Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 4 no. 1
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JANUARY, 1890. /i\ KAPPA ALPHA THETA • JOURNAL. ' A QUARTERLY, PUBLISHED BY UPSILON CHAPTER, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS. • 7 VOL. IV., NO. i. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.: Tribune Job Printing Company. . 1890.
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BOARD OF EDITORS. M. Emma Kemp, . - Managing Editor 703 Fourth St., S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. Helen Tombs, . Literary Department Anna Guthrie, . Exchanges Katherine Comfort, . Alumnae Department Jessie Nicol, - ----- Chapter Letters and Personals Minnie A. Rexford, . Business Manager 329 Sixteenth Ave., S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. CONTENTS. PAGE. Higher Education of Women, . 3 Our Public . 5 Worth, Not Wealth, . 6 Editorials, . 7 Biennial Convention, . 8 Chapter Correspondence, . 11 Personals, . 20 Greek Letter Gossip and Exchanges, . 23
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. VOL. IV. JANUARY, 1890. No. 1. HIGHER EDUCATION OF WOMEN. Dear Colege Girls: — Will you let me tell you what I, as a college -graduate, think of you and your work, now that by another kind of life, I am removed far enough to be a foreign spectator, though still filled with sympathetic interest. Do you wonder that the mother of little children be¬ gins by asking, for what do you strive? Whither do the hours of Greek, Latin and kindred studies tend? As lately as December, 1889, a writer on the higher education of woman in the Fortnightly Review, reprinted in the Popular Science Monthly for December, and previously in the Eclectic Magazine, says that higher educa¬ tion literally unsexes and disqualifies woman for her palpable duties, not a startling because a perfectly familiar note. Whatever his argument may be, you and I could never agree with Grjmt Allen. And yet, while reason dictates that a properly acquired learning could not injure women, morally and physically, more than men, there are some points in regard to the ideas of college women concerning themselves and their methods of gaining edu¬ cation which, in some measure, I wish to criticise. It seems to me that the first consideration in acquiring a liberal educa¬ tion is less to form a store house of facts than to attain to the best control of all our faculties, to acquire the power of discernment and perception, to teach us how to think. Incidentally to such mental discipline, a liberal edu¬ cation will furnish a large amount of knowledge, in history, science, language, mathematics, enough to open up measureless avenues of thought and study, and sufficient to reveal to us our ignorance of the world and its affairs, so that we may begin life humble, yet trained. Do college girls, who as a rule, possess an ambition beyond their powers of realization, take this view? Within my own experience, education has been sought mainly to make for its recipient a passing fame or empty honor, so that the college woman, feeling herself superior, is isolated, to an extent, from women of less exten¬ sive training and lacks sympathy with society at large, certainly a false and unnatural result. This comes, not as the fault of the higher education, but from the troublesome adaptation of a new idea. Year by year the college girl feels more easy in her position, and when, at last, she feels that she is no longer remarkable from the mere fact of a course of study in a university, we shall indeed have a glorious womanhood represented by the college woman freed from the eccentricities, affectations and self consciousness, con¬ spicuous in the past, not wholly extirpated to-day.
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4 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. This ideal college woman is the woman who has been, not only foremost in her class work, but also has maintained a strict watch over personal ap¬ pearance and over social observances, who docs not despise sewing and cooking, and learns those accomplishments herself; who, in the outset of her college career, has but the ambition to qualify herself to the best extent of her talents for a sphere of usefulness in her own community. Like Bal¬ zac’s “ Country Doctor, ” the ttue college girl will be an inspiration and a guiding hand, competent to change the whole atmosphere of her surround¬ ings. In her home what is more valuable than an intelligent, informed, appre¬ ciative mother or sister ? It is just the place for the activities of a cultivated mind, and far from unfitting a girl for duties of home and motherhood the college training ought particularly to fit her tor them. In what way should I accomplish better results from college work? First, by wholesome, better balanced intellectual attainments. Girls cling too closely and conscientiously to routine work, neglectful of the supple¬ mental reading which would develop amazingly the understanding. Girls, do not fail every day for a half hour, at least, to read essays, the best novel¬ ists, Shakspeare, Tennyson, magazine articles, or whatever best suits your individual taste. Without it, you do machine work. Present the result of each day’s reading in discussion at table instead of discussing your previous lesson. I remember on a visit to my Alma Mater, a year ago, what abhorrence I felt at the conduct and conversation of a tableful of students, bqth girls and boys, the converstion consisted of class items or pertained to coming recita¬ tions. However, this was not so reprehensible as the carelessness in tabic manners, due to the lack of supervision at a club table. It made me reflect with some guilt upon my own past student life, and while I had lived in comparatively private quarters, I was forced to admit that I and my asso¬ ciates did dwell mostly upon the current lesson at table, and that generally I felt too eager to return to my books to remain for dessert. Make your intellectual life at college, then, not a mere grind. Moreover, do not neglect your social opportunities. Society is not only necessary for the interchange of ideas, but helps to develop them. Therefore, do not become so absorbed in study that you do not keep up your visiting list. Call often upon your fellow students. Keep one day per week for social obligations. If you belong to a coterie of students whose aim is mutual pleasure and interest (which is a powerful adjunct to your social life in col¬ lege), try to make your society a means of entertainment to your sister stu¬ dents, not an exclusive body whose endeavor is to overshadow and eclipse them. With a little exertion, once a month, at least, a party might be given, at one time a dear old college spread, at another a musicale, an informal dance, a conversagione, at which you could converse upon the topics oi the day, the latest novels, opera music, such subjects as the Concord Authors, Brook, Farm, Geo. Eliot, The Court at Weimar, Jiordano Bruno, or better, just at present, Christopher Columbus. In this manner develop your conversa¬ tional powers, not with set essay or speech, but with impromptu and spon¬ taneous talk. As to the third recommendation, while I know that it is as difficult for
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 5 a girl student to learn cooking in college as for a young man to learn the cabinet maker’s trade, yet the domestic and feminine spirit can be main¬ tained by' attention to the tidiness and attractiveness of one’s room, while surely to most girls there are opportunities at home both before and during college life to learn the art of housekeeping, provided their non-college mothers will take the trouble to teach them. It is not my wish to weary you with suggestions, for your own reflec¬ tions will best dictate the many ways and means left open to bring about a more rounded education, such an education which will set at defiance Grant Allen, and vindicate forever the cause of higher education for woman. Mrs. Jane Eyre Smoot. OUR PUBLIC. Form ties as we may, life is largely a solitude. The world is crowded, but each man lives, conscious only of himsell and two or three of the multi¬ tude about him. Of all the accpiaintances, co-workers, and friends given us by our complex civilization, but a small number touch our lives. These few from whom we strive to gain approval form our public. This public is composed of three elements. First, those whom we love the best. Second, those whom we hold in highest reverence. Third, those who excel in that to which we aspire. Sometimes the three elements are combined in a single individual. Perhaps our public is composed of the people with whom we come in closest contact, as mother, or friend ; perhaps it is like Dante’s Beatrice, — a being who touches the center of our life once and departs. Our public may live in our own century, or in one of the preceding, or those to follow — a dweller in time or eternity. In short, may be any one or any number of the people whom God has created or will create. Each type of man elects a different public which varies with the changes of his life, and the public of each man in his best period, is the measure of that man. No single element in life, not even our inborn character, influences us so . much as our public. It moulds our thoughts, creates our desires, modifies our deeds, shapes our character, and fixes our destiny; it is our strongest and most constant influence to good or evil ; is the idol to which we cringe in base servitude, or the God whom we worship. Like many of life’s vital factors, it is of our own choosing and differs for each individual. Among all publics elected or chanced upon, the worst is that of the man whose nature is perverted, whose clay so prevails over his spirit that, like his brother, the clod, he is governed by the law of gravitation, and with a terrible surety ever attracted downward. We find him among the Satans and Iagos. The public of such a man grows always baser and leads him as far towards perdition as man can go. Only a little less ruinous is the gen¬ eral public of the man whom the fear of unpopularity deters from doing right, and of the woman who dares not obey a good instinct because it is unconventional. This is the public of the army of weaklings and leads away from life toward death. A mediocre public is composed of the respectable element of the people among whom our lives are thrown ; the so-called moral man accepts this
