister chapters, through the columns of the journal. Iota sends greeting. In this letter she would fain tell you something about the literary work that her members are doing. The present plan of work was only recently adopted, so that as yet its results can hardly be foretold; but it promises to be so satisfactory that to describe its workings, so far as it has been, perfected, may not seem inappropriate. The work is apportioned to com¬ mittees, each member serving upon one of the committees. The committee on literature consists of two members, that on music of two, that on art of three, that on the drama of one, that on education of one, et cetera. Each committee arranges for itself the character of the work to be presented in its particular department, having the privilege to call upon
Page 25
Chapter Correspondence. 139 the other committees for assistance whenever necessary. This privilege is especially accorded to the young lady who has charge of the drama. Two or more of these committees are appointed to report at each meeting and there furnish the literary part of the entertainment. At one of our meetings the committee on the drama gave a report upon Henry Irving’s presentation of “Faust,” while on literature one of the committee gave a sketch of Thomas De Quincey’s life, and the other read extracts from his essays. Our former method was that of having a committee appointed at the beginning of the term, whose duty it was to arrange all the literary work for the term and to apportion them as it deemed best. We had become dissatisfied with this method, and this winter we decided to adopt the plan of work above described. We are very much pleased with the change, although we are only nicely started with the new system. It has one decided advantage over the old plan of work, which, we think, deserves especial mention, namely: that each member is enabled to pursue that line of investigation in the literary world in which she is most interested, and there is, therefore, greater enthusiasm in the work and better results are secured. With earnest wishes for the future prosperity of Kappa Alpha Theta as a fraternity, and with the same wish for each chapter and each individual member. Iota. KAPPA. University of Kansas , Lawrence , Kansas. Dear Girls:— So much has happened since the publication of our last journal that I know not where to begin in writing this letter. Our chapter has been doing very little in some ways— in others, a great deal. At the close of the first session of this term, we lost one of our best members. Sister Fannie Pratt was obliged to leave school on account of poor health. The last Friday she was with us Sister Ilattie Haskell gave us an elegant lunch party. Hattie lives just at the edge of town, and such fun as we had going. Of course it took us a long time to get started, for you know how every girl will be ready in “just a minute,” but after awhile the last girl was stowed in and then it took only a short time to reach the residence of J. G. Haskell. There we found Sisters Julia Nicholson, Kate Ridenour, Alice Bartell and Mamie Hudson, who had come to the party. The after¬ noon was spent in usual fashion, for all know what is done at K A O parties. In the evening the Phi Kappa Psis came in a body to bid their loyal friend good-bye. As a token of esteem they presented her with a lovely silver card-case. After favoring us with a few excellent selections by their orchestra, dancing commenced, and was kept up till eleven o’clock, when “ all aboard,” ringing out on the night air, reminded us that we must go
Page 26
Chapter Correspondence , no some time. And not till good-night had been said and we were on the way to our homes, could we realize that the last evening with one dear sister was gone — that to-morrow she would meet with us for the last time this year — and oh! dear, we’re so sorry Fannie is going home. At Topeka, on the 12th of March, was held the State Oratorical Contest. The boys were going, about one hundred strong, to put our delegate through in good shape. The girls thought if the boys went they could, and a party of thirteen (six Thetas), was soon gotten up. Two ladies were persuaded to go as chaperons, (not that they were needed (?) but for the looks, you know). We left Lawrence a few minutes past twelve and reached Topeka a little over an hour later. The city was full of students— six colleges being represented. During the afternoon we girls visited the State House, Library Buid- ing, Bethany College and numerous stores, art rooms, etc. About half-past six we returned to our rooms, “fixed” for the contest, then went to supper. After that was over, our chaperons stood us in a row, counted us, counted the tickets and started us for the Opera House. We were early, and so had the fun of watching the people come. It seemed so queer to see so many familiar faces in a strange place. Our chancellor and several of the profes¬ sors were there, and looked almost as happy when the contest was over and the judges’ decision, in favor of Cyrus Crane of the University of Kansas, had been rendered, as the students. Mr. Crane will represent the State in the Inter-State Contest to be held here May 6. I wonder if you would be interested in what the other fraternities are doing here, socially ? The boys have been pretty gay this winter. The Phi Gamma Deltas give “ hops ” every two weeks. These are informal affairs, but exceedingly pleasant. All the boys who attend are splendid dancers; their hall is lovely, especially so for dancing, and the evenings spent there are always delightful’ The Phi Kappa Psis also have parties every two weeks. Sometimes devoted to cards, at others to dancing. They gave an elegant party on their tenth anniversary. The Betas have only given three parties since the Xmas vacation, but they made up in quality what they lack in number. Their hall is very pleasant and beautifully furnished. The Phi Delta Thetas gave their first party the 26th of March. It was a great success, and dll the girls went home hoping it would not be the Phi’s last party. The Sigma Xus have had one party. I have only spoken of the parties to which the girls were invited. The I. Cs. have had a good many “grubs,” and have just given one of the most pleasant “ character” parties ever given in Lawrence. The Sigma Chis, Kappa Kappa Gammas and the K A 0s, have been doing nothing in the way of entertaining.
