Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 5 no. 1
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DIRECTORY. PRESIDENT OF GRAND CHAPTER. At Alpha, . . . DePauw University, . . Greencastle, Incl. SECRETARY OF GRAND CHAPTER. At Epsilon, . . . Wooster University, . . Wooster, Ohio. editing Chapter*. Upsilon . University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Coppesponding Seenetapies. Alpha, . DePauw University, . . Ida B. Weaver, Box 509, Greencastle, Ind Beta . University of Indiana, . Mary Lindley, Bloomington, Ind Delta, . University of Illinois, . Cora E. Wamsley, 502 N. Main St., Bloomington, Ill Epsilon . Wooster University, . . Melicent M. Woodworth, 149 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, O Iota, . Cornell University, . . Estella M. Vedder, Sage College, Ithaca, N. Y Kappa, . . . University of Kansas, . Edith Clarke, 1121 R. I. St., Lawrence, Kan Lambda . University of Vermont, . Frances M Pierce, 85 Prospect St., Burlington, Vt Mu . Alleghany College, . . Basha E. Thrasher, Hidings Hall, Meadville, Pa Nu, ... . . Hanover College, . . . Ellonise Dougherty, Hanover, Ind Omicron, . . . . Uni V. of Southern Cal., . Minerva Cook, University Place, Los Angeles Co., Cal pI? . Albion College, .... Fannie J. Stanley, 504 Erie St., Albion, Mich pHOj . University of Nebraska, Elizabeth Bonnell, 2345 R. St., Lincoln. Neb Xau, . Northwest’n University, Lulu Berkey, Evanston, III Upsilon, . . . . University of Minnesota, Katrina Manson, Prospect Park, Minneapolis, Minn pHl . University of Pacific, . Emma C. Buffington, College Park, Cal . Syracuse University, . Jessica B. Marshall, 209 University Place, Syracuse, N. Y pSI> . University of Wisconsin, - , Madison, Wis Omega, . . . . University of California, Agnes Crary, Box 304, Berkely, Cal
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January, 1891. Kappa •> Alpha •> Theta Journal. A QUARTERLY, PUBLISHED BY UPSILON CHAPTER, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS. VOL. V, NO. X. MINNEAPOLIS: Co-operative Printing Co., 319 Nicollet Avenue. 1891.
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BOARD OF EDITORS. Managing Editor. M. Emma Kemp, 1703 Fourth St. S. Helen Tombs, Madeleine Wallin, Katrina Manson, Minnie A. Rexford. 329 Sixteenth Ave. E., Minneapolis, Minn. Literary and Alumnae Department. Exchanges. Chapter Letters and Personals. Business Manager. I. E., Minneapolis, Minn. CONTENTS. Glimpses of Alaska, Sketch of Miss Watterson, Editorials, - Alumnae Letter, Chapter Letters, - Personals, - Exchanges, College and Fraternity Items. 3 4 6 9 10 19 34
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. VOL. V. JANUARY, 1891. No. 1. GLIMPSES OF ALASKA. Until within a very few years, Alaska has been in the minds of most people, the synonym for all that was frozen, barren, and out-of-the-way; a region desert of beauty, one vast expanse of snow, and the home of the Polar bears. Entirely different, however, is the scene that greets the tourist, who, having boarded an ocean steamer at Tacoma, sails for a thousand miles along the coast, comes in among the islands of the Sitkan Archipelago. To be sure, what the summer traveler sees is only a wee bit of Alaska, but a step into an enchanted land, which he finds beautiful and entrancing enough to dispel forever from his mind his old fancies. Only further ex¬ plorations into the interior and northern parts of the country can discover its true character and value. It seemed almost like leaving the world for a time to sail beyond the reach of telegraphs and newspapers. We were fairly “steeped” in scenery, skirted the coast, or sailed between islands, some of them small and round, and but a few feet wide, others many miles in width. Sometimes we went close to mountain walls that rose abruptly from the water, or through chan¬ nels so narrow and dangerous that we need must wait for high tide, and only the Captain’s hearty “sta’bbard a bit” and “steady” re-assured us in our passage. For days we saw no human being, then a native paddling by in his gondola-like canoe, aroused our interests, disappeared, and we again turned our attention to the contemplation of nature’s beauties. It is hard to describe the sense of awful grandeur and sublimity that pervades the scenery. The great mountains, covered with beautiful green foliage below, are crowned with snow, that melting, sends little streams and waterfalls down their sides like silver ribbons; while up between the high¬ est peaks, glaciers turn their white bosoms to the sun. The largest of these glaciers reaching the water and discharging icebergs, is the Muir, within a few rods of whose icy wall our steamer cast anchor. The morning spent in tramping over it was worth much to us. We stood beneath its blue, icy face, felt its cold breath, and heard the icebergs dropping into the water with the boom of cannon. The steamer, in a twelve days’ trip, touches at Fort Wrangell, a former station for troops; Juneau, the neighborhood of the Douglass silver mine; sights Chilcat, the country of the famous dance blankets, and Sitka, the seat of the present government; so that there were plenty of opportunities to
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4 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. study the natives, at least the man with the Kodak, made frequent studies of them, in spite of their violent gestures of defiance. Those beyond the reach of the missionaries live in rude huts without floors. The smoke escapes by a hole in the roof. Furniture is entirely lack¬ ing. Dirt and filth abound. The women wear a button in the under lip and silver bracelets adorn their arms: a calico dress and blanket complete their attire. The little children wear even less, and are rapidly dying with consumption from ex¬ posure. They have, naturally , no ideas of morality or civilization, and have bor¬ rowed the worst traits of the whites. Fish and game are most abundant; salmon leap from the water by the hundred, and are so thick in the streams that they are easily caught with a boat-hook. It is surely a means of cul¬ ture “ to see something beautiful every day,” but one should add, “ with an appreciative eye,” the more pity is it to find in that beautiful country beings so low in the scale of civilization that they hardly seem to possess souls. It is a new and interesting trip. Nature makes you feel her grandeur and power as never before. Never can one forget an evening on the quiet waters in which the deep island shadows are reflected, while over the white mountain summits hangs an indefinable gray twilight blending all into one enchanting whole. Lulu Berkley, Tau. CLIPPING FROM THE “ILLUSTRATED AMERICAN.” Among the younger set of American. women coming prominently into notice none appears to be attracting more admiring attention than Miss Helen Watterson, of Cleveland, O. She gives unmistakable promise of an unusually brilliant journalistic career, and, in view of her youth, is regarded as rather phenomenal in the profession. Miss Watterson was graduated at the University of Wooster in 1883, having been during her college career one of three girl-students who pursued the entire course with large compet¬ ing classes of young men. After carrying off distinguished honors as a stu¬ dent, she turned immediately to her pen for occupation and income. Edi¬ torial writing, etc, for the Cleveland Leader and Sun brought her conspicu¬ ously before the public as an earnest thinker and able writer. And that these talents were fully appreciated was demonstrated by the call she received to take the chair of assistant professor of rhetoric and English at her alma mater , the University of Wooster. For three years the young editor filled this responsible position with infinite credit to herself and satisfaction to the college. The experience was of advantage in many ways. She learned the value of thoroughness, became more than ever a keen observer of human nature, practised the superlatively high virtues of patience and jus¬ tice, that rounded out and strengthened a character of more than ordinary vigor and sweetness. But it was scarcely possible that the youthful ambi¬ tion, pluck, and originality so strongly accentuated in Miss Watterson’s mentality would remain content to find expression in the scholastic life. Her inclinations were too strongly directed toward the broad, expansive fields of journalism to yield precedence to a university chair. So, as always
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 5 happens to very vigorous natures, the opportunity presented itself for the demonstration of her talents. Under engagement, she came direct from her desk to New York City to take charge of a column of the Evening Sun. Now, those who have undertaken the task of creating a department on one of the important New York dailies will understand the difficulties of Miss Watterson’s position. She was competing in a strange town with practised hands, but the sequel proved her more than equal to the feat. In a very few weeks “The Woman about Town” had won scores of admirers — men and women — who speculated upon the identity of the writer, but agreed that such clear-headed, keen-witted talk was a pleasant daily stimulant in the dreary round of conventional platitudes. The fresh, straightforward tone and attitude of the author appealed to every one who read her squibs, critiques, and reflections on men and things. She struck a high note as well as a popular one; wrote up, and not on a level; ignored all cheap, ugly methods of gaining the public ear, and, recognizing the dignity of her calling, sought every means of exalting woman in journalism. Although her residence in New York scarcely reckons a year, no woman holds a more assured and honorable position in her profession. Respected and admired, alike by journalists and the public, this gifted youg woman seems much to be envied. Personally, Miss Watterson is a cordial, sweet-mannered, unaf¬ fected girl; has frank, honest, gray eyes, with a fine face, full of womanli¬ ness, and that subtlest of beauty’s charms — sympathy. [Miss Watterson was one of Epsilon’s most enthusiastic members and one of whom all Thetas are justly proud. Her successful career will be noted with interest by all wearers of the “ black and gold!'}
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6 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. EDITORIALS. Much talk has lately appeared in the various Fraternity journals concerning Pa^-Hellenism, and, though we have in a previous number made known some of our views concerning the subject, yet we are tempted again to take it up. It is rather doubtful whether we understand just how much is meant by this term. We talk of Pan-Hellenic Conventions, and yet when we come to look at them from all points of view, we can but see that, though such a gathering of Greeks would be extremely pleasant, yet very little real practical good would be the result. It is but natural that all enthusiastic, broad-minded Greeks should desire, in every way possible, to better the condition of their Fraternity. To say that she has no sympathy with this movement of Pan-Hellenism is pure egotism on the part of any Fraternity. No one can truly claim that no other Fraternity has some qualities superior to her own. One is more in ad¬ vance in one thing, another in something else, and the desire to bring these elements together, thus giving benefit to all is undoubtedly the cause of the question of Pan- Hellenism. Those Fraternities most interested in it recognize here an op¬ portunity to learn and establish new and better methods of reaching the high standard which has been set up by the Greeks, as well as bringing about general good feeling between those engaged in such similar purposes. So far, so good. But it is the easiest thing in the world to carry this to an extreme. It would seem that more real good can be accomplished locally than nationally, though we acknowledge that at a Pan- Hel¬ lenic Convention one would gain many broader ideas concern¬ ing Fraternity life and work. But the most of our Fraternity relations have to do only with those Chapters at our own Col¬ lege, and it is here that we must carry out true Pan-Hellenic spirit, rather than upon a larger scale. We, however, with the Key, heartily endorse the proposal to have a convention of Fraternity editors. No small amount of good to the different Fraternity organs would be the result.