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6 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. public, and it serves like the law to keep him a good citizen. A worthy public is one formed of the noblest people around us, and the noblest men and women. Whoever considers onh' the better motives of the best people he has: known or read, will unconsciously grow toward their level. But the public which is best, is one which does not exist apart from the man who serves it, but dwells within. Such was the public of Christ, of Socrates, of Spinoza, of all the grand men of the ages. He who studies man¬ kind with mind and soul, — men in the world, men in books, and most of all, himself; who from this study and ‘from communion with the Spirit of Man that we call God, forms within himself a living and ever expanding ideal; and who, ignoring custom, precedent and inclination, is ever true to liis; ideal; this is the man who will out-strip his generation, whom posterity will deify, and who will be the companion of the best in Time and in Eter¬ nity. Beulah H. McHenry. WORTH, NOT WEALTH. At the hour of twilight a young girl is sitting before the fire-place in her pleasant home, gazing into the flames. Her surroundings at once show that: wealth does not here abound, yet there is a certain charm about the room-, which seems to speak of a perfect taste and a cultured mind. Not what can be called beautiful, but with one of those faces which be¬ speak a deep and lovely character; her eyes peering^earnestly into the fire, she seems to be trying to read her future there. In her lap lie two unfolded letters, each asking the same cpiestion. The one from the wealthiest young; man in the vicinity, the other from a 3'oung clerk with a modest salary,, loved and respected by all who know him, for his true manliness. As she gazes into the firelight she sees herself in after years the wife of a millionaire, spoiled by flattery and living only for wealth and fashion. Her husband, having spent his energies in gaining greater wealth, has lost all ambition in other directions, and is now a narrow minded, selfish man, whom no one cares for unless because of his money. Money is his God. All must bow before it. Nothing is of value to him that cannot be reckoned by dollars. No noble purpose is the guide of their lives; there is no goal towards which they are pressing. They have reached the height of their ambition, and little think of the world beyond to which wealth is not the golden key. At the other side of the fire-place another picture rises. A modest home, furnished with all the comforts of life, presided over by a woman whose character has been deepened and broadened by the influences with which she has been surrounded. Her husband has not spent all his energies in accpiir- ing wealth, but has made use of his God-given talents, and has, by his up¬ right manliness, gained the love and respect of all who know him. His. opinions are sought on all subjects, and in giving them he wields a powerful influence for good. The guiding motive of this household is to aid and better their fellow men, the very highest motive which can rule a life. The pictures fade away but still the dreamer sits there. Does she wish to let the ruling passion of her life become money, and let all the noble am¬ bitions of her young life be swallowed up in the whirlpool of wealth? Or rather would she wish to go side by side through life with one who, by a. noble example will aid her in becoming a type of true womanhood ? The- answer, “ Let it be worth, not wealth, ” comes to her lips as she rises to pen- the words which mark the crisis of her life. M. Emma Kemp.
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 7* EDITORIALS. It is with not a little fear and trembling that we send you this our first Journal, with its various changes. We hope that the errors of this one may be pardoned, and may not appear in our next. It is not as complete as we wish, but by the next one all places, we hope, will be filled. We can not help thinking that there has been a great mistake made in the way the Amended Constitution is to reach the Chapters, each Chapter copying it for themselves and sending it to the next in order of establish¬ ment. In this way it will be many months before all the Chapters will have the constitution. This is surely wrong, for every Chapter needs her constitution to use, that she jna\r make no blunders by following the old one. It would be well if the Chapter who now has it would n\ake copies of it and send to the remaining Chapters. The new plan of bearing the expenses of our convention is an admirable one. All Chapters are obliged to send at least one delegate, and the travel¬ ing expenses and those of the convention are to be shared equally by the Chapters. This does away with the absence of delegates on account of being so far away that they do not feel as though they could afford to send a delegate so far. Among some of the good things of the convention which can be sent to all, are the welcome and farewell addresses given by Miss Joe Pitman, of Beta Chapter. Through her kindness we are able to print them in this issue. - - - Does Kappa Alpha Theta thihk that by electing Upsilon chapter as editing chapter, she has placed the responsibility of a successful Journal upon our shoulders? If she does, we wish to say that we do not think so. Our journal is supposed to .be one which represents our fraternity through¬ out the Union, and such it ought to be if it is a success. This will not and cannot be such if we are made to bear the responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the Fraternity, and we have only the mechanical work resting upon us. Each chapter should feel that they are responsible for a good Journal, and that unless they do their part, the Journal is a failure. We shall expect this from every chapter and with the co-operation of our sisters we can promise you a Journal of which we all may be justly proud. The two departments in which we need your help the most are the Literar}r and Chapter Letters. We cannot possibly learn all that there is of interest to Kappa Alpha Theta, and you must send us all that j’ou have, that others may know it also. Our opinions must necessarily be limited, and so we in¬ vite you all to send us your opinions upon matters concerning our Frater¬ nity, as well as the current topics of the day. In regard to the chapter
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. letters, we ask that they may always be prepared with care and contain all that is of interest to the chapter. Make them so interesting and full that every Alumnae of that chapter will wish to take the Journal so that she may read that letter and know how her chapter is prospering. * In this way we can have a Journal which is successful in all ways. We wish to commend the chapters for their read}' response with chap¬ ter letters. We are also indebted to Mrs. Jane Eyre Smoot for the excellent article on the “Higher Education of Women, “for which we wish to thank her. Kappa Alpha Theta at last has a fraternity flower. We have long felt a want of this and are glad that we now have such a beautiful one. Every loyal Theta girl will be sure to have a bed of black and gold pansies. Let us always wear them and may our “thoughts” at all times be such that will make us true-hearted women. No doubt before you receive this number of the Journal you will all have received the minutes of the convention. If you have not, you who were represented there have heard from your delegates an account of the work done. We cannot but feel that if every chapter has listened to such a report as Upsilon that the}' can not help being filled with such enthusiasm for Theta as they never had before. We are so thankfid that we were able to be represented at this convention, the first since we were Thetas, and we feel more than ever what an honor it is to wear the black and gold. We have received so many new ideas in regard to our fraternity work that we feel we must be up and doing. We gained many good things from our convention and not the least of these is our fraternity call, and no doubt nearly every Theta girl has by this time learned to give it. It is doubly dear as it has been made a univer¬ sal one, thus becoming another link in the chain which binds Theta girls together. Moorehead, Minn., Dec. 17, 1889. Dear Girls: Here I am, far away from the dear old U. of M., and far away, though only in miles, from our beloved Upsilon. How many times during the weeks gone by my mind has' wandered back to the happy times of the last year, and has pictured to itself the girls as they are this year, with the new sisters who have come. It is said, “ Distance lends enchantment.” It can, not only not lend to that which surrounded beloved Kappa Alpha Theta, as it was, but it can¬ not, as it sometimes does, detract from its power over this absent member. Every important step I have taken this year, one of the first thoughts that comes, is : Will it help in building up a noble, symmetrical character, that will be an honor to the Kappa Alpha Theta ? Just finishing my first school, I admonish every girl who thinks of teach¬ ing, when she makes her first attempt, to obtain, if possible, a school of more than four pupils. It certainly would be easier, and far more interest¬ ing. Wishing all the girls in Theta a “ Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year,” I remain, Your Loving Sister, Gertrude Bell.