Page 27
Chapter Correspondence . 1^1 One of our most popular professors, L. W. Spring, leaves the University this year to accept a position in Williams College. My letter is getting too long. Next time you hear from us we will have more to tell about ourselves. Yours in K A e, K. B. W. LAMBDA. University of Vermont , Burlington , Vermont . We are looking forward to the coming of another copv of the journal, and that brings to mind the fact that we must send you a chapter letter. What shall we say to you? Affairs at the University of Vermont are moving quietly on, but the monotony will soon be broken by the coming term examinations, and the spring vacation of two weeks, which is to be the last vacation for five of Lambda’s members. It is yet too early to tell you anything about Commencement or our plans for the June spread. We are just at that transition period, both of season and of events, when noth¬ ing of especial interest is happening. At present the Sophomores have just had their anxious minds relieved by the appointments for the Sophomore Exhibition, which takes place with us annually at the end of the winter term. Old Vermont is still covered with her winter blanket of snow, and from our recitation room windows we can see on the east the Green Mountains with their white peaks, while to the west the city lies at our feet, and across the icy surface of Lake Champlain stand the Adirondacks, shutting off all further view. Come to our live o’clock recitation and watch the sunset, and we think you will acknowledge that Dame Nature has especially favored us. E. C. L. MU. Alleghany College , Meadville , Pennsylvania . Dear Thetas:— As the shock felt on account of the meeting at Woos¬ ter gradually wears away and things resume their wonted gaiety after the gloom, we once more send kindly greeting to our journal. During the present term the greater part of the Commencement honors have been allotted. Of these our sisters have received their share. Miss Virginia Miller is President of the Senior Class; Miss Nain Jones received the Ladder Oration honor, and Miss Mae Goff received the Commencement honor, given by Ossoli Literary Society. Since our last report, we have taken among us Miss Marie Fishburn, as our second pledged member. On the evening of February 27, we were very pleasantly entertained by the members of the A 0 fraternity in their new rooms. We shall long remember their kindness upon that and other occasions.
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Chapter Correspondence. 11*2 The contest for the Chesbrough Kecitation Prize was one of unusual interest. There. were seven contestants, all of unusual merit. The prize was awarded to Miss Virginia Miller, one of our Seniors. We were proud of all our girls. On the last evening of this winter term we expect to give a reception to all the fraternities represented in college. We trust it will be a success. During the term we have been trying to improve our room, and hope to do something more in that line next term. We are altogether as pros¬ perous and happy as is permitted to mortals. Yours in Theta, Harriot Heitze.
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Alumna. Letters. US 4 JUumnm North Bloomfield, Onio. Dear Sisters: — I suppose it was some crusty old fellow, strongly opposed to woman’s rights, who once wrote: “A woman’s name should appear in print but twice; when she is married, and when she dies.” lie evidently had not taken into consideration the fact that there are many of us ’lorn females who will never be privileged to see our names in the first manner, and it will be most uninteresting for us when the latter notice appears. As this desire for the glory of appearing “in print” must be satisfied in some way, a few of us must enter the field of journalism. I frankly acknowledge that the aforesaid “ glory,” was the bait held out to me by the sister of Mu chapter, requesting an alumnae letter. That, however, was not the only inducement; a strong fraternity feeling prompts me to sacrifice my ease and attempt this arduous task. With this lengthy preamble, I am supposed to enter upon a dissertation as to the thoughts and feelings of an alumna. Pardon me if it take the form of an experience meeting and savor of egotism. I can only indulge in a few remarks, which you will realize as true, when you become alumnae. The short time I have been away from the regular meetings has only served to strengthen the fraternity bonds and deepen my interest in frater¬ nity affairs. All the little differences of opinion, which invariably come up in a large chapter, are forgotton or overlooked, and only the good qualities of each sister remembered. As we grow older, we can, of course, see very many ways in which our chapter meetings might have been improved ; but so far as the social part is concerned, there could have been no improve¬ ment. The numerous “ spreads,” both on large and small scales, and many other occasions of festivity, were all conducive to that jovial harmonious spirit, without which a fraternity might as well non esty as it is in all but name. It* is, indeed, the remembrance of the good old times, and the dear old friends, that makes the “ black and gold ” the emblem of happiness, and twines about the name of Kappa Alpha Theta a wreath in which every flower whispers, “ I love, I love.” With only the best wishes for Theta. * Clara Snyder, Mu%