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 7 We most cordially agree to the formation of Fraternity Press Clubs, as, by them, those editors less experienced (as many of us are) than others would be enabled to do better work, and raise the standard of their journals. This would be a good practical start towards that indefinite thing which we call Pan-Hellenism. Time may bring to pass all that the Palm desires in this line. Let us find out first what we really want accomplished, and then go to work, and if it turns out that it is the best thing for Fraternities to be leagued together in certain matters, our earnest efforts will bring it to pass. We are glad that at last our catalogue has put in its appear¬ ance. We have every reason to be proud of it, and to con¬ gratulate our sisters who have so well performed their trust. Those of us who never have had any such work to do, cannot appreciate the amount of labor it requires to do it. We are, therefore, too apt to criticize and condemn any small errors without thinking, how hard those sisters have had to work over it. Tau Chapter has the JOURNAL’S hearty appreciation of her work, and we are sure that every Theta thanks her for her kindness in sending to us such a commendable catalogue. We are still expecting our Song Books, and wondering why they don’t come. Has every Chapter done her part, and sent in the desired material ? If not, we can easily see why there is delay. We would suggest to the Publishing Chapter that if all the Chapters have not responded to her call that she write again. Perhaps all do not quite understand what is desired of them. At any rate, we hope that every Chapter will at once do her share that we may have the books soon. At the receipt of the Chapter letters from Tau and Kappa we feel like saying, “ Those are the kind of Chapter letters we want. We hope the others will do as well.” For some time we have had reason to be proud of this department of our JOURNAL, but still there is room for improvement. We have been trying to have the letters reflect the opinions as well as the life of each Chapter, and we are glad that some are begin¬ ning to do this. If each Chapter lets her opinions be known
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8 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. concerning matters of Fraternity interest it will be an added strength, and will help to put us on a firmer footing. Those Chapter letters most readable, men’s or women’s, are those in which the reader can see the whole position of the Chapter, as regards rank, college work, Chapter life and opinions. Such letters, we believe, Thetas can write if they will, and we earn¬ estly desire for the good of our JOURNAL that each Chapter corresponding editor will endeavor to send us such a letter for every num’ber. The next number of the JOURNAL will, we hope, be edited by Sister Beulah McHenry, one who has had much experience in the literary line, and received much commendation. She will, no doubt, do much more than we have been able to do towards raising our JOURNAL to a higher standard. We are glad and yet sorry to lay down our editorial pen, for it has been pleasant to reach all the sisters through the pages of the JOURNAL. We hope many times in the future to send some word to you all by our JOURNAL. NOTES. EXCHANGES are requested to notice the change of our editor and send all exchanges to Madeleine Wallin, 1405 Fifth St. S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. We are requested to announce that Bunde & Upmeyer, of Milwaukee, are authorized to manufacture Kappa Alpha Theta badges. All material for the next JOURNALS must be in before the 10th of March and May. Corresponding Secretaries please take notice. You are requested to send in your subscriptions as early as possible, and as many as possible. Please bear in mind the action of the last Convention, that two-thirds (§) of every Chapter should subscribe for the JOURNAL.
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— Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. ALUMNAE LETTER. University of the Pacific, San Jose, Cal., Jan. 8th, 1891. Dear Theta Sisters: At our last meeting in December I was per¬ suaded, against my better judgment, into promising to contribute something for the Journal. Conceive my dire despair, on receiving yesterday morning a notice that all matter must be in by the middle of the month. While I am among the most recent of the sisters to join Theta, it is as an Alumnae member. Four years have passed since I received my diploma from the hands of our President, and knew that my school days were ended. In those days the College could boast no “fraternity” for girls. It was just being thought of by one or two of the most adventurous spirits, but was left to the girls of another and later time to organize. So, you can see, that I appreciate the good times, the sisterly feeling and charitable blindness to faults of the Theta girls more even than they can. It is a little going back into the past, a taste of the old pleasures which we did, but half appreciate when they were ours. " We have our delusive day dreams and rejoice— when, now and then, Some old heart string stirs within us, and we feel our youth again.” ’ One of our girls, Edith Cory, was married just before Christmas We do not feel that we have lost her, but welcome a brother into our circle. We are hoping to do good, helpful work during the coming term. The girls long for a home of their own, where they will be free from many of the hindrances which prevent them from accomplishing all they might. We will have it some day, for our girls are energetic, and rarely give up a plan We are on the lookout for recruits to Theta, and have several pledged. Dear girls, it we but live up to the beautiful precepts of Theta, we can not help growing into truer, nobler women, helping others by the silent in¬ fluence of our own high aims. With hearty good wishes, from away out in the West. F raternally, An Alumna Sister.
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10 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. CHAPTER LETTERS. ALPHA. * Dear Sisters: The New Year has open very pleasantly to the Theta girls of De Pauw, and we sincerely hope that 91 will be full of happiness for every one of you. One new name has been added of late to our list of Greek letter frater¬ nities, and now the beautiful pin of Sigma Nu sparkles among us. It had seemed to us as though the ground had been pretty well canvassed, but al¬ most before we knew it, a new circle had been formed among us. This establishment of new and prosperous Chapters often teaches old and well established fraternities a much needed lesson; we fraternity people are sometimes tempted to imagine that all the nice people in the college world are to be distinguished by the badge of some fraternity, and it is well for us to be reminded that the world is full of good and nice people, if we "are only willing to look around us with a fixed purpose to see the good, and to overlook the small faults. Egotism and selfishness are twin vices, equally detestable and equally to be feared by fraternity people. One of our former Chapter girls, Miss Allie Hays, of Portland, Ind., is now Mrs. Jesse Wick, of Greencastle. We would be very glad if all of our girls who change their name and residence, would find it convenient to come to this city. With best wishes. Alpha. BETA. Bloomington, Ind., Jan. 12, 189C Beta has had this year the most successful campaign in her history. The number of lady students has never been so large, nor has it comprised so many who had the true Fraternity spirit. It seemed* that initiations would never cease, but at last the last proposition was favorably answered and we found we had thirty-three active members. At Christmas, unfortunately, four of our girls were compelled, by ill- health, to remain at home; but Katharine Blynn, returning after a year s ab¬ sence, still kept our number thirty. In a Shakespearian entertainment, recently, three of our girls took prominent parts, and Theta was not in the least ashamed of them. It was my great fortune, Christmas holidays, to meet several Thetas, three old Beta girls, and two from other Chapters, and thanks to them, my vacation was delightful. It is when one is away from college, and college association, that we learn to value more highly, our Fraternity and when we see others, who although they have not attended a Theta meeting for years, are yet so loyal and enthusiastic, we realize the breadth of our Fraternity; realize that Kappa Alpha Th'eta is not confined to the walls of our own University, but %
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. ii that others revere and love the black and gold, and are as zealous of keeping the kite high as we. Then, the kite makes dearest friends of total strang¬ ers, in one interview and “Hand in hand we firmly stand, guarding Theta’s alter.” Girls, we have glorious news for you! Owing to the kindness of Alpha, we were able to put the Kappa Alpha Theta song book in the publisher’s hands and in a very short time we will be abie to free ourselves from the blame, imposed unjustly enough, on poor Beta’s head. Then, from Ver¬ mont to California, we may sing “Vive la Kappa Alpha Theta.” Beta. DELTA. U. of Illinois, Bloomington, III. Dear Theta Sisters: Imagine Delta’s chagrin, when sometime after the publication of the last Journal, one of her members found the postal card infoiming them that it was time to send the Chapter letter, in the Pres¬ ident’s office where it had been for about two months. To say. we felt greatly disappointed but feebly expresses our stat^of mind, and the Presi¬ des s cars surely burned about that time. We hope we are in season this time, however, for we have plenty of good news for the rest bf our sisters. The past term has been one of unparalleled success in Delta’s history. After a lively contest, the wearers of the kite scored a victory, in token of which eight freshmen girls wear the badge. But let us present them to you Bede McNaught, Laura Pease, Grace Stillwell, Ada Bruer, Olive Nichols, Ella Morse, Maud Kellar and Mamie Henry, make .their best bow to the readers of the Journal. Add to this list the names of four pledged mem¬ bers, and you will doubtless see some reason for our enthusiasm. The Phi Gamma Deltas gave a progressive novelty party not long since at which most of our girls were present. The last social event of the fall term was a reception tendered by the Theta girls to their new members and gentlemen friends. Light refresh¬ ments were served during the evening, and all enjoyed a merry time. There is a great deal of fraternity spirit in school at present, and none are more active in the fray than the Theta girls. \\ e hope next term to make some improvements in the furnishing of our hall, and are still hoping for the long-looked for song-books. With many bright wishes for the New Year. Delt\ EPSILON. Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio. This has been in some respects, a momentous term to Epsilon, especially as regards the enjoyment of social pleasures. Rushing, a pastime in which our Chapter does not often indulge, was confined to September, but fate deemed that our worthy sisterhood was not to lack excitement, and we soon found ourselves mid the dizzy whirl of gaiety. Cora Frick, one of our loyal Alumnae, first threw open the doors of her elegant and hospitable home to over two hundred guests, among whom ap¬ peared the congenial spirits of Kappa Alpha Theta costumes. The same