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I Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 9 WELCOME ADDRESS. We meet this evening in the seventh convention of Kappa Alpha Theta, and in behalf of Beta Chapter, I have the honor to offer to the delegates and visitors from our sister chapters a word of welcome. When we found that it was to be our great pleasure to entertain this general assembly, every heart bounded with joy and a hearty and cordial response came in a simultaneous outburst and every hand was stretched out offering to use their full power to bring all things to a successful issue. We are only fourteen in number, yet we feel a mighty host in our anxiety that you may have a pleasant communion with us, and may feel that it is good to be here. To say that we are glad to welcome you very poorly expresses the grati¬ fication that we cannot help see shining upon every face. The mystic tie that 'binds us in such a sacred sisterhood is lovely to all who understands its meaning and whatever garment of glory Beta may in the future wear, this glorious hour is rich in love, its moments jeweled with joy, heart an¬ swering heart in the vibrating chords of - . And our souls swell with pride that Beta’s silver lining has been turned out and He who Wove it will bless our reunion, our blending of all in one. I trust with a prophet’s eye that I may say, when Father Time points to the last allotted hour of this meeting, that the watchman who has guarded us through all, will call out, “twelve o’clock and all is well.” Joe Pittman. THE BIENNIAL CONVENTION. While it is eminently fitting that the one member of the convention at Bloomington who was but “a looker on in Vienna,” should be chosen to write the informal account for the Kappa Alpha Theta, it is with some¬ thing of diffidence that she approaches the task. On stepping from the train, the delegates were cordially welcomed by a bevy of loyal Theta sisters. Each was taken to the temporary home pro¬ vided for her where she might rest in preparation for the* work of the com¬ ing days. Wednesday evening, Oet. 30th, the first session of the Biennial Convention of K. A. 0. was called. The members of Bloomington Chapter B. O. T. fraternity courteously placed their hall at the disposal of the con¬ vention. In honor of the Thetas the shade of the lamp was inscribed with K. A. O. in black and gold, while at the desk of the presiding officer was found a gilded gavel tied with Theta’s colors. The convention was called to order by Miss Pittman of Beta Chapter. Her address of welcome will be found elsewhere in the Journal. Credentials were received from nineteen delegates. Chapters unrepresented, Theta, Rho, Sigma, Phi, Omicron and Chi. Order of business was arranged by following committee: Miss New¬ comer, Alpha; Miss Southgate, Nu; Miss Martin, Upsilon. By request of committee, Mrs. Cox, former member of Epsilon, was ad¬ ded. After the report of committee, it being late and delegates tired, con¬ vention adjourned to meet at nine A. M. Thursday. Necessarily much of the business transacted must be excluded from so public a report. The chapters are already familiar with the doings of convention from reports of delegates \
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10 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. and copies of the minutes. Thursday afternoon the convention received the gift of a box of beautiful flowers with compliments of Delta of K. K. G. Thursday evening Miss Lemon of Beta gave a high tea. The early part of the evening was spent most delightfully inintercourse of sister with sister. Tales of many trials, of “rushing r’ and of great victories won, were ex¬ changed. Beta’s goat made her appearance and creditably sustained her reputation. Later, an informal reception was held in Beta hall. ( We had reason to remember the Betas at Bloomington.) It being Hallowe’en, strange things were done, among them the tailless Beta “dorg” was suc¬ cessfully retailed. In the name of the convention a charmed third is here added to the two votes of thanks we gave the Betas at Bloomington. Friday the business of the day was prefaced by a visit to chapel exer¬ cises. The convention was welcomed and courteously addressed by the president. In behalf of delegates, Miss Berry, of Cornell, (president Alma 4 Mater) made a happy response. This visit made a pleasant digression. A hard day’s work followed, lasting till six p. in. At nine o’ciock a banquet was tendered the Thetas and their friends, at the home of Miss Lindley. The large and spacious rooms were beautifully and tastefully decorated with tropical plants. Suspended from an archway was a kite of golden grain with Beta chapter head attached. The souvenirs were cream rose¬ buds. Music was sweetly discoursed by the Venetian club. Miss Lemon was the sweet and gracious toast mistress. Each delegate happily respond¬ ed to the toast given her chapter. The theme of the gentlemens’ responses was “ Long live K. A. 0.” Saturday there was an early and active session to gather up the loose ends of unfinished business. Among the various things decided upon by convention were the granting of the Journal to Upsilon, one of the young¬ est, yet one of the most energetic, of the chapters; the publication of the song book and catalogue by Beta and Tau respectively, in the near future; the black and gold fancy, “That’s for thoughts,’’ chosen as the fraternity flower. The convention mourned the absence of a few chapters, but the * loss was trebly theirs. No description can do justice to the enthusiasm of this special assembly of Thetas. At noon, Saturday, came the parting. How near and dear the sisters had become! The true, firm friendship formed will never be broken nor for¬ gotten. With a-last dear “ grip, ” a last “good-by, ” the train steamed out of the station, bearing to their respective homes the tired but satisfied Thetas. Lenore Hanna Cox. Terre Hautte, Ind. - *4^ - FAREWELL ADDRESS. The moment of separation is at hand. There is always something sad in partings, and it i s especially so with us for we feel that in all probability we will never meet on this earth again. We trust that your meeting with us has cemented our fraternal bonds and strengthened our sisterhood, and that we may go out and away from this convention benefited and in¬ vigorated, and although farewells are spoken, we may still be near each other in mutual interests crowned by a faithful friendship. “ Farewell ’’ is a lonely word and always brings a sigh, yet the heart feels most when the lips move not, and the eye speaks the sweet old “goodbye.” We feel all that there is in this word “goodbye,” and our best wishes, hopes, and prayers will follow you to your homes, and we ask to be remembered as your friends of “ Auld lang syne.” J-oe Pittman.