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Alumnce Letters . lJ^Jf La Costilla, New Mexico. Sisters in Kappa Alpha Tiieta:— The January number of our journal has just found its way through the snowdrifts to Northern New Mexico. The black and gold, together with the familiar names, are like a little bit of home; and although you may scarcely credit it, anything which savors of home is not usually scorned “away out in the West.” La Costilla, the Rib, is a thoroughly Mexican town of nearly a thousand inhabitants, but after the manner of Mexican settlements. Costilla has dotted itself down along the river of the same name, forming three or four separate “ plazas.” We are in the great San Luis Park, the “ Sunny San Luis,” which com¬ prises about eight thousand square miles of snow, just now — sagebrush and sand at other times. Rut the air is pure, the sky is softly blue, and the mountains are like incandescent metal, with their snow mantle in the white sunlight; altogether, there are many compensations for the hardships of the West. Visiting is the popular pastime with the Mexicans, and of course, la Maeslra and la Maestrita are not without many social obligations, which they find sometimes very pleasant and often very amusing. Notwith¬ standing the fact that we are “poor mission teachers.” subject to all kinds of deprivation — mails only twice a week, for example — we manage to extract any amount of fun from our surroundings. Visits of curiosity are in “good form” here. At first I received many of these complimentary attentions. About three words constituted my vocabulary, but I could understand many of their comments. “The young lady seems contented,” “So large for her age,” and kindred remarks. One very old woman, with a face as wrinkled and dark as a mummy’s, peered at me from the rusty black folds of her shawl and sighed pathetically, “ Poor child, so far from her mother!” I endorsed her sentiment. We soon returned the visit — “we,” being the principal of the mission school and myself, her one assistant. Crossing the small court — plazita — we entered a room in the long, low adobe building. A large fireplace — fogon — was the only indication that the room was intended for a dwelling place, as it was entirely unfurnished. Knocking at a small green-painted door, we admitted ourselves in response to the loud “Entre!” from within. Our aged friend sprang lightly from her sheep-skin mat upon the floor to welcome us. Having silenced the howling of a small dog and small child, she brought forth a rough wooden chair and a low bench for us and replaced herself upon the mat, and while she gratified her curiosity I did the best possible for mine. The light from the two very small windows, looking upon the plazita, disclosed a long, narrow room, ceiled with cottonwood saplings, a coat of smoke and dust as a substitute for their natural bark. The earthen floor was smooth from long use. Skins of sheep and goat were spread here and there, in front of and beside the fogon, by the beds
Page 31
Alumnce Letters . 145 and at the doors. The beds, narrow wool mattresses, were ranged in piles against the wall. I wondered at the size of a family, allowing for a chance traveler or two, which would require so great a dream territory; but, as I have since learned, this is the wealth contributed by the women, as pro¬ ducers, to the general estate. No doubt our old friend and her daughter- in-law had washed, carded and spun every ounce of wool in those thick, gray and black blankets covering the mattresses and heaped in the corner. Two or three looking glasses were disposed about the room, evidently as ornaments, being hung too high for use. A small picture-frame, filled with advertisement cards, was the central figure of the end wall. From this, relieved by bright colored tissue paper, a small grimy crucifix hung — the family are staunch Romanists, but very kind to us. At the head of the row of beds used by the family, a larger crucifix supported a rosary and small cross. The fogon in this room, as in all Mexican houses, is a parabola in shape, and is protected from draughts from the door near by, by a low wall, washed with a white-earth solution as the fogon itself has been. The atmosphere of the place was principally odor, weak tobacco and strong mutton in equal parts. Therefore, after as brief a call as courtesy permitted, we made our adieux, an elaborate performance, and finally escaped, our hostess accompanying us to the plazita. The Mexicuns are a kind, good-humored people, rather thrifty than otherwise. The children are bright and teachable, quick at memorizing, but wanting in originality. We teach English altogether, and some of them use the language quite readily. Their pathetic faces, when sharply reproved, are truly amusing, they peep so penitently from under their long, silky lashes. Rut alas! there must be a lens of high magnifying power between their actual feelings and their faces — they have the most won¬ derful faculty of “doing it over” when the rule is not enforced by the ruler. Sisters, my interest in Theta is as strong, and my heart is as warm toward her, out here among the mountains, as it ever was in my Indiana home. May our journal ever hold the place it has gained in fraternity literature. Just here, my principal suggests that I entertain the next con¬ vention of Kappa Alpha Theta, adding, “if we cannot receive them in the house we can upon the roof! ” So most cordially, for my part, I extend the invitation to you — to meet in Costilla. Fraternally, Crissie Gilchrist, ’85.