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12 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. week, some of the most fortunate of us were invited to a party at Miss Par¬ sons, who, though belonging to another Fraternity, showed by this invita¬ tion a friendly feeling for us. Soon again the Theta were prominent on an occasion which called forth some sadness, since it was to remove a sister from our midst. This was the wedding of Anna Lehman who plighted her troth to Fred Phelps, of Waukesha, Wis. Her letters give evidence that she is with us still, in spirit, if not in the flesh. Not long after we were called upon to part with another, and we assembled to say goodbye to Mil¬ lie Immel, whose father had moved his business to Huntington, West Vir¬ ginia. We determined to mingle the sweet with the bitter, and Kit. John¬ son made us welcome to have a taffy-pulling at her home, where the bitter¬ ness of parting was allayed by the sweetness of the candy. There have been other social events, but this letter is already longer than was intended. The literary exercises of our regular meetings have been unusually in¬ teresting, and we have every reason to expect a pleasant and profitable term for the beginning of the New Year. We send greeting to our fellow sisterhoods. Epsilon. KAPPA. Kansas University, Lawrence, Kan. Dear Theta Sisters: The kite is flying high at Kappa. Our last year has been a most successful one. Last June we lost two of our girls by graduation, Emma Bartell and Florence Reasoner. Our pledged girl, Mar¬ cella Howland, daughter of the Unitarian minister, Dr. Howland, gave “the oration of the day” on Commencement Day. We lost also Prof, and Mrs. William MacDonald. Mrs. MacDonald, editor of the Journal when at Kappa, is taking a few studies at Harvard Annex. After a summer pleasantly spent by all, nine girls re-entered school. Lorena Grabe was unable to return and complete her course this year. Early in the fall term, Miss Jessamine K. Howell was induced to join our ranks. She is a senior, and holds high rank in her class. Marcella Howland and Jessie Howell were initiated at the same time. Both are lovely girls — lovely in mind and person. Such a fine beginning, we were sure, would give us a prosperous year. The literary work of the Chapter is arranged for a series of readings in Spanish History. Every two weeks some one of the girls reads a paper, or extracts, on a subject as arranged previously on the program. In addi¬ tion, the second term we intend to take up the stories and legends told in connection with the historical personages. Following the program, a time is reserved for anyone to tell of a new book, a recent invention, or some¬ thing of general interest. There has been no parties given by the Chapter, although several of the members have given evening parties and tea par¬ ties. You all remember that we have an inter-fraternity pledge by which we are restricted. All these three months— no— all the spring and summer, Kappa Chapter has been on the “tip-toe of expectancy.” Now hopeful, now dejected, al¬ ways eager. Our Chapter did no unladylike rushing at the last after the
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 13 pledge was up, but showed the invited girls that we truly and sincerely wanted them to come join our band of sisters. Kappa Alpha Theta won four lovely girls — Rilla Van*Hoesen, Winni- fred Churchill, Bessie Hand and Kate Riggs. (We girls are all so happy that we hug each other every time we meet, and how the grip thrills.) Kappa Alpha Theta is now on excellent footing for years to come. This Chapter is very conservative. It has always had a small Chapter roll on this account, not caring for mere numbers, but wanting to have girls that are true ideal Thetas. With the recent additions we are eighteen. Mrs. John Coffin, of Omicron Chapter, visited in Lawrence this fall. She told us a great many of the Theta doings out there in California. We all enjoyed her visit very much. Miss Mary L. Simpson, Instructor in Art until recently, was married to Dr. D. O. Walker, physician at Haskell Institute. Dr. Walker is a member of Beta Theta Pi. We miss her so much from the University. We all unite in wishing her much future happiness. We think it an excellent plan to have a Pan-Hellenic Conclave at Chi¬ cago in 1893. Kappa Chapter is greatly in favor of establishing Chapters at Bryn Mawr and Wellesley. We have had girls at both places. By all means have the matter looked after as soon as possible. What is the future of Rho at Nebraska University? Is its condition good? The reports are certainly not flattering. We are glad to know that we can have song books soon. The suggestion that the Journal have a salaried officer does not seem to present any difficulties. A fund might be created by taking a per cent from initiation fees or dues, or perhaps, to tax in some more direct way. If Kappa Alpha Theta had laws requiring a certain amount of “copy” from each Chapter the difficuty could be managed. Kappa Kappa Gamma has such rules; it is owing to this fact, no doubt, that they are able to prepare so creditable a journal. Of course, all loyal Thetas want their publications to rank with the best. Effort is required to attain the end desired; but with the literary qualities, which we trust exist in our fraternity, there would not seem to be any great difficulties in the way. Fraternally in Kappa Alpha Theta. Kappa. NU. Hanover College, Hanover, Ind. Dear Theta Sisters: The members of Nu, although few in numbers, have returned after a pleasant vacation, with renewed zeal for the welfare of Theta. We have been very unfortunate in losing some of our most valued members, whom we had hoped to have with us until their graduation. We are trusting however that they are doing Theta honor wherever they may be. One of our most ardent pledged members was prevented from re¬ turning to us on account of the sickness and death of her father. She is now in Kansas preparing herself to teach music.
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H Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. We are hoping that our numbers will soon be increased. Two of our members held places on the Junior Exhibition, which oc- cured just at the close of last term, the speakers being the eight having the highest grades in speaking and scholarship during the last two terms of the Sophomore year. A luncheon was given in October in honor of several of our Alumnae who were in Hanover at that time. In the latter part of November we were very much delighted at having a short visit from one of our Chapter members, Mrs. Wm. Baird, nee Anna Adams. Mrs. Baird and her husband, both being former students of Han¬ over, were making a farewell visit to old haunts, before sailing for Corea, where they expect to engage in missionary work. Mrs. Baird is well fitted for her work for she is a bright and earnest woman, having held the position of State Secretary of the Y. W. C. A., in Kansas, for several years preceed- ing her marriage. Wc expect the coming term to be one of hard work. The favorite Hanover pastimes of lawn tennis, long walks and picnics to the beautiful falls in and about our little village are precluded by the rain and snow of this season of the year. Nu sends her best wishes for a happy New Year to Theta’s all. Nu. OMICRON. University of Southern Cal. The holidays have closed a very busy and profitable term to the girls of Omicron Chapter. We are mostly Juniors and Sophomores, and on account of the orations and essays confronting us this year, we have not allotted much time to literary work, but we have had some jolly meetings here and there, whenever we have had extra time. We have planned a course for the next term, taking up Macauley’s and Rankin’s essays and intend to do some solid work at regular meetings. Our resident members have met with us at different times, increasing the interest and enthusiasm very much. Some of our girls who were visiting in the East during the summer have returned, telling us many interesting things as to how you Eastern girls conduct sorority matters, and giving us some very acceptable items along the line of work. Miss Bindley paid us a short visit upon her return, during last term; we expect to scon have her among us as a teacher in the college. We just caught a glimpse of May Curran as she passed through here . on her way home for the vacation. Our new initiate, Mamie Sawyer, has proved a valuable addition to our numbers, and is one of whose scholarship we are proud. We have given no social entertainment to our outside friends this term, but among ourselves w£have had some very pleasant evenings. With the wish that the New Year may be a happy one to all the Theta girls. Omicron. PI. Albion College, Albion, Mich. Pi so far has had a very prosperous year. Everything seems to point to
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Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. *5 success in the future, for all is peaceful and harmonious within which adds much to our strength. We have added, since our last letter, two new members to our little circle, of whom we are justly proud. We now number eight active members and six pledged. We hope to be able to introduce to you some of our pledged girls as active members soon. They are all very enthusiastic workers and when they have once been introduced to the profound secrets, will prove noble workers for Theta. We were delightfully entertained at the home of one of our pledged girls during Thanksgiving. Our college is flourishing and has reached a higher number of stu¬ dents during the past term than during any preceding one. She has also had $15,000 appropriated to her for a gymnasium of which she was greatly in need. The Sigma Chis have just finished their Chapter Hall, which is very nice indeed, and in which we have all felt an interest, as it is the first build¬ ing of such a nature which has found way on College Hill, and we most heartily congratulate the boys on their success. We wish that Theta might claim the next. It was with great pleasure taht the catalogue and journal were received in our little circle after so long an absence and we trust it will not be long before we will have the song books. With best wishes to all sister Chapters. Pi. TAU. Northwestern University, Evanston, III. Dear Sisters: We are in the best of spirits this term, with a goodly number of fifteen members, many friends and — crowning happiness— a new frat. hall to infuse into us all more spirit and energy. The hall is large and bright, with a small room off it for the novitiates, and another for the neces¬ sary adjuncts of a well regulated hall. Kappa Alpha Theta in blazing let¬ ters on the door announces our ownership, and wards off intruders. We wonder if yo\i have all groaned the same groan as we, whenever the song books have been mentioned, for not being one of the delinquents we have been living in daily, hourly, anticipation of their appearance. But how our lamentations were changed to rejoicing when word came from Alpha that “the books” would soon appear. The suggestion was made in the last Journal that a paid editor would be a step in advance; let us think of it. If the editor, perhaps an alumnae, felt justified in giving her time, wouldn’t our Journal improve, rise in im¬ portance, and decrease in price? Let some one agitate the question. Our Thanksgiving vacation was made a sad one by the death of a young lady at the college, a freshman, who if she had lived, would probably have become a Theta, as those who knew her loved her dearly. We have tasted the sweets of victory in pledging Jessie Phillips, ’95, in spite of the strenuous efforts of Alpha Phi. She is a fine girl, and will make a good Theta. I want to ask one question of the girls: Do you think it an advisable
Page 19
1 6 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. or honorable thing to withdraw a “bid,” even if the proposition has been out for some time and it seems lacking in dignity either to urge or to leave it open, to be accepted or not, whenever the person sees fit? The matter of rushing is a perplexing one; and if some plan could be adopted whereby it would not needlessly consume valuable time and temper we should feel that an important step had been made. Our representative on the Declamation Contest, Minnie Church, was a credit to the frat. Her selection, “ Paradise and the Peri,” gave full scope for graceful gesture, in which she was charming. We shall miss her sunny temper more than we can think now, for the illness of her father makes it necessary for her to remain at home for the rest of the year. Alpha Chi Omega has established a Chapter at Northwestern. The fraternities will give a reception to Dr. and Mrs. Rogers, our new President and wife, early in January. We wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. Tau. UPSILON. University of Minn., Minneapolis. Dear Journal: Upsilon Chapter has been pursuing the even tenor of her way since the last letter. We have lost two of our brightest girls from the active membership- Annie Guthrie, 91, who is visiting near Wooster, O., and has given up grad¬ ating until next year, on account of ill health and Carrie Palmer, 92, who has charge of the histories in the Methodist Seminary, at Onarga, Ill. We gave our Senior a beautiful bound set of Mrs. Browning and our Junior a lace pin. We have initiated a Freshman girl— Alice Pabodie, whose name we have been wishing all the year to add to our roll call. Miss Sercombe, of Psi Chapter, spent the holidays in Minneapolis; but as most of our girls were out of the city, only a few had the pleasure of call¬ ing on her. Upsilon has long wondered what certain words in some of the term re¬ ports mean. In one of the recent ones is found “specials 2,” and in another, “unclassified 4.” If they are not yet initiated they should be classed with the pledged members, and if they are - Upsilon has had it very firmly impressed upon her mind that the con¬ stitution says, “regular students only shall be initiated.” Why would it not be a good subject for discussion in the Convention next July, what consti¬ tutes a good Theta? It is better for all the Chapters to have the same idea of a girl to be aimed for. We know how some “frats.” are the “diggers” in one college and the “400” in another, but in the best organized “frats.” there is no such radical differences in the Chapters, and from a simple statement that a person is a member of such a Fraternity, we gain some idea of his character. Then shall we take a girl simply because she is a good student, if she is passable in other direction? Or may we take only a passable student, if sl\e is bright and lovable?