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 11 CHAPTER CORRESPONDENCE. UPSILON. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Upsilon sends greeting to each and every chapter, most especially, how¬ ever, to the babies. We feel quite old ourselves when we think of our two younger sisters. That reminds me that our anniversary is not far distant, and on that night we expect Minneapolis Thetas one and all to turnout and help make “ Rome howl.” The term just passed has been a most successful one for Upsilon. Our new girls have proven themselves true Thetas, and we are justly proud of them. We beg leave to introduce to you Jessie Nicol ’90, Gertrude Gibbs ’93, Grace Walther ’93, and last but by no means least, our dear pledgling Hattie Jackson ’94. Upsilon’s “ Patron Saint,” Sevilla Cleveland, of Alpha, made us a flying visit, early in the fall, on her way to Washington. We hope she will stop with us longer on her return. We are very fortunate in having with us this year, sisters Temple West, of Beta, and Bina Schall, of Pi. Miss West is teaching in the city and gives us new inspiration at nearly every meeting. Miss Schall we are unable to have with us so often, as her school is about thirty miles out of the city, but we heartily welcome her when she does come. We greatly miss this year, sisters Beulah McHenry, Gertrude Bell, and our graduate member, Ada Smith. Ada visits us occasionally, however, and Beulah and Gertrude we expect to have with us again next year. The Greek world of the U. of M. has lately been increased by the advent of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Kappa Epsilon. The University has now 910 students enrolled, and was never before in such a flourishing condition. Under the able management of our worthy President Northrup we are sure that it will continue in its progressive course. Now about Convention. Of course we were verj' much excited over it, never before having had the pleasure and honor of sending a real live dele¬ gate to a real live national convention. So anxious were we to know what they did and how they did it, that we could hardly wait for the return of our delegate, Miss Dot Martin. When she did return, I must say that she exhibited the “patience of Job” in answering the questions of her ten in¬ quisitive sisters. She never tires of sounding the praises of the Beta girls for the most excellent manner in which they entertained the Convention, of the Beta Theta Pis for their many kindnesses, and of the family of Judge Perry for their kind treatment of her as a guest. Returning from the con¬ vention, Miss Martin spent a few days with Tau, at Northwestern, and re¬ ports an elegant time. While there she had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Mabelle Thatcher. Her description of the bride is indeed charm¬ ing, but as there is a like description in the letter from Tau, we will not re-
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i 12 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. peat. We extend to Mr. and Mrs. Little, however, our sincere congratula¬ tions, and say, with Rip Van Winkle, “May you live long and prosper.” I must not forget to say, for I am sure that all Thetas will be glad to know it, that of the three Senior girls entitled to compete for the History Prize, this year, two are Thetas. We have not given many parties during the last term, for we were all too busy. We have given one reception, however, at the home of Katrina Manson, several lunch parties at our chapter hall, and on Saturday after¬ noon and evening, Dec. 14th, all the Thetas assembled at the home of Min¬ nie Rexford. Miss Walther entertained the girls with several violin solos. Miss Kemp and Miss Dora Guthrie each gave a recitation. Refreshments were served about 5 o’clock, and the remainder of the evening was spent in general chit-chat. Fearing that Upsilon is usurping more than her share of space, I will close, wishihg you all a Happy New Year. M. A. Rexford. ALPHA. Greencastle, Ind. Dear Thetas: Alpha sends greetings to all of you and is glad to report that she has just closed a very happy and prosperous term. The contract between Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma expired on the thirty-first of October. The next morning five new sisters donned the black and gold. The contest between the fraternities centered on Miss Florence Line and after a hard struggle, Theta was successful. We have now twenty-eight initiated girls and fifteen pledged; although the chapter is large, it was never more harmonious. The girls from Lambda and Kappa chapters stopped with us, oh their way home from our convention, and we cannot say how much we enjoyed their visit. Our intention is to give a large reception on the fraternity’s anniver¬ sary, January 21,— and we should be very happy to have many of you with us. With much love to all Thetas, Alpha. CHI. Syracuse University, \ Syracuse, N. Y., Nov. 27, 1889. / Dear Theta Sisters: The baby chapter wishes to make her little bow to her older sisters, and, like all other children, she has much to say. We are very happy in our new fraternity and can truthfully say that Kappa Alpha Theta is the most cordial of hostesses for Chi has been so kindly welcomed by sister chapters. Chi chapter has been received at Syracuse with good-will apd kindness on every hand. Congratulations have been received from the fraternities represented here. At our first business meeting the ladies of Gamma Phi Beta presented us with a bocpiet of beautiful flowers. Dflta Upsilon’s convention reception was highly enjoyed by all of our chapter. From their delegates we heard many kind words for K. A. 0.
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 13 On Nov. 7, Delta U. gave our girls an informal reception at their chap¬ ter house. A most pleasant evening was passed. P. F. Piper, ’89, Phi Kappa Psi, has presented us with a beautiful gavel. He has remembered us in many waj's very kindly and generously. Four ’93 girls are Thetas. Our chapter meetings have been very pleas¬ ant. So far we have met at the home of Miss Larrabee ’91, and on Friday, Nov. 22, we all took tea with her, after which we spent a most delightful evening. On Wednesday evening, Nov. 20, Miss Carpenter was “at home’’ to a few college friends. Miss Parker, ’91, has been elected vice-president of her class. Some of the girls have their pins and more are coming. One of our pledged girls, Miss M. A. Day, ’89, and really a charter meml)er, is teaching at Kinsey Seminary, LaGrange, N. C. She has sent us violets even in November, and a few days ago we received another large box of flowers from her. Dear Daisy, she was so disappointed that we could not have been Thetas last June, and now she is anxiously awaiting commencement time when she will come to be initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta. Miss Pauline Jennings, ’89, will return next term to take post-graduate work. We had a fine time at our establishment, and enjoyed Iota girls short stay with us so much. There are ten girls in our chapter beside Miss Louise Brown, Iota, who works with us. Some one says, “In mercy, spare! ” and we will, and put the rest in our next letter. Perhaps it would be well, since this is our first letter, to sign each name instead of just Chi. “ Fair eyes, behold us!” We are very happy to greet you. Ada B. Parker, Florence A. Larrabee, Jessica B. Marshall, Elsa L. Ames, Marcia A. Carpenter, Lulu P. Graff, Katharine Van Beuschotten, Mattie A. Beecher, May E. Brown, Lulu Kern. TAU. Northwestern, University,] Evanston, Illinois,} Dec. 1st, 1889.J Dear Sisters in Theta: As the month of December comes around, it becomes our pleasure to exchange greetings again and to let you all know bow the world wags with Tau. The term has been a very busy one for us, although there seemed at first very little material to make into Thetas. We have pledged four new girls, one of them to be a freshman next year, making nine pledged members now, and have had two initiations. The enviable position of “ Baby” among us
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14 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. is held by Henrietta Jennings, ’93, of whom we are justly proud, and who came to us after a vigorous pull in the direction of Kappa Gamma. The convention to which we looked forward so long is a thing of the past. What an impetus, a renewed enthusiasm and appreciation of K. A. 0. it might have given us could we all have been on the scene ! What could be more inspiring than an assembly of “Thetas” all invited by the firm bond of Theta sisterhood, and therefore the best of friends. And what a meagre account even the careful note books of our two delegates could give us,, though they had instructions to put down just what everybody did and said. We were most happy to entertain two of the girls on their way home,. Ellen Chesebro and Lillian Martin. Dim visions of wealth rose before our eyes on the receipt of a number of' white envelopes some weeks ago — the first of our number, a charter mem¬ ber, was to be married — and therefore, according to agreement, a modest ( ? ) becpiest to the Frat. might be expected, it hasn’t arrived yet, but we all went to the wedding. Mabelle Thatcher became Mrs. Frank Little amidst a throng of admiring Thetas on the one side and Chi Psi’s on the other. Her* dress was of heavy white satin with lace in the neck and sleeves, long tulle veil, crysan them unis and roses were carried. Bishop Fowler performed the ceremony. Nothing less than the nimble pen of a reporter could describe the* hosts of presents, the elegant menu and the merry music. We have had no companies for the gentlemen yet, but are dropping our* nickels in the slot for our reception in January on the anniversary of the* founding of the society; still we have enjo3red