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Alumna. Notes. U6 JUumnm jf'oMQ ’85— Ina Kischer, Theta, returned from a visit in Ohio, and spent a few days in Indianola before her departure to her new home in Kansas City, Mo. ’83— Susie Stivers, Theta, is still teacher in the high school at Osceola, Iowa. ’83— Mrs. Clara Dobson, Theta, lives in Dexter, Iowa. ’81— Bertha Morrison, Theta, is teaching music and painting in the college at Central City, Nebraska. ’82— Lizzie Wilder, Kappa, visited Lawrence on the 24th ult. ’85— Lydia Wood, Mu, is teaching at Chester Springs, Chester county, Pennsylvania. ’85— Blanch McGough, Mu, is teaching school at Oil City, Pennsylvania. ’84— Anna I. Mastin, Alpha, taught Latin last year in a girls’ boarding school at Xenia, Ohio, and is now taking a post graduate course in French at Greencastle, Indiana. ’81— Mrs. Chas. Harris, nee McCalla, a graduate of Indiana University, class ’81, has returned to her home in Vincennes, after an extended visit with relatives and friends in Bloomington, Indiana. ’74— Miss Laura J. Henley, Beta, is teaching in Itushville, Indiana. ’81— Mrs. George T. Nicholson, Kappa, has just returned from a trip to California. ’84— Mrs. Scott Hopkins, Kappa, will be in Lawrence next week. ’83— Eleanor Igleheart, Alpha, has been spending the winter sight¬ seeing in California. She is now at Pasadena. ’83— Miss Etta Graham, of Itushville, Indiana, was married February 10, 1886, to Mr. Charles Ditmers, of Franklin, Indiana. Mrs. Ditmers is a member of Beta chapter and class ’83 of Indiana University. May peace and happiness attend them, is the wish of Theta.
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Personals. H7 Tiieta. Hattie Fink and Emma Crew are teaching at Stuart, Iowa. Eugenia Chapman is teaching music in Des Moines, Iowa. Mrs. Allie Rawles is living in Indianola. lluie McGee spent several weeks in Council Bluffs visiting. Ella Olmsted has been teaching school this year. Bershie Long, one of the “ old girls,” is in college again. Sallie Walkden leaves college this term to teach school. We hope to have her with us next year. Mu. Miss May Follmer, Oil City, Pa., spent several days at Hillings, the guest of Nani Jones. Miss Nell Scott, ’86, left college on account of poor health. We expect her back next term. Miss Mary Fishburn and Miss Florence Sullivan have both been sick, but are both improving. Beta. Miss Florence Hughes, of Beta chapter, spent a few weeks recently visiting friends in Cincinnati. Married — At the Kirkwood Avenue Christian Church, Bloomington, Indiana, Wednesday morning, December 23, 1885, Miss Emma Baxter to Mr. Edgar Michener, of Connersville, Indiana. Mr. Michener is a member of the r A fraternity. Kappa. Alice G. Noble will soon leave for Dallas, Texas, where she will make her future home. It is writh sincere regret that we congratulate her future Texas friends on such an accession to their circle. Alice has always been loyal and an honor to the badge she wears. We doubt not that she will do all she can to make for Theta a high reputation in the “ Lone Star State.” Alice Bartell has been visiting in Abilene, Kansas. Hattie B. Haskell will attend Wellesley next year. May Webster, Telia Chapman, Ella and Emma Bartell, Luella Moore and Kate Wilder attended the State Oratorical Contest at Topeka. Maud Thrasher has been quite ill, but is improving.
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Resolutions. HH SC&oiuUmtiQ Whereas, Oar merciful and loving Father has, in his infinite wisdom, removed from our midst to a place in the beautiful home above, our most beloved sister, Mrs. Laura B. Humphreys, and, Whereas, We fully realize that our golden chain has lost one of its brightest links, and that in her death a vacancy has been made which time can never fill, and therefore be it Resolved , That in the death of Mrs. Humphreys, Delta Chapter, Kappa Alpha Theta has lost one of her most honored members, a woman of pure, noble character and true Christian life, and be it Resolved , That these resolutions be given proper publication, a copy be sent to the bereaved family, and we again wear the crape mingled with the gold. Maud Pillsbury, Mamie Caldwell, Bloomington, Ill., January 26, 1886. Committee .
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Contents. U 19 CONTENTS. PAGE. Meeting of the Grand Chapter . 117 Lambda and Kappa . 120 San Diego, California . 122 Reminiscences of Kappa . 126 Editorial . 129 Exchanges . I32 Selected . 131 Chapter Correspondence: 137 Beta, University of Indiana; Theta, Simpson Centenary College; Iota, Cornell University; Kappa, University of Kansas; Lambda, University of Vermont; Mu, Alleghany College. Alumnae Letters . 113 Alumnae Notes . 116 Personals . 117 Resolutions . 116
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150 Advertisements. Kappa Alpha Theta Hr ZEJATEIRY VARIETY. Best in Quality. Finest in Finish. Manufactured by Official Jeweler to the Fraternity, 19 JOHN STREET, NEW YORK.