Page 20
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 17 If we had a common ideal and took nothing short of it, the Chapters would be more firmly bound together and the pin would mean more to Thetas, meeting for the first time. We meet on the evening of Jan. 16, at Kathrina Manson’s, where we will try to have a good time and talk over our coming party. Yours in Kappa Alpha Theta, Upsilon. PHI. University of Pacific, College Park, Cal., Dec. 27, 1890. Editor of Journal: Phi is glad to send greetings to her Theta sis¬ ters once more. We were very much disappointed that we had not time to get our letter into the Journal the last time. We sometimes feel that we are unfortunate in being so far away from the rest of you, and having to labor under the disadvantage of slow and uncertain mails. This year has been a prosperous one for us. We initiated only three new members, but the two who were college girls, have given us every reason to be proud of them. One, a junior, Miss Emma Buffington, who came to us from Cornell College, Iowa, is now as enthusiastic a frat. girl as any of us. The other, Miss Maud Grover, who was induced to make her music second to a literary course, is one of our most loyal members. Our other new member, Mrs. Tompkins, has made us feel like rejoicing many times over her acquisition. One of the most delightful events of the term was Thanksgiving Day with Phi Psi. Early in the morning we drove out to the Leland Stanford University, and spent a pleasant day there, looking around the buildings and grounds. We came home to a six o’clock dinner at Phi Psi’s Chapter house, and felt that the Phi Psi boys had sustained their reputation as royal hosts. Dame Rumor says that the University of Pacific will be able to boast of another fraternity soon. Miss Lizzie Gober, who graduated in the literary course in ’88 and in the musical course in ’90, has been teaching in the University this year. Wishing the Chpaters a “Happy New Year.” Fraternally, Phi. CHI. • Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y. Dear Thetas: We enter upon the new term with the brightest of prospects. Three weeks ago we initiated Miss Mary Loomis, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke and a member of the Senior class. She will make an enthus¬ iastic worker and will ever be an honor to our Fraternity. Three girls of the Freshman class are wearing the “black and the gold” and will soon be taken into active membership. Gertrude Allen, a graduate and a Theta of Albion College, who came here this year to take post-graduate work, has accepted a position to teach Latin and German in Madison, Wis., and has already entered upon her new duties. One of our ’89 girls, Pauline Jennings, accompanied by her mother, will spend the winter in the south.
Page 21
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. *8 We have had many pretty little compliments for our new catalogue, and, indeed, we are highly pleased with it. We are in hopes of having Lu. Graff, ’92, with us again the spring term. She is now at home with her parents, in Utica. Never was our University in a more prosperous condition than at the present time. Our new fine art college, called “The Crouse Memorial Col¬ lege for Women,” and costing $500,000, is gaining a reputation throughout the educated world, and is considered the finest building of its kind in the country. Several of our girls have been corresponding with the other Chapters, thus uniting more closely than ever the bonds of “Thetahood.” We are always glad to hear from any of “the girls.” With the very best wishes for Theta, we remain, Fraternally yours, Chi. OMEGA. U. of California, Berkely, Cal. The past term has been an eventful one with Omega Chapter, being the first in our active college life, for our organization took place just before the long summer vacation. As there is no preparatory in connection with the U. C. we have no pledged girls, but started vigorously in our first “rush¬ ing.” We were fortunate in securing all of the seven girls we wanted. They reap a good share of the “first section,” and are in the regular courses from classical to mechanics. But more than college honors, they have that indefinable something which marks a freshman as a good prospective Theta. The following are their names: Mabel Gray, Louise Shepherd, Anita Sims, Louise Bunnell, J.ulia Morgan. Mida Castelhoun and Frances Boggs. As to the character of our Chapter work, we are not literary. No one is, in Berkely, of his own accord, for the English courses are so full and varied and demand so much time that there is but little enthusiasm for out¬ side work. We try to cultivate social life within our own Chapter, and have jolly informal meetings which are restful affairs, untroubled by an English paper. The evening of Dec. 12, Omega gave a reception to its new mem¬ bers. It was at the home of Miss Harris. The house was profusely deco¬ rated with evergreens, ferns, chrysanthemums and silk drapes of our colors. The favors were lovers’ knots of black and gold and Theta pansies. From nine till two the Theta girls entertained their many friends. Among the guests were several Phi girls and Miss Mary Henderson, of Epsilon Chapter. Her presence has been a great treat to us; a number of the sisters of our girls were present, as well as some of the mothers, one of whom, Mrs. Watson, we claim as Omega’s patron saint. The Berkely Greek world was well represented, both students and fac¬ ulty. Now we are resting and preparing for a quiet and steady developement of Chapter life next term. With best wishes to all the sisters. Omega.
Page 22
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. *9 PERSONALS. BETA. Katharine Blynn, who has been teaching at her home in Ft. Wayne, Ind., has re-entered college. Eleanor Daggett and Nellie Hough did not return this term, but will be with us again in the spring. Estella Hill will go to Boston to take a course in Elocution next term. Anna Carter, ’92, has been compelled to leave college on account of her health. Mrs. Fitch, ’86, is taking a post-graduate course. Katharine Snyder, ’83, is a practicing physician in Evansville, Ind. Alice Green, ’93, is out of college this term, on account of her eyes. Helen Van Uxem was obliged to leave college before the end of last term on account of sickness, but she has returned, much improved in health. Bessie Rogers, ’89, who is teaching at Huntington, Ind., spent Christ¬ mas in Bloomington. Lota May spent the holidays in Indianapolis. Lora Wilson, 88, who is a student at Wellesley, spent her vacation with her parents, in Bloomington. Nannie and Willa McMahan spent a few days in Evansville, on their way to college, after Christmas. Ella Rawles, ’88, teaching in Greensburg, spent her vacation in Bloom¬ ington. May Lindsley spent the holidays with Estella Hill, in Evansville. Maggie Wilson is in Tarkio, Mo., taking lessons in Art. DELTA. Miss Mattie Myers, class of ’90, has gone to Hot Springs, Ark., for the winter. Miss Mary Potter is not found in the halls of the Wesleyan this term, but is devoting her time to reading, at home. Miss Gertrude McCallister, after an absence of two years, returns next term for the remainder of the year. Miss Mamie Hunt represents the Senior class in the exercises on Washington’s birthday. Miss Margaret Ricky will be with us again next term. On Christmas eve Miss Addie Myers was united in wedlock to Mr. Chas. Dickinson. While Delta extends warm congratulations, she deplores the loss of one of her merry band. Miss Hattie Wasmuth received a beautiful Theta pin, among other Christmas presents. KAPPA. Mamie Monroe and Mrs. Lewis spent the summer in the mountains.
Page 23
20 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. May Webster has just returned from an extended trip in the East. She tells us of pleasant meetings with Theta sisters. Miss Lindsay, of Omicron Chapter, Instructor in English at U. S. C., made Kappa a short visit. May Russel visited several weeks at St. Joseph, Mo. Born — To Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Pierson, a son; Leslie Babcock Pier¬ son. Mayme Barrett is wearing a beautiful new Kappa Alpha Theta pin. Mrs. Cora Pierson Hopkins visited her mother at Thanksgiving time. Eleanor Blaker has gone for the holidays to her home, at Pleasanton, Kan. Mrs. Harriet Haskell MacDonald is at home at 64 Buckingham St., Cambridge, Mass. Emma Bartell, ’go, had a pleasant trip to New York last summer. Kate Merril, ’89, has a scholarship in English, at Bryn Mawr, this year. Florence Reasoner, ’90, is assistant in the High School, at Abilene, Kan. Marcella Howland, ’90, is taking post-graduate work in History and French. Married— Jean Anderson to L. A. Gilbert, on Thanksgiving Day, at the home of the bride’s parents, Newton, Kan. Married— Mary L. Simpson to David O. Walker, at Plymouth Church, Dec. 2. NU. Miss Susan Moffett, ’89, a resident member of Nu, spent a month last fall, visiting various points of interest in the East. She is now at home pursuing her literary labors, Miss Eva Fitzgerald, ’87, is studying Greek under Rev. Aten, of Madi¬ son. Miss Bertye Suope, ’93, who was unable to return to college this year, although we hope to have her with us next, is studying German and music at her home in Madison. Miss Margaret Hill, ’88, is teaching in Kingstown, Ind. Miss Ellonise Daugherty, ’92, represented Hanover College at the Y. W. C. A. Convention, held in Terre Haute, Ind., in November. Miss Ona B. Rebuck, formerly of ’92, made Nu a flying visit in the early part of November. Miss Virginia Southgate, ’92, visited friends in Kentucky during the holidays. Miss Mary Tandy, formerly of ’93, spent the closing days of last term with Miss Glen Ramsay, ’93. PHI. Miss Sue Kingsbury, ’90, is teaching in Alvarado, Cal. Miss Mable Urmy is teaching at Santa Cruz, Cal. Phi has lost Misses Ida and Ada Larkey, but Omega has gained there¬ by. On Dec. 23rd, 1890, Miss Edith Ary and Mr. Will Alexander were mar¬ ried. Almost all the Theta’s were at the wedding and Phi wishes them a long and happy life.