a 5 o’clock tea, a hay-rack ride and small spreads of an innocent nature for the “new ” girls. We wish that if anyone has any good ideas for a line of action this win¬ ter they would communicate them to us. At present we have a miscel¬ laneous program together with a study of art in its formations, a subject of* which most of us are ignorant. The University is enjo3'ing prosperity and is always looking forward to. 1890 when added wealth is to flow into the treasury. The Freshmen liave: just appeared in their new hats, blue “tarns” with a long tassel. The: Soph’s decorated their heads with block mortar boards. The usual declamation contest occurs this 3*ear on the 14th, and prom¬ ises to be more interesting than ever before. Edith Garto represents Theta,, and will do credit to us we are sure. It has fallen to our lot to prepare the catalogue this 3rear, so please do* not forget us when called upon. Tau. IOTA. The 3*ear has opened most propitiously for Iota. In the first place, we: have our chapter room once more. Last 3^ear we were obliged to meet: where we could, since the ruling powers had decided that there were too. many girls in the college to allow any large rooms to be set apart for the* various fraternities, but this year by exerting our mental faculty we have: found a plan by which we have our own particular sanctum and yet do not keep any girl out of the college. Our chapter is in a most flourishing condition. Although we as usual,, lost many strong members in ’89’s graduating class, what with the under¬ graduates and the sisters who have returned after a few years absence, we:
Page 15
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 15 are thirteen in number, besides the five Faculty members and our five initiates. Cornell has again successfully pursued the plan of waiting until a cer¬ tain agreed-upon date before issuing the invitations to join fraternities. The exciting day has passed and five of the new students have joined us, three freshmen and one first graduate from Smith. We have two members of the Meadville chapter with us this year, Hen¬ rietta Miller, who has entered Senior in Arts, and Mary Harmon who after spending a year in Wellesley, is taking her Sophomore work here. We have not yet decided upon our line of work for the year, it is so very hard to attend to the strictly business side of fraternity life, while we are in the interest and excitement of deciding upon new girls. But we shall at¬ tend to it immediately. Iota sends her best wishes to all her sister chapters. PI. Albion College, Albion, Mich. After the pleasant festivities of Thanksgiving vacation, we are more than pleased to continue our acquaintance with the Journal, — and to-day, with hearts loyal and enthusiastic for Theta, #e send greeting to every one of our sister chapters. When we returned this fall, on beholding so many vacant places, it was with a feeling of mingled loneliness and sadness that we assembled in our much loved hall, to exchange “ sister greetings,”— renew the past, and plan to achieve even greater results for the future than those already attained. Holding sacred the trust given us by those who had gone out in previous vears, we began the new year with a determination to raise the standard of Theta, and ever seek to do honor to the Black and Gold. Although our number was small, we took courage in the thought that “ in union there is strength.” Since then our faith has continually increased, and now, together we stand with a determination to win and conquer. As one of the results our circle has grown from five to seven, by the. in¬ itiation of Mima Hopkins and Mina Mudge, who now wear the kite amid the congratulations of their fellow students. We have also pledged two girls, Bertha Brown and Theo Gardner, who have always proven their loy- • alty to Theta. By the time this letter loaches you, we trust that the 44 Black and Gold ” will be worn by another. Although Pi sent but two delegates to the convention, it did not take long for the joyful enthusiasm brought by them, to find place in every girl’s heart, which, since then has been manifested continually by their “good works.” We cannot begin to tell you the benefit thus derived, for we have already profited by “ those helpful suggestions,” and plans are fast going into execution. We have indulged in one social entertainment this term, — a Tea , given 4n our hall. To this our gentlemen friends were bidden. All joined in the spirit of the occasion, and it was pronounced a merr\* time by all. In closing we will say that Pi Chapter was never in a more prosperous condition, and the future never brighter. We guard jealously the shrine of Theta, and ever covet only the best things for our beloved fraternity. With kind wishes for a pleasant Christmas time. Pi.
Page 16
16 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal . MU. Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa. Dear Thetas: — Owing to some oversight or carelessness, Mu did not send her greeting for the first publication of this year’s Joournal, but hope it is not too late to wish you all a prosperous and profitable college year, and numerous may be the victims of “Billie’s” antics. We met at the beginning of the year with seven, and our hearts sank a little as we thought of the bright faces and loving hearts who had been with us at our last meeting, and without whose ready aid we must do this 3rear s work, but rallying our courage and forces, we registered a solemn vow to make ’89-90 the m-st successful year Mu has known. Two of our would-be sistofs are not with us, one having gone to Cor¬ nell, and one remaining at home with an invalid sister. On the twently-seventh of September we pledged Maude Johnson, who will make Freshman classification by spring. On October 2d, Basha Thrasher and Clara Howard were initiated into the mysteries of Kappa Alpha Theta, and Blanche Miner pledged us her loyalty. “Billie” had been taking a vacation during the summer and was in splendid condition. In jus^fee to him we will add that he acquitted him¬ self with credit. Our “baby,” Ella Howells was pledged to us on the fifteenth of Novem¬ ber, and is already a most loyal Theta. Blanche Miner was compelled, on account of an attack of illness, to go home during the term. We anxiouslv await her return after the holidays. On the twenty-sixth of October we bade goodbye to Ellen Chesbro, our delegate to the convention, and though the chronic condition of our purses forbade our accompanying her (further than the station), our hearts, which happily are not kept in check by an3r such obstructions, were there, and on her return we held a most enthusiastic meeting, heartiK' approving all the changes and improvements made. Long live Kappa Alpha Theta and her daughters never be less lo3ral and true than the girls of ’89-90. LAMBDA. University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt. The principal event of intefest that has happened to your sisters of * Lambda this* season has been the building of a Chapter House. The site was not selected until July, and the first meeting was held in it Sept. 15th, the first Saturday of the Commencement of the Fall term of the U. V. It is a two story house of wood, painted light brown, with trimmings a shade darker. Passing through the front door, 3-ou enter the hall, with a door on the right leading into the reception room, to which a fire-place in one corner lends a cheerful glow these cool evenings. Folding doors, across which are hung porieres of peacock blue, divide this room from the banquet hall. In this room are three doors — the outside one leading into the tennis court, another opening into a large and commodious pantry, the third communi¬ cating with the toilet room. A door from the hall leads into a convenient cellar, high and well lighted. The second story is one large hall, arranged for meetings upon special occasions, when the rooms below are too small. The pride of this room is
Page 17
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 17 a beautiful fire-place for burning wood, with brass andirons over a century old, which were originally brought from Spain, but which have travelled to us only from St. Augustine, Florida. The rooms are all finished in “ white- wood.” We have not been able to build the verandas and so forth with which we hope to beautify our building another year, but the short time, two months and a half, that was ours in which to work before it was needed for occupancy, prevented our completing all our plans this season. We are to be congratulated upon having the first Chapter House in the State, and the first Ladies’ Chapter House, we believe, in America. We wish to extend an invitation to all of our sisters to call at any time and partake of the hospitality we will gladly d spense within its walls, and when the convention meets with us in ’91, we shall be very proud to wel¬ come all Thetas who will come. Lambda. PHI. University of the Pacific, College Park, Santa Clara, Co., Cal. Dear Theta Sisters: Phi sends cordial greetings. We were so disap¬ pointed when we found that none of our members could be present at the late convention. However, we were all with you in spirit. We did want so much to meet all the dear Theta sisters assembled there, but since we could not be there to participate, we have been most anxiously awaiting news of the proceedings and general good times of our more fortunate sisters. Since our last chapter letter, Phi’s progress has not been marked by any unusal events. We have been quietly, yet happily and prosperously continuing our regular meetings, steadily gaming strength and influence. Our girls are all lo}ral Thetas, whose enthusiasm and love for their fratern¬ ity increases with each day. We have had no very recent additions to our band, but hope soon to re¬ port the initiation of a bright sophomore, a splendid student and very well read, a sister of whom we shall no doubt feel justly proud. Since our last letter we have received visits from two of our absent sisters. Miss Mabel Urmy, of San Francisco, and Miss Jennie Landstrom, of Berkeley, both of whom we were delighted to see. With best wishes, Phi. KAPPA. University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. The year thus far has been a prosperous one for us. Our chapter is not very large; Kappa chapter has never been a large one, we have always endeavored rather to make it conservative. There are eleven of us in school, and thirteen resident members who take a lively interest in every¬ thing the girls are doing. The time is not yet up for the expiration - of the inter fraternity pledge, so of course there have been no initiations of new girls for and according to the terms of the pledge, no one can be invited to join a fraternity until she has been a student of the University three months. We have made one new Theta this year, Miss Lenon Grabv, of Beat¬ rice, Neb., a very lovely girl who was in school a part of last year. Our regular fraternity work consists of each member taking a country
Page 18
,1 18 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal . for the year and being prepared to report at each meeting. the current events of that country, thus enabling us to keep well posted on what is constantly happening in the world of politics, literature and art, we find it very enjoyable work. Aside from this we have taken up the study of mythology. About once a month open meetings are held to which the pledged mem¬ bers, and occasionally some of the faculty., are invited. The first open meeting this year was a musicale at the home of May Webster. Professor McDonald, Dean of the Musical Department, assisted by Missjosie Hutchings, the finest soprano singer in the city, kindly gave us a delightful afternoon of “ English Song.” Professor McDonald delivered the lecture and Miss Hutchings illustrated by sweetly singing selections from the “Songs of Old England.” At the close of the lecture “five o’clock coffee” was served, Miss Maine Monroe and Miss Lucile Pennebaker presiding, at two small tables. It was a most pleasant affair and we feel truly grateful to Prof. Mc¬ Donald and Miss Hutchings for their kindness. The next open meeting will be held with Marne Monroe, at which Professor Wilcox of the Greek de¬ partment will give a talk on mythology.' On account of being in mourning our chapter has done nothing in the line of giving parties, our first party is to be given December 13th. We are pleased with the action of convention, giving [the publication of the Jour¬ nal into the hands of Upsilon chapter, although Kappa sincerely appreci¬ ated the hour shown her by having it with her for five years, she is only too glad the time has come to be relieved of the burden, for a burden it is, more or less. The kindest and best wishes of Kappa are with the girls of Up¬ silon in their new work. Kappa. RHO. University of Nebraska, J Lincoln, Neb. / Dear Journal : Rho responds to the letter call with her usual prompt¬ ness ( ? ) but we beg pardon as we areonty three this winter and have heaps of work on hand. We are anxiously awaiting the Journal’s arrival for convention notes. ’Tis needless to say we were disappointed at not being able to be with our sisters at Bloomington, but as matters stood it was impossible for any of us to go. We are certain that the convention was a success, although we have received no news from it. Our chapter roll has been cut down to three members on account of the illness of Annie Tunke and Allie Labba. The three are mighty seniors, and wear the mortar board and gown with dignity and grace. Many are the surmises as to whether we shall die gracefully or go to rushing. We will tell you, dear Journal, that our two bright pledges will see that we don’t die for the next three years, but as to rushing, we are constitutionally op¬ posed to it. We have never done better work than we are doing now, and at our meeting we often see our dear invalids. It seems that we are un¬ lucky in losing our girls on account of ill health, for four of the hearty and apparently healthy girls we have initiated within the last two years are now out of school for the year on account of illness.
Page 19
— Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 19 We had the pleasnreof entertaining Miss Bird Morrison at the beginning of the school year. We hope Miss Morrison will come again and visit ns. Miss Lotta entertained, in the name of the Fraternity, a few of the new girls. Miss Loomis opened her lovely new home to a crowd of Thetas and friends on Hallowe’en. With best wishes to all sisters for the New Year, we sign ourselves, yours, etc., - 0 Rho. NU. Hanover College, Hanover, Ind. Dear Thetas:— The end of the term finds our Chapter in a flourishing condition. We have had the pleasure of placing the pin on one of the brightest and most attractive girls in college. The fact that she was a Theta was kept secret for sometime after the initiation, and oh, what fun it was to have our friends believe that we were “left” until we brought her out! We have enjoyed visits from several of our graduate members, whose stirring tales of the work of our predecessors have awakened new interest among us and a desire that our present history may be as creditable as that of the past. The glowing account of the proceedings of the convention given by our delegate has also added greatly to the enthusiasm of our chapter, so that it is with a true Theta spirit that we gather in our freshly papered hall on Friday evening to enjoy each other’s society fora little time free from the responsibility of lessons. BETA. Bloomington, Ind. Dear Thetas: — Although one Theta loves even the names of other Thetas, the charming owners of some of the names — the delegates to the convention, have made them especially dear to us. We spend many happy evenings recalling them ; and since the convention we realize more fully the meaning of fraternity. We have now resumed our literary work with great earnestness, taking up the articles in the Forum and North American Review , varying this ex¬ ercise with selections from the dramatists. We are anticipating great pleasure for to-morrow night, as it is our Thanksgiving meeting. A special program has been prepared, a paper of miscellaneous articles, called the “Kite.” With best wishes to all sisters. THETA. Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa. We begin our tenth year with bright hopes of our future. On account of our school opening so late we were not able to furnish a letter for the October Journal, but we gladly respond to the second call. The students of Simpson are proud of our new Science hall which occu¬ pies a prominent place in the eastern part of the campus. The girls are eagerly (?) eyeing the ladies’ boarding hall which is now in process of con¬ struction. There have been several changes in the faculty, but work progresses just the same as before. We are looking forward to Christmas vacation now and if we can escape examinations by our glorious 907 rule how happy we will be. Ten loyal girls assemble and worship at the shrine of Theta this term. We have initiated two girls, Anna Smith and Jennie Finch. We have decided on our year’s work and feel sure it will prove satisfactory to all. With best wishes for Kappa Alpha Theta we wish all its members a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Theta.
Page 20
20 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. PERSONALS. UPSILON. Ada Smith, ’89, is teaching the science at the Brainerd High School. Beulah McHenry, ex-’91, is still retained at her home in North Dakota, by the illness of her mother. Gertrude Bell, ex-’91, is attending the normal at Moorhead. tau. Florence Dobey, ’93, has left college on account of ill health, but hopes to return this year. Miss Mabel Thatcher was united in marriage to Mr. Frank Little, No¬ vember 4, 1889, at her home in River Forest. They will be “at home” De¬ cember 12th. pi. We are anticipating a visit from E. May Moses, ’89, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., during the holidays. Miss Zua Thomas, who was obliged to drop her regular studies on ac¬ count of her health, is studying music and painting at her home. Miss Gertrude Allen is teaching in Ionia High school. Annie Stephens is teaching in Streator, Ill., and Iola Kennedy in Benton Harbor, Mich. Mrs. Rose Keenan, ’86, is now in Buffalo, N. Y. Theo Gardiner, a new pledged member, entertained some of the Thetas in a royal manner at her home last Saturdaj' afternoon. Emma Parsons enjoyed a visit from her mother recently. Bina Schall, ’87, of Pi, is now a member of Upsilon. LAMBDA. Isabella and Emma Chandler, ’89, are in Germany for the winter. In the spring they expect to start on a tour over Europe, taking about six months visiting the various places of interest. Eliza Shaw, ’86, and Annie Dyke, ’89, are teaching this year in the Bur¬ lington High school. Annie Ishan, ’86, also has a position in our public schools. Mollie Mills, ’84, is teaching in one of the suburbs of Burlington. With so many of our “old girls” near us, hardly a Saturday night passes with¬ out some of them with us at our Chapter House. Lucia Barney, ’89, is teaching at Burr Seminary, Manchester, Mass. Lanbda has initiated this fall six Freshmen,— Adelaide Babbitt, Lillian Corse, Mary Brigham, Margaret King, Linnie Scribner and Frances Pierce. They are all bright and active girls who, we feel confident, will make just the right sort of Thetas. Mittie Skinner, ’91, has been elected one of the editors of the “Ariel,” the Junior Publication. At present she is at home ill, but we hope she may return to college in season to insure the success of the publication.