Page 24
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 21 pi. During Thanksgiving we received a very pleasant visit from one of our pledged girls, Miss Bertha Brown, who is teaching this year at her home in St. Joseph, Mich. The Theta girls and their gentlemen friends were very pleasantly en¬ tertained at the home of Miss Theo. Gardner, Nov. 29th, 1890. Miss Minna Hopkins visited at Marshall during Thanksgiving. Miss Ella Caster spent a few days in Jackson not long since. Miss Jennie Armstrong expects to resume her work in college this term after an absence of over a year. During the latter part of last term Pi received a very pleasant visit from Miss Nellie Batt. Our latest initiates are the Misses Mary and Amelia Perkins, who put on the pin after a stormy ordeal, which took place Dec. 15th. TAU. One of our “old girls,” Eva Hall, is teaching at River Forest and comes to visit us often. Addie Beggs, one of our pledglings, was married Dec. 10th, at her home in the city. Minnie Church will not return after the holidays, on account of her father’s illness.
Page 25
22 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. EXCHANGES. Much praise is due the fine numbers of the Shield which Theta Delta Chi is now issuing. The fact that there is an ex¬ perienced editor at the head is evidenced, not more by the editorial notes and comments, than by the general management of the magazine. The introduction of Alumni biographies, well- written and illustrated with portraits of various graduate-mem¬ bers, is a prominent feature of the journal. The editor explains their presence thus: “The lack of fraternity communication for the five years subsequent to his (the editor’s) graduation, caused him to be literally dead to Theta Delta Chi for nineteen years. * * * When the Shield was revived in 1884, several copies were sent me, but the journal did not awaken the fires anew. There was not enough news in it about the older men who had been my college companions, and after a hasty glance they were thrown aside. It was this experience which led to the incorporation of graduate personals among the leading features of the Shield when we assumed its manage¬ ment.” The following remarks from the same magazine seem to us especially sensible in view of the existing rivalry among socie¬ ties and the consequent unthinking and often frantic haste with which new members are voted upon for the sake of “getting somebody in:” The next thing to initiation of “preps” is the unconditional pledging of students before they enter college. We are opposed to it from principle. There can be no objection to placing before them all the good points of a fraternity, but the college man has some rights which should be respected. He should be allowed to “size up” the different fraternities before he pledges himself to any — give both sides an equal chance. Let the innocent fresh¬ man see the different society men. Let him hear their good points and see their bad ones if they have any, and then take his choice. Many mistakes are made by undue haste in pledging men after entering college. None should be pledged before coming upon the ground, and if all fraternities would enter into solemn compact not to pledge or initiate any freshman until he had been in college a full term, much regret would be saved on both sides. — Theta Delta Chi Shield. The sentence in regard to the advisability of waiting a term before seeking new members is in accordance with views
Page 26
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 23 expressed in the last JOURNAL; and we would add, don't ask a girl to join until you are reasonably sure she will accept. The fact that a fraternity has been unsuccessful in its attempts to enlist new members soon leaks out in college circles; anc5 a few such failures produce a feeling of distrust and uncertainty in regard to the future success of the fraternity —not at all a suit¬ able pabulum upon which to feed prospective members. Fra¬ ternity reputation is a very delicate thing, especially in the early stages of any particular Chapter, and a series of failures at that critical period may result disasterously. * * * The December Delta of Sigma Nu contains an article on “Rushing” which breathes the very quintessence of southern courtesy. A slight infusion of a similar feeling among our northern Fraternities would do no harm: How to combine the two elements of zeal and energy on the one hand, with the fairness and courtesy due to her rivals on the other, is the delicate question which each Chapter must decide for herself. Of course justice and frankness must be carefully and scrupulously observed, and will be so observed by every Chapter composed of honorable men. Therefore it is not so hard to decide upon that point. ***** We have known times when rivalry between two Chapters became so intense that bitter and openly manifested hatred and animosity were aroused. Such a condition of feeling cannot be too carefully avoided, and we may be thankful that we have got far beyond and abov$ such a petty and narrow spirit, and that warm friendship and generous courtesy are, in general, char¬ acteristics of our several Chapters in their mutual relations. In “rushing” men care should be taken never to allow zeal and energy to make any of us overstep the bounds of courtesy and push ourselves where we are not wanted and where we can thrust ourselves only by acting rudely. And those who have come out successfully in any competition should always forbear to exult over their less fortunate rivals. Exulting in such circumstances is ungenerous, to say the least. On the other hand noth¬ ing is more worthy of censure than an ungracious reception of defeat. The Chapter which allows itself to be markedly cold and distant in its attitude toward one whom she had but just before sought with the greatest warmth and cordiality to enlist among her members, surely transgresses the proper rules of conduct. * * * The rushing season is practically over here, excepting among the girls. By an agreement between Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta, they can make no “bids” nor do any rushing until the 31st inst. This of course increases the intensity of and lengthens out the “spiking.” Under such circumstances it seems to me that “patience ceases to be a virtue.”— Depauw Correspondent of Phi Psi Shield.
Page 27
24 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. Our own opinion is that the girls of this institution are set¬ ting an admirable example to the young men, and that the latter would do well to cultivate a virtue which can not well “cease” until it has at least been begun. * * * The U. of M. has received a good share of attention in various ways from the Fraternity magazines during the past few months. A recent number of the Delta U. Quarterly de¬ voted several pages to an illustrated description of the U. and grounds; while the Alpha Phi Quarterly for October gives two good views of the buildings and campus, in connection with an article upon the Minnesota home of her Epsilon Chapter. The appearance of Alpha Phi at the U. was cordially recognized by other Fraternities, and the Chapter bids fair to succeed to the satisfaction of the parent society. * * * “Apropos of the object of Greek letter societies, are they not sometimes given a more honorable position than they deserve? Students are too prone to give to their Fraternity the respect and affection that rightfully belong to Alma Mater, and in so doing defeat the chief aim of their society. The Fraternity is incidental to college life, and loyalty to it should not be con¬ sidered more incumbent than loyalty to the college. Greek letter societies are organized to form helpful friendships and make life outside the college halls pleasanter and more homelike. They were not instituted to make young men and women pursuing the same studies, cherishing the same hopes and aspiring to the same ideals, enemies. Fraternities tend to be¬ come too self-centred; they forget that other people as well as them¬ selves form the centre of an horizon circle. When it comes to a question of electing the best girl in any Fraternity instead of the best girl in the uni¬ versity for class or college honors, secret societies have stepped beyond their sphere and entered a field where their interference can result in noth¬ ing but evil. Be loyal to the Anchor , friends in Delta Gamma, be true to the vows you have taken, faithful to the friends you have chosen, but do not let Fraternity interfere with college duties, do not mix your society with college politics, and above all do not parade your love for Delta Gamma and your preference for Fraternity friends where its exhibition may wound some uninitiated classmate.” * * * It sometimes seems to us that there is a good deal of point¬ less talk about “Alumni spirit,” “enthusiasm of graduate mem¬ bers,” “undying love for the Fraternity,” and the like, which is indulged in more less at random, without much notion as to the exact meaning of the speaker or the probable effect on the
Page 28
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 25 . hearer. A Fraternity, although an instrument of much pleasure and profit to its members — capable, if rightly conducted, of great benefit to a large number of persons, and hence worthy of loyal affection, is certainly not the chief object in life, nor can it be regarded in exactly the same light by graduate mem¬ bers as by undergraduates whose interests are much more inti¬ mately connected with Fraternity affairs. The immediate issues of actual life which meet the Alumnus upon his departure from college almost inevitably crowd out to a greater or less extent that personal interest which he felt as an active Fraternity mem¬ ber. He can not be especially blamed for that; the point is, to our thinking, that he should not allow a natural decrease in interest to affect his duty toward the Fraternity, if he conceives that he has such a duty. In other words, his conduct toward the Fraternity should be regulated by a sense of honor and business obligation, rather than by the fluctuations of a doubt¬ ful feeling. In the former case, he will have a solid basis for the discharge of his duty; in the latter an uncertain one. We apprehend that less sentiment and more ordinary business in¬ tegrity would result more favorably for the Fraternities. The following quotations from the Delta Gamma Anchor a present the Alumni in a practical light: What relation should Alumni hold to their Fraternity Chapter at col¬ lege? An active interest, such as attendance at business meetings, is for most Alumni not possible, perhaps not even advisable; an intimate personal ac¬ quaintance with all the members of the active Chapter is also improbable; to love every girl, known or unknown, who wears the same badge as oneself, is beyond the range of most people’s affections. As our love of Alma Mater centres in the friends we made while at college, and the professors to whom we recited, so our Fraternity interests are liable to rest with those who formed the Chapter in our student days. In other respects, socially, financially, influentially, Alumni may often do a great deal for their Chapter. Where the Chapter is not rolling in wealth, resident Alumni may aid it materially by entertaining it and its friends; if there is a Chapter House, its furnishings, library, etc., offer tempting inducements for the money-making Alumni to invest, while many a nice girl may be secured to the Chapter by a timely hint to its members, and a judicious “working” of the girl. * * * There are at least three things which may be rightfully expected of every Alumni. That she shall have some means of keeping herself in¬ formed in regard to the general Fraternity, and especially in regard to her own Chapter. Anchora seems the most available method for doing this. That she shall respond if possible to requests for letters and money. That
Page 29
26 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. she shall inform the Chapter when she knows of a desirable girl about to enter a college where Delta Gamma is established. These are duties on the surface. Behind them should be as a propelling power a feeling akin to the patriotism of an old soldier. * * * The Phi Gamma Delta Quarterly does not occupy so much space in the pile of exchanges as it did last quarter. There seems to have been a shrinkage in bulk, but the present issue contains a number of good articles, chiefly of interest to the “Phi Gamms’.” One suggestion, however, is applicable to Kappa Alpha Theta, and we quote it entire: It is a question well worthy the consideration of the delegates, whether some other season of the year would not be better suited to holding the con¬ vention than the month of October. For a number of years it has been the custom to meet at the opening of the college year, in the very midst of the “rushing” season, when the Chapter is quite likely to be depleted in num¬ bers and consequently weak financially. It likewise occurs at that season when most college men have just settled down to work, which renders so long an absence from books a great inconvenience. This is especially true of those institutions where the marking system is in vogue. Again, the month of October is usually so wet and cold that traveling is made disa¬ greeable and the ardor of delegates is dampened. Change the date to the Easter vacation and most of these difficulties would be obviated. The Chapters will have got settled to work and the expense of sending delegates could be more easily borne. Not only can regular delegates then leave their college work, but likewise many others will choose to spend their vacation in this way in preference to going home. Such a change would apparently not only be congenial to the Chapter, but would result in increased attend¬ ance at the convention. — Phi Gamma Delta Quarterly. The date fixed for our Biennial Convention has always seemed to us an ill-chosen one, and we are not advised as to the advantages which led to its selection. We would suggest some period in the summer vacation as more suitable than the Easter recess, which varies in date and duration in the different colleges. Besides these difficulties, this period is often needed for extra work, particularly in the senior year, and time can not be so easily spared from it as from the summer holiday. Will not the various Chapters indicate in their Chapter letters what date in their judgment would be most suitable and convenient for the holding of conventions? The Quarterly gives a welcome bit of news to the effect that Kappa Alpha Theta has initiated eleven members at the
Page 30
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 2 7 University of Indiana this fall, and now numbers thirty-two members at that institution. * * * The following from the October Arrow strikes an answer¬ ing chord in this department: Michigan Alpha thinks it would be well to familiarize ourselves with Fraternities in general, and especially our own; to be able to name our prominent women, and inform ourselves generally upon fraternity details. How many can locate all of our Chapters? How many know the date of founding of the sorosis, and some even of their own Chapter? We think some time out of each meeting should be devoted to such in¬ formation. The meetings, too, should be something looked forward to with pleasure, and our sorosis in after life something of which to be proud. * * * The Phi Theta Delta Scroll for October is enlivened with several cuts, of which the best is that representing Allegheny College Chapter Houses. Considerable space is devoted to the review of college annuals, and from that article we clip the fol¬ lowing extract from the Allegheny College Kaldron: The hit of the book is in a series of panel pictorial illustrations of Alle¬ gheny Chapters. Phi Kappa Psi Illustration shows a piano and bass-viol both in active use; “Fraternity organ — The Bazoo, Sedalia, Mo. Anyone desiring membership must be able to discourse readily on the Chinese fiddle, and read Hebrew music at sight. None others need apply.” Phi Gamma Delta — Cut shows rope, wires, chains, hooks and three sail¬ ors hauling on a cable labeled “Faculty.” “Fraternity organ—' Police Ga¬ zette’— any one desiring membership had better bury their consciences; must be able to handle ropes of every description, manipulate wires smooth and barbed sans gloves and not show any scars. None others need apply.” Delta Tau Delta— Panels show two “swells.” “ Fraternity organ— 'Dem- orest’s Magazine’— new students who contemplate entering said Fraternity, must present a regularly certified-to pedigree, be able to engage in the ‘mazy’ and wear a dress suit. None others need apply.” Kappa Alpha Theta— “All young girls joining this Fraternity will be carefully looked after by the older girls, will receive aid in learning their Sunday school lessons, and will ‘stand in’ with the preceptress.” Kappa Kappa Gamma— “All candidates for membership must take music and elocution, write poetry, own a dark lantern, and contribute an article of furniture to the new ‘Frat’ rooms.” Phi Delta Theta— The minister pounding away in the pulpit. “Frater¬ nity organ — ‘Pittsburgh Christian Advocate’— new men expecting a bid from the above Order should bring with them letters of recommendation from the home pastor, honorable discharge from the Sunday school superintend¬ ent, and several pairs of trousers well padded at the knee. None others need apply.”
Page 31
28 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. Phi Delta Theta has been trying the experiment of intrust¬ ing the entire management of the Scroll to a single editor, who has a corps of subordinates, but shares the editorial sceptre with none. He is paid for his services, and can afford to spend the the time necessary to make the magazine a success. In the course of a paragraph upon the new scheme the chief remarks: “But he who thinks that the editor doesn’t have much more to do than to look over the MSS. sent in and furnish a few pages himself, and that on the whole it doesn’t take much time, rests under a delusion and snare of a marked type.” True, brother. The editorship of a Fraternity organ is a responsible position, and will not become less so as the standard of Fraternity excellence advances. Regarding the Pan-Hellenic question, the Scroll makes the following sensible suggestion: A conference of Fraternity editors appears to be something of practical value, and is something the Scroll would like to see and work for. Its dele¬ gates, as editors, would be men that from month to month have definite work to do for their respective Fraternities, and whatever ideas are gained at such a conference will help to fashion the utterances and bearing of the magazine so far as can be done by the editor in charge. Nothing else that has been proposed seems to have in it as much possibility for good as such a Convention. Its results would not be in any great innovations, but the meeting together of men engaged in a common work. A program of papers and discussions upon subjects pertaining to their work cannot help but raise the plane of the Fraternity journal. With more editorial acquaintances we would have fewer acrid discussions. A refusal from a number to enter into the conference of all Fraternities would make of little avail the measures sought to be passed, as those present would hesitate to enter into an agree¬ ment to which all principal competitors were not parties. A conference of editors, no matter how few were represented, could discuss important mat¬ ters, agree to advocate certain courses and maintain positions that could not help benefiting their Fraternities, and in a measure, leavening the whole. Let us not build our Pan-Hellenic castles too high, least some disappoint¬ ment overthrow the whole. But if we can benefit ourselves by something that is entirely within reach, by all means let us do so. * * * The Key , as usual, hits the mark with the following sug¬ gestion: “Once more The Key makes an earnest appeal to its contributors for reminiscences, Alumnae biographies, Chapter House schemes, in fact for all that is practical, personal and particular, as opposed to the merely general and theoretical. Specific treatment of specific subjects is what The Keyt and indeed, women’s magazines in general, lack most, and it is precisely
Page 32
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 29 because of their failure to perceive the value of the specific, their tendency to deal in easy generalities, that the best of fhe women’s magazines fall so far short of the standard set by the the best of men’s. It is not that the men have read more books, or seen more of life, or attained more elegant diction; but that they write understandingly of things about which people want to know. That, in a word, is the secret of successful journalism.” It is a lamentable fact that no woman’s Fraternity maga¬ zine has arrived at the excellence of journals published by men’s Fraternities, which rank no higher in intellectual ability than do the women’s societies. This is partly explainable on the score of “youth and inexperience,” but after a time that excuse will no longer serve; and then, unless especial attention is paid in the years of our apprenticeship to the peculiar difficulties which confront us in the path of journalistic excellence, we shall find ourselves stopped this side of success, and held down to a medi¬ ocre style of magazine publication, which will not justly repre¬ sent the real ability of our Fraternities. Too much stress can not be placed upon the value of the specific and practical as dis¬ tinguished from the general and romantic. * * * ' 1 he October Rainbow of Delta Tau Delta devotes its sym¬ posium to a most interesting discussion of the Eliot proposal to shorten the college course to three years. The pros and cons are thoughtfully considered by various educators, and some light thrown on the vexed question. It is refreshing to read a lively discussion of a question of such general interest to col¬ lege students. * . * * In an article which appears in the November Palm , the editor of the Rainbow states his position upon the Pan-Hel¬ lenic question: “In some form or other, every progressive Fraternity stands ready, if it be not the embodiment of organized selfishness, to accept the doctrine of Pan-Hellenism. Some are anxious to go much farther than others deem wise and advantageous. It seems to me advisable at present to confine the agitation to three points: (1) To make all expelled members ineligible to membership in other Fraternities; (2) to prohibit initiation of any member of classes below Freshmen, and (3) to do away with the initiation of honor¬ ary members. To accomplish this, each general Fraternity convention might elect a delegate with power to act upon these and any other matters it might choose to confide to his care. Let these meet, say, in 1892, in Chi-
Page 33