Page 21
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 21 Last June just before separating for the summer we initiated two ladies, Mrs. Miller Johnson and Mrs. Julia H. Spear. Mrs. Johnson was one of the Alpha Rho Society and being in town this year we were glad to make her a Theta, and thus give her a chance to learn the superiority of a chaptered society over a local. Mrs. Spear was added to our list of Hon¬ orary Members. Owing to some misunderstanding on account of a change of corre¬ sponding secretary, Lambda’s contributions to the last Journal were too late for publication. Consequently we send personals and Chapter letter concerning matters dating from June ’89. KAPPA. Mrs. Cora (Pierson) Hopkins, of Holton, is visiting her mother, Mrs. S. B. Pierson. Lucile Pennobacker, of Lebanon, Tenn., is spending the winter in Law¬ rence. Miss Ella Ropes ’87, is Professor of Latin in St. Helen’s Hall, Portland, Oregon . Kate Wilder is studying to become a trained nurse in Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. Elizabeth Wilder is teaching in the High School at Abelene, Kansas. Florence Beck, of Topeka, a member of Alpha Chapter, has been visit¬ ing Lillian McMillan. Franc Horrs, of Topeka, a member of Iota Chapter, attended the Kap¬ pa Alpha Theta musicale at May Webster’s. Mrs. Julia Watson Nicholson has been spending a few days with her sister, Miss Watson, University Librarian. Alice Bartell, of Junction City, is visiting old friends in Lawrence. Mrs. William McDonald gave a very delightful tea to the Alumnae members of the Chapter, in honor of Fanny Pratt and Kate Ridmour, of Kansas City. Mrs. William Morse, nee Franc Johnson, is living at Kansas City, Kan. Mrs. George Duback, nee lda»Bay, visited friends in Lawrence a few days, before going to her new home, Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Bertie (Yeisley) Lewis gave a dinner to the Alumnae members of the Chapter, in honor of Fanny Pratt and Kate Ridmour, who are visitirfg old friends in Lawrence. Florence Reasoner, Kappa’s delegate to Convention, reports a delight¬ ful time at Bloomington, and also at Greencastle, Ind. Miss Katherine Merrill ’89, is attending Bryn Mawr College. Married — October 8th, Miss Harriet Dunn to Mr. Joseph Smith, both of Kansas City, Mo. Married — October 7th, Miss Julia Benedict to Mr. Walter Howe, both of .Lawrence, Kansas. Married — November 19th, at Trinity Church, Lawrence, Kansas, Miss Martique Babcock to Mr. Elmer E. Pierson, both of Lawrence. RHO. Miss Minnie Lotta is spending the winter at Colorado Springs. Miss Ollie Lotta spent the summer at Maniton.
Page 22
22 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. Elizabeth Bonnell spent the summer in Lamed, Kansas, ‘where she met and was entertained by Senator Rushe’s daughter, a Theta from Simpson. Cards for Miss Rushe’s wedding have been received. Miss Anna Childe had her home destroyed by fire in the summer. Her tennis suit was the only dress she had saved and on the lappel of her collar was her Theta pin. Miss Dennis is in her new home and has opened it for our meetings every week. Miss Lams spends her next year at Washington where her father is now, as State representative. Miss Tunke spent the fall in Omaha. THETA. Jelt Gordon is at her home in Carson. Mamie Clark will enter school again the winter term. Mvrt Clammer is teaching music at Panora. Laura Perkins will teach this winter. Cornelia Saleno spent the summer in the east. Bertha Todd is in Boston studying music. Anna Ayer is again in school after a two-year’s absence. Edith Carpenter’s birthday brought her an elegant Theta badge. Mrs. Mina Hamilton entertained her Theta sisters November 21. Mrs. Cooper made the hearts of her Theta sisters glad by a visit this fall. Bird Morrison has returned from her visit in Nebraska. She reports an excellent visit with the Rlio girls at Lincoln. BETA. Adelaide Perry is at home spending her Thanksgiving vacation. Katherine Blvnn, Creed Myers and Pearl Winship were with us during convention. Those initiated this fall are Mary Worthley and Stella Hill, of Evans¬ ville, and Elizabeth Comstock and Nellj' Hough, of Richmond. We have pledged three girls of the preparatory department, Miss Ku- sick, and Misses Mayme and Lulu McColloch. Emma Bain, class of ’89, is in school at Bryn Mawr. * Frank Otto through junior with ’90 is teaching at Wabash.
Page 23
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 23 GREEK LETTER GOSSIP AND EXCHANGES. The Chi Phi for November contains a ver\r interesting article on the colleges where Chi Phi is located. After the statement that 'Greek letter societies cannot thrive except in a growing college, the writer says, “ Insti¬ tutes like the state universities of California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia and Texas, will be, in the future, if they are not alread}% the superiors of the little institutions in the East from which the reputation and influence of a number of the most important Greek letter fraternities have been derived.” • * * # The October Rainbow is emphatically “devoted to fraternity interests” and contains besides convention news and Rainbow history, articles on newly organized chapters and the institutions they represent. The idea of writing up the history and status of each college entered is a good one. It would bring us very much nearer to our Theta sisters in other schools if we knew how their work and advantages compared with ours. College news in chapter letters is always acceptable and brings to notice many things interesting to us as students which we can learn in no other way. # The Anchor a, although strongly opposed to poetry in other fraternity journals does not object to devoting a page of her own quarterly to it, as the November number witnesses. The symposium on “Why am I a Delta Gamma” might, by the substitution of a different name, apply equally well to any society. The chapter letters are interesting, especially the one from Delta. # * * The next number of the Rainbow will contain a symposium on “Fra¬ ternities in College Politics.” * * * Psi Chapter, of Delta Gamma, located at Oxford, Mississippi, has been deprived of its charter. # * # The Alpha Phi Quarterly, of October, opens with an interesting account of the convention held in Boston, October 10th and 11th. The fraternity now number seven Chapters, including two composed of Alumnae members. Plans for future literary and social work were discussed, an open session was held, and an address on “The Present Opportunities of College Women ” was given by Miss Jane Bancroft. The Quarterly contains, be¬ sides, an article on Miss Willard’s birth-day, a well written and interesting description of Miraflores, a town in Mexico, chapter letters, etc. Alpha Phi may justly feel proud of her Quarterly.