30 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. cago, and there formulate the conditions of such a Pan-Hellenic union. Let the general Fraternities bear*the expense of such a delegate or delegates, if any be sent, and stand manfully by the transactions he shall sanction. The beginning should be made upon such common ground as can be unqestion- ably for the common good, and then if other matters be advisable the ma¬ chinery will be in order to effect further advances in Pan-Hellenism. This seems to us a sensible view of the subject, and one likely to prove unobjectionable to most Fraternities, except as regards the third point. Many Greek letter societies seem possessed with the idea that local strength and national reputation are largely increased by the addition of distinguished honorary members; and since that is the belief and practice of many Fraternities, a move¬ ment to the contrary will probably not meet with favor. Kappa Alpha Theta herself would heartily join in any such agreement, believing as she does that whatever honor is claimed by a Fratern¬ ity should proceed from no extraneous source, but from legiti¬ mate members, whose subsequent success has justified the faith shown in them at their initiation. No borrowed light can replace the clear shining of honest worth. * * * From the editoral pages of two excellent Fraternity journals a cheerful announcement has met our gaze to the effect that each was now confident of its position as leading Fraternity journal of the country. We would perhaps not be disposed to criticise either statement had it appeared alone — “We could be happy with either, Were t’other dear charmer away.” — but it is a little confusing to hear the same claim made by two journals of nearly equal merit. It is like having any one Fratern¬ ity claim to be the leading Greek letter society in the country, or to possess a greater proportion of intellectual giants, or to have shown a larger amount of enterprise than any other Fraternity. We often hear the expression, “He was an ardent X. Y. Z. man all through his college course.” What should that mean? Or rather, what should it not mean? It should not mean a narrow and egotistical “booming” of X. Y. Z. at the expense of all other Fraternities. It should not mean a selfish blindness to the merits of sister societies in our hot zeal for X. Y. Z. It should not mean such a headlong pursuit of new members in the rushing season that we are careless over how many prostrate bodies of the foe we stride if we only grasp the flying garments of our prize before they
Page 34
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 3i are seized by another; careless how many damaging insinuations against rival societies are allowed to reach the ears of our pros¬ pective member, so that no breath or slander rests on X. Y. Z. The Fraternal relation, though strongest, of course, among our own members, should not be overlooked as between the different Fraternities — we are all members one of another. Why should the merits or demerits of an individual be cloaked under the con¬ cealing robe of a Fraternity? What is a Fraternity but a collection of individuals like ourselves, working with the same material, the same means, and towards the same ends? Private character and personal ability are not altered by association with this or that society; and it is as ignoble to allow the wearing of a rival badge to influence our recognition of true merit as it would be to allow the wearing of our own colors to blind us to unworthiness among our members. If blame is deserved, let us give it openly and hon¬ estly; but let us not deny the generous need of praise to those who merit ii, be they of our league or not. There is in the Greek world too much underhanded detraction from other Fraternities; too many petty triumphs over rivals at the expense of that absolute fairness which is of more value than any number of new members. Let 11s be honest and clean handed, if we never see the black and gold on a new recruit again. It has always been the policy of Kappa Alpha Theta to re¬ frain from embroiling herself in controversies from which nothing but rancor and ill-will could result; but that need not prevent her from admitting to the columns of her Journal wholesome criti¬ cisms of her own and other Fraternities. We believe that the true purpose of criticism is improvement, and that the highest improve¬ ment can not be attained without a critical consideration of exist¬ ing conditions, with a view to their continuance or change, as cir¬ cumstances may require. With this purpose in mind, and acting upon a hint contained in an issue of the Rainbow , we venture to introduce in the present issue a department to be known as “The Pill Box,” whose purpose shall be to present, usually without editorial comment, the criticisms favorable or otherwise, which may be made upon our Fraternity and its Journal. We shall not of¬ fer it each time, but occasionally open the lid, and present to Theta palates a few pills, sugar-coated or bitter, intended to tone up the Fraternity system and purge it of those tendencies to disease which other eyes may discern more readily than we ourselves can do.
Page 35
32 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. The pellets which we present this time are a very modest start in the line of pharmaceutical supplies, and indeed we think one of the bitterest pills we have to take is the fact that we have so few notices, friendly or otherwise, to record. It is better to be the object of adverse criticism than of no attention whatever. The “pill” which Phi Delta Theta furnishes us must be divided with the other Fraternities mentioned: but we are glad to have a share in the commendation: THE PILL BOX. The Kappa Alpha Theta for girls is a magazine issued by a good Chap¬ ter, but with little experience, we take it, in book-making. The spirit of the new volume is so good, however, that we hesitate in criticizing. The poetic theme of “The Pansy and the Hyacinth” (the flowers of Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma, respectively) is done justice to by a Theta, the article also serving as a toast-response at the Pasa-Hellenica of Wooster University. The other contents of the April issue are “The Mis¬ sion of Doubt,” Editorials, Alumnae Department, Chapter Correspond¬ ence, Personals and Exchanges. As a whole, the Journal is good, bad and indifferent, and will be of more service to the society if the girls will sift the Fraternity wheat from the chaff. Nevertheless, the Kappa Alpha Theta is unpretentious and refresh¬ ing; and the editors cannot realize how welcome a handful of their own sweet pansies thus brought can be to us in our Delta sanctum, after the be¬ wildering flowering variety of the various Fraternity forcing-houses.—/^*' Gamma Delta. A few weeks ago the U. C. was taken by storm when twelve young ladies swung out with the colors of Kappa Alpha Theta. They are the very cream of the co-eds and bid fair to establish their Chapter on a strong foundation. Their reception by the Greeks was a cordial one. — Cal. Alpha Chapter Letter in Phi Delta Theta Scroll. Kappa Alpha Theta appears again after an extended absence from our table. The number is small and nearly half of it is devoted to ex¬ changes and comments. The Journal is well made up and the lack of matter is partly made up by the interest of that which it contains— Theta Delta Chi Shield. Kappa Alpha Theta came out last spring and entered a house this fall. Although so young, they have become a factor in our Fraternity life that the other sororities cannot afford to overlook. There are now two sor¬ orities occupying Chapter Houses— Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Theta. — Wisconsin Correspondent in Theta Delta Chi Shield. Among our exchanges are The Key of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Anchora , Alpha Phi Quarterly , and Arrow of Pi Beta Phi. Besides containing articles on questions as pertinent to the men’s # Fraternities as their own, they set an example in another respect that is
Page 36
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 33 worthy of masculine imitation. Long as we have read these journals we have yet to find the contributions where invidious comparisons have been made or slurs cast upon rivals. Letters may indulge in personal praise and boasting, but it is never done in the way which we find so common in the Chapter letters of some of our men’s Fraternities where the defeat or downfall of a rival is the sweetest morsel rolled on the writer’s tongue. We congratulate the ladies on their courtesies.— Phi Delta Theta Scroll.
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34 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. COLLEGE AND FRATERNITY ITEMS. The American Newspaper Directory for 1890 gives the circulation of the Greek letter Magazines as follows: “Alpha Phi Quarterly , 250; The Beta Theta Pi , 1,000; Chi Phi Quarterly , 750; Chi Psi Purple and Gold, 750; Delta Gamma AncJiora , 250; Delta U'psilon Quarterly , 2,000; Kappa Alpha Journal , 500; Kappa Sigma Quarterly , 500; Phi Gamma Delta Quarterly , 500; Pi Beta Phi Arrow, 250; Phi Kappa Psi Shield, 1,000; Sigma Alpha Epsilon Record . 500; Sigma Nu Delta , 500; Theta Delta Chi Shield , 750. All the others are not given. Delta Upsilon Quarterly. Yale’s professors and graduates have been prominently identified with the work of preparing the edition of Webster’s Dictionary that is soon to be issued, ex-President Porter having been the chief editor, — Beta Theta Pi. In a recent number of the Cosmopolitan , Mr. P. T. Barnum, of “the greatest show on earth’’ fame, advises all who have the ability to go to col¬ lege, but for every young man and woman he would prescribe at least a knowledge of shorthand and typewriting. Beta Theta Pi. Kappa Kappa Gamma has extended an invitation to the prominent ladies fraternities to meet in Pan-Hellenic convention in Boston, in April, 1891. Mary M. Kingsbury, Chesnut Hill, Mass., is chairman of the Central Committee of Pan-Hellenic Convention. If our friend Daniel does not have a care the ladies will steal a march on him. — Theta Delta Chi Shield. The college authorities at Illinois Wesleyan have passed a rule forbid¬ ding the initiation of preparatory students into fraternities. Good!— Phi Delta Theta Scroll. Sigma Nu’s Chapter at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, la., has been or¬ dered to disband by the faculty, for the reason that, being the only frater¬ nity organization in the college, it caused jealousies to arise among the students. The college authorities, however, say they will repeal the anti¬ fraternity laws as soon as another fraternity offers to organize in the institu¬ tion. Here is a chance for some fraternity to act the Good Samaritan towards Sigma Nu. — Delta Tail Delta Rainbow . Barnard is active. The students and instructors at Barnard College, Columbia’s annex for women, enjoyed a pleasant afternoon tea last Satur¬ day, at the home of Mrs. Almon Goodwin. Before tea General Armstrong gave an interesting talk on the Indian school at Hampton, Va. The Barnard girls are an enterprising set. They have their representatives on the differ¬ ent Columbia College publications, and it is rumored that next year Barnard will demand the right to have an editor on the ’93 Columbian , the junior an¬ nual of the college. It is said that only two of the girls who are now at¬ tending college at Barnard would have been in college at all if Barnard had
Page 38
Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 35 not been established. The students are those who could not have gone elsewhere. The object of the college, therefore, is not to attract students from other institutions for women in the country, but it is for New York girls who appreciate the advantages of a thorough college education. The courses of study are identical with those of Columbia, and Columbia Col¬ lege professors do the teaching. — N. V. Tribune. Sigma Chi returned one man at the University of North Carolina this fall, who has multiplied the number by si x.— Phi Del/a Theia Scroll. What man has done, woman can do! In speaking of collegiate stand¬ ards among women, the Boston Journal says: The report of a movement towards the erection of a monument to the originator of the higher educa¬ tion of women in this country is an interesting evidence of the value now placed upon the college for women and of a change in public opinion since the first opportunities for higher education were opened. When Matthew Vassar built the first college which aimed to give women instruction equal to that given to men in the old established institutions, there was a general scepticism not unmixed with positive disapproval. The most adverse criti¬ cism was directed against the scheme. Within twenty-five years the demand of women for higher education has produced not only one college, but Wellesley, Smith, Byrn Mawr, the well-known Annex at Harvard, and the later Annex to Columbia, Barnard College; the co-educational institutions are other indications of the growth of the movement of the last quarter of the century. One of the most serious questions before the Association of Collegiate Alumnae is the advisability of admitting to membership the graduates of all the numerous colleges applying for admission. Instead of seeking for colleges to enlarge the association, it is necessary to exclude those whose standard is not satisfactory. At the meeting of the Boston branch on Saturday, the subject for discussion is “The admission of col¬ leges,” showing the importance of the growth in numbers of women’s col¬ leges and the earnest desire among graduates to encourage a high stand¬ ard rather than a large number of these institutions. The time may come when the plan of a national university described by ex-President Andrew D. White, of Cornell, will be applicable to the higher education of women as it is now especially to men. There is no indication that woman’s ad¬ mission to college has lowered the desire for maintaining a high standard of collegiate training. Inferior colleges exist for women as for men, but they are discouraged by women in associate bodies as well as by individauls. This ambitious tendency among women is one of the interesting features of their educational development, and is especially noticeable at present.— Beta Theta Pi. It is stated that although the college men in the United States are only a fraction of one per cent of the voters, yet they hold more than fifty per cent of the highest offices —Phi Psi Shield. Wellesley College, Dec. 14 (Special). — The remaining vacancies on the college glee club have been filled by the election of the following new members: First soprano, Miss Foss, 94; second sopranos, Miss Cummings, ’91, and Miss Currier, ’92. The student volunteer movement seems to be gaining ground at Wellesley. This movement was begun four years ago
Page 39
36 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. at a Bible conference called by Mr. Moody, but not until this year has it been a recognized element in the religious life of the college. At present some twenty students stand pledged for foreign or home missionary work, and many more are becoming interested in the work. College law does not permit the election of regular class officers until after the mid-year exam¬ inations, as the freshmen are till then admitted only on probation. A prelimi¬ nary organization has been completed by the election of Miss Caroline Randolph, as chairman; Miss Roberta Allen, secretary, and an executive committee, consisting of Miss Foss, Miss Miller and Miss Angell. Before the class was adjourned the sophomore president, Miss Elizabeth Kellogg, presented the newly elected chairman with a magnificent bunch of chrys¬ anthemums, with the best wishes of ’93 —N. Y. Tribune. Smith College, Northampton, Mass., Dec. 14 (Special).— Work at the college is going on as usual, all the girls being now in the midst of exami¬ nations, procruring or making up Christmas presents, and enjoying the skating just back of the college on Paradise Pond. Professor Henry M. Tyler, who teaches the girls to jest in ancient Greek has joined the ranks of the wheelmen, making the fifth devotee of that art among the professors. A number of the professors live in Ward Two, and this year they took part in politics, particularly Professor J. B. Clark and Professor J. H. Pillsbury. Professor Clark was on the Citizens’ Committee, while Professor Pillsbury was a straight out Republican, and both were nominated for Councilman in Ward Two. Each one received 120 votes, and both have withdrawn— glad that lightning struck so close without hitting them. President Seelye was in the ward, and he said that he could not show either professor any partial¬ ity, and so voted for both. — N. Y. Tribune. We have often made enquiries, endeavoring to ascertain any excuse for the existence of Junior societies in Yale, but have never succeeded in ob¬ taining any satisfactory reply. Professor Hadley tells us that when you have a large investment of capital the business must be kept running even if it doesn’t pay expenses. We take this to be the case with Psi Upsilon and Delta Kappa Epsilon. If there were no Junior society halls we don’t think it would be possible to get the sensible men of the college to establish them on their present footing. In fact they are a failure, and we should like to see them abolished or changed into social clubs merely, with com¬ modious quarters always open to members, in the place of the dismal barns now in use. What an inspiring sight is presented every Tuesday night by a crowd of Juniors waiting on and hanging around a few Senior society men with a devotion which is an honor to the manliness of the college, while the Seniors not in Senior societies are neglected and treated almost with rudeness! We hear that the Yale chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon is in danger of expulsion from the F raternity, but it is not true. A Y ale chapter is too good a thing to throw away lightly, even if Yale men do hold the other chapters in contempt. Delta Kappa Epsilon seems rather worse than Psi Upsilon, and it is only by some very “shady” moves that the former could secure any good men in ’92. — Yale Horoscope. Union College has long been known as the “Cradle of the Greeks.” It has been the birthplace of six of the seven oldest fraternities. Leaving
Page 40
# Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. 37 out Phi Beta Kappa, which is more a literary honor society than a frater- uity, and Chi Delta Theta, a Senior Yale society established in 1821, the first true college fraternity was founded at Union College. The following record gives the date of birth of the six societies: Kappa Alpha, 1825; Sigma Phi, 1827; Delta Phi, 1829; Psi Upsilon, 1833; Chi Psi, 1843; Theta Delta Chi, 1 847 — Theta Delta Chi Shield. Michigan has made a radical change in its methods of gaining recruits. Hereafter, instead of temporary committees for each man whose name is presented, we shall have one general committee, which shall take charge of all the rushing. We have, besides the rushing committee, another perma¬ nent committee called the “honor” committee, whose duty is to look after the interests of Delta Upsilon in the way of offices, athletics, etc. What do the other chapters think of the idea ?— University of Michigan Corres¬ pondence in Delta Upsilo?i Quarterly. For a number of years Allegheny Cpllege has been the only school in Pennsylvania supporting chapters of ladies’ fraternities*. Mu of Kappa Alpha Theta established in 1881, and Rho of Kappa Kappa Gamma, ’88, are both flourishing, possessing elegantly furnished halls, and choice, congenial members. This distinction, however, has been taken away by the entrance of Kappa Kappa Gamma into the University of Pennsylvania. Co-edu¬ cation has only recently obtained a strong footing in the State, but the sys¬ tem has resulted so favorably wherever given a trial, that we may reason¬ ably expect its introduction into many of our colleges. — Phi Gamma Delta Quarterly. It is said to a fact that three at least of the leading colleges for women —viz., Varsar, Smith and Wellesly— will before long give their students instruction in domestic science or the Art of Housekeeping. This new de¬ parture will be hailed with joy, not so much by women themselves as by men— especially by men who think it unnecessary that w'omen should know much else; men who argue that a woman “does not need French, Italian, German and Spanish in which to express her feelings on matters and things in general, when they happen to go wrong.” Without stopping to enquire whether it is Latin, Greek or Hebrew that a man uses at such a time, or whether in his home any of his scholastic acquirements come into play, it may properly be proposed that, as the women’s institutions are setting the example, the heads of colleges for young men follow suit, and add a com¬ plementary department to their course. For when a girl, in addition to the training that is fitting her to enter fields of intellectual work (which may stand her in good stead in future years), has also been taught how “to broil a beefsteak, stuff a hen, or make an apple dumpling,” it would no doubt be a source of satisfaction for her to know that the youth for whom she is to exercise her skill is at least being taught to appreciate her. We would suggest that as she is to make him comfortable and happy by her practical knowledge of household matters, he be taught habits of daily living that will make him as acceptable to her; that a course of instruction be given that will bring to young men a lively idea of their part in a home. Could such a chair be established in Yale, Harvard or Union, and the wives of
Page 41
38 Kappa Alpha Theta Journal. to-day be asked to endow it, it would be the “bonanza” of professorships. — N. V. Tribune. President Harrison has evidently not forgotten his college days at Miami University. On the way from Millbrook, while in conversation with Doctor Stoddard the President remarked : “ Doctor, appearances indicate a heavy rain in this section recently.” “Yes,” replied the Doctor, “we had a very heavy rain yesterday,” “Almost as heavy as there was one night at Ox¬ ford?” suggested the President. “I have no special recollection of it,” con¬ fessed the Signal Service Officer of Wooster. “Why, don’t remember that you recorded it as a remarkable rain fall?” queried the President, laughing. He then explained, “Gentlemen, the fact is, once upon a time the students at Oxford one night, when there was but a slight shower, poured water into the Doctor’s rain guage, and*next morning he announced that a great rain of several inches had fallen during the night.” After the laughter subsided the Doctor admitted that he remembered it now quite well. The President, still true to student instinct, affirmed that he wasn’t one of the culprits him¬ self. He, however, felt at liberty to add that the Rev. Dr. Swing, of Chicago, was. — The Voice . President Carter, of Williams College, is a practical prohibitionist. Recently the town of Williamstown authorized the granting of two liquor licenses. But no saloons were opened, and it was found that the President of Williams had quietly bought the two licenses. — Theta Delta Chi Shield. The faculty of the Harvard law school have given notice that hereafter no special students will be allowed to remain more than one year at the school unless they pass in at least three courses, and, also, that regular men will be dropped unless they have three courses to their credit. The object of this step is to rid the school of men who have used it as a loafing place, and who have constantly shirked their work .—Beta Theta Pi. Professor (to glib sophomore)— Sir, you seem to be evolving that trans¬ lation from your inner consciousness. Sophomore— No, professor; last night in my devotions I read that “by faith Enoch was translated,” and 1 thought I would try it on Horace. — Mail and Express. Two Japanese students, with jaw-breaking names, students of Michigan University, eloped with two American girls, creating a great sensation. The Japs were both of noble families and graduates of the Law Depart¬ ment. — Theta Delta Chi Shield.
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R. A. HEGGIE & BRO. p- ~ MANUFACTURERS of ~ Kappa Alpha Theta^ gBAPGES^^^j ITHACA - N.Y: Minneapolis Academy. A Classical, Scientific, Literary and English School for both Ladies and Gentlemen. Superior advantages of¬ fered to those preparing for College. New and elegant building and the best instruction. Send for Catalogue. EUGENE D hJOLMES, Principal. KAPPA ALPHA THETA. TERMS : One year (in advance), - Single copies, - . A.d.-rr©rtlsl3a.gr Rates : One page, one year, Half page, “ Quarter page, “ Old copies, 25 cents per number. 12.00 7.00 4.00
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KAPPA ALPHA THETA EVERY VARIETY BEST IN QUALITY. El N EST IN FINISH. — 0 — fraOIC- ‘ MANUFACTURED BY T. IE. ITEWMAIT, OFFICIAL JEWELER to the FRATERNITY, 1 10 John Street, NEW YORK,