Page 24
24 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. The Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta, which has heretofore existed at the University of Minnesota, is no more, and now the Delta Kappa Epsilon makes her bow there with nineteen charter members ; in other words, she has lifted the Phi Delta Theta Chapter. * * * Beta Theta Pi established a Chapter at the University of Minnesota in November, with seven seniors, two juniors, and one law student as charter members. Rumor says Chapters of other fraternities will soon appear there. # * # # Delta Tau Delta has recently established Chapters at Boston University,. Tuft’s College, the Massachusett’s Institute of Technology, and Tulane Universitv. # * * Chapters of Sigma Chi have recently been established in the Universities of Southern California and North Carolina. * * * Beta Theta Pi has located chapters at Syracuse University, and at Pennsylvania State College. * # * D. K. E. held it 43d annual convention in Boston, October 16 and 17. * * * The Scroll for October opens with an interesting article on “The De¬ velopment of the Fraternity System.” Phi Beta Kappa the first Greek let¬ ter society originated in 1776, at William and Mary College, (Va.), but later its secrets were exposed and now it is only an honorary society ad¬ mitting in some colleges ladies as well as gentlemen. The next Greek letter society was the Chi Delta Theta, founded at Yale in 1821, with seniors only as members. Kappa Alpha, the oldest national fraternity now in existence was founded at Union College, New York, in 1825, with four members After the first three organizations, fraternities multiplied rapidly. In 1847 a non-secret organization came into existence which, in 1864, took the name Delta Upsilon. Its meetings, however, are as private as those of pro¬ fessedly secret societies. During the war but one fraternity was organized. Before the war the fraternities lost their southern chapters, but eventually most of them were reinstated. In closing, the historian speaks of the ladies’ societies as follows: It was natural for the ladies to form fraternities similar to those to which the male students belonged. The first of the ladies’ societies was the I. C. Sorosis, founded at Monmouth College (Ill.), in 1867. Kappa Alpha Theta originated at Indiana Asbury (now De Pauw) University, in 1870, and in the same year Kappa Kappa Gamma at Monmouth. Then followed Alpha Phi at Syracuse University (N. Y.), in 1872, Delta Gamma at Oxford (Miss.) Institute, in 1872, and Alpha Phi Beta at Syracuse, in 1874. The I. C. Sonoris was not ranked with the Greek letter societies until in 1888 it too fell into line and changed it name to that of Pi Beta Phi.
Page 25
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 25 The September Arrow of the Pi Beta Phi contains an “Historical sketch of Columbian Uaiversity” the latest college entered by that sorority. * * * « The Beta Theta Pi for October contains little of intetest to the out¬ side reader except the piece on “ Fraternity Journalism ” from this we learn that there are 23 fraternity magazines now published differing in size, shape and color, as well as in matter. The Beta Journal has no exchange column and devotes but small space to editorials. * * « The October number of the Alpha Tau Omega Palm has as a frontis¬ piece a cut of the Tennessee Omega chapter hall, and a very pretty hall it is, built of stone with a deep, arched entrance, above which is the maltese cross of the Alpha Tau Omega. # * Fraternity men, as a rule, are not sufficiently well-informed in regard to the Greek world. It is not one in ten whose information even about his own fraternity extends beyond his own chapter lines, and, in general, abso¬ lute ignorance in regard to other fraternities prevails.— Kappa Alpha Journal. * # The Tri- Delta fraternity has established its third chapter, the Epilson, Knox college, Galesburg, Ill. The fratemhy now numbers nearly two hun¬ dred members, after an existence of less than a year. — Ex. * * » Oberlin never has had a college yell, college colors, a college song, nor a chapter of any college fraternity. — Alphi Phi. * * # Wliitelaw Reid, U. S. Minister to France, is a member of D. K. E.— Rainbow. * * « Psi Upsilon, Phi Kappa Sigma, Beta Psi and Delta Phi have been given land by the University of Pennsylvania, and with the aid of their alumni they expect to build chapter houses thereon. Union college has also granted Psi Upsilon land for a chapter house. — Rainbow. * * * Roger S. Baldwin, of the Junior class of Yale, son ef ‘Professor Baldwin, was one of the recent initiates of the Phi Beta Kappa society. The key which he wears is one which has been handed down from father and son in the Baldwin family for over a century. The original owner is said to have been one of the society at William and Mary in 1776.— I a/e News. # * # The Kappa Alpha for November comes to us very much improved in ap¬ pearance by its new dress. The letter from the K. C. has many good points in it for other fraternities as well as Kappa Alpha. He sa\'s : Three men of brain will makea more influential chapter than thirty callow youths, whose devotion may be ardent, but whose discretion is nil. Our member¬ ship should be selected with a view to the future as well as to the present. College days constitute only the lesser part in the fraternity life of the initiate. Indeed, the
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26 Kappa. Alpha Theta Journal. bond of fellowship unites the loyal alumni as closed as the active members. The men whom we select and initiate as brothers should be such as are not only pleas¬ ant ephemeral acquaintances, but such as have qualities of head and heart to make them valuable friends for all time. We desire to be the most courtly of the courtly, the most scholarly of the scholarly, the bravest of the brave and the truest of the true. In his opinion Kappa Alpha is and was intended to be strictly a South¬ ern fraternity, and the college fraternity of the south. The editorial on the choice of members is worthy of commendation and we quote from it for the benefit.of our Theta sisters: No man should be taken into a chapter unless he is known, either by the mem¬ bers themselves or by some one in whose judgment they have absolute confidence, to be a man of sterling worth, lofty character, and of firm convictions. His mental attainments, his social qualities, his adaptability to fraternity, and various other questions must be determined by the members of the chapters themselves. The policy favored by the writer is conservatism — go slowliness. You may lose a “medal-Winner” occasionally, you may lose a “ german leader,” but by following this plan you will always have a strong, united chapter. If there is an end to gain, six men thoroughly harmonious and closely united, are worth immeasurably more than three times six where some are indifferent. * * * An article in the Alpha Phi Quarterly on “Women’s Life at Cornell Uni¬ versity,” after saying that out of 12,000 students only about 120 are women, goes on : Of course there are disadvantages in such a state of things, for among so many men a woman must of necessity be very discreet, and even then she may be thrown into many embarrassing circumstances and suffer many indignities in the class rooms where all students meet on an equal footing. There was at first much oppo¬ sition to the admission of ladies, and out of this have grown some curious cus¬ toms, one of which is that ladies and gentlemen however well acquainted never recognize one another on the campus nor in class rooms. It also says : the sororities at Sage, four in number, are a great feature in the social life. Theirs is the ruling spirit, and they contribute largely to the general good feelings throughout the house. There is comparatively little rivalry between these fraternities. All strangers are struck with the universal kindness shown by the young ladies, and although this may in some degree be due to society interests, yet the general sentiment is one of rare fellowship and altogether every Sage Col¬ lege girl is ready to declare that Cornell is the place best suited to women and their development. * * » The recent convention of Kappa Alpha Theta, held with Beta chapter at Bloomington, Ind., was very successful, more work having been done than at any previous convention. The next meeting of the national body will be held with Lambda chapter at Burlington, Vt., in the fall of 1891. The journal will be published by Upsilon chapter, at Minneapolis, Minn.— Delta of Sigma Nu. * , # * Northwestern supports more fraternities among the ladies than any other institution. The following societies in order of their establishment are there: Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta and Gamma Phi Beta.— Alpha Phi. * * * Phi Gamma Delta has established chapters at Sheffield Scientific School and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. — Rainbow.