Kappa Alpha Theta Journal, Vol. 16 no. 3
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Volume 16 No. 3 KAPPA ALPHA THETA Published by the Fraternity. Edited by Alpha Gamma Chapter. JANUARY MARCH MAY NOVEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS March Fifth, 1902 Columbia University — Florence M. Siee, - The Women’s University Club of New York — Henrietta Weber, ------ The University of California — Muriee Ransom, The Functions of College Settlements— Heeen Ruth BaemER Aiaheycj/LiEOa, ------ A Suggestion, . - Our Opportunities, - Let Us Love One Another, - The Thinkers and the Workers, - Chapter Economics, . The Journal, . Editorials, ------- Alumnae Department, ------ Chapter Letters, ------ Personals, ------ Among the Greeks, ------ Exchanges, ------- 139 148 154 160 164 165 166 166 168 169 170 172 175 179 197 200 202 Address everything intended for publication, and all business com¬ munications to EDITH D. COCKINS, 1348 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. ®^A11 material intended for publication should reach the editor before October 5, December 5, February 5 , April 5. TERMS: $1.00 per Year, payable in advance; 25 cents Single Copy; Sample Copy Free. Kappa Alpha Theta will be sent to all subscribers until ordered discontinued and arrearages paid, as required by law. Entered at the Post Office at Columbus, Ohio, as second-class matter, December 6th, 1901.
Page 2
FRATERNITY DIRECTORY GRAND COUNCIL President — Ednah Harmon Wickson, Berkeley, Cal. Vice-Presidents — Adelaide Hoffman, 366 Henry St., Brooklyn, N.Y. Alta Miller, 1707 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Ill. Pearle Green, Stanford University, California. Secretary— Pearle Green, Stanford University, California. ' Treasurer— WL. E. S. Scott, 32 Broadway, New York City. J Editor Edith D. Cockins, 1348 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio. EDITORIAL BOARD OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA Editor-in- C h ief— Edith D. Cockins, 1348 Neil Ave., Columbus, O. ADVISORY BOARD Esther Stafford Taylor M. Edith Bede Grace Eageeson Anna Wieeiams Mary Loren Katherine Earey Editor of the Catalogue— M. Edith Bede, 382 East Town Street Columbus, Ohio. * Keeper of the Archives — Leonora Gould, 1142 Judson Avenue, Evanston, Ill. Chairman of the Educational Committee — May K. Feannery 300 W. 75th St., New York City. Chairman of Fraternity Policy Committee— Edith Evans, 304 E. 14th St., Oakland, California.
Page 3
CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES ALPHA DISTRICT President — Adelaide Hoffman, 356 Henry St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Iota, Cornell University — Harriet Bishop, Sage College, Ithaca, N.Y. Lambda, University of Vermont — Helen L. Hodge, 88 North Prospect St., Burlington, Vt. Mu, Allegheny College — Ruth Townley, Meadville, Pa. Chi, Syracuse University — Eva M. Smith, “The Castle,” Irving Ave., Syracuse, N. Y. Alpha Beta, Swarthmore College — Helen M. Eastwick, Swarth- more, Pa. Alpha Delta, Woman’s College of Baltimore — Grace E. Simis, Woman’s College of Baltimore, Baltimore, Md. Alpha Epsilon, Brown University— Ella A. Pollard, Brown Univer¬ sity, Providence, R. I. Alpha Zeta, Barnard College — Annie L. Seward, 265 West End Ave., New York City. Gamma Alumnae— Ruth C. Overton, 281 Clermont Avenue, Brook¬ lyn, N. Y. Eta Alumnae, Ruth Ida Norton, Shelburne, Vt. BETA DISTRICT President— Alta Miller, i707 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Ill. Alpha, De Pauw University — Ruth Baker, Greencastle, Ind. Beta, Indiana State University — Alberta Kennedy, Indiana State University, Bloomington, Ind. Delta, University of Illinois — Louise Brookings, K. A. 0. House, Chainpaigne, Ill. Epsilon, Wooster University — Mary B. Notestein, Wooster, O. Eta, University of Michigan— Zella Zerefa Fay, 1008 Hill St., Ann Arbor, Mich. Kappa, University of Kansas — Helen Williams, 1225 Tennessee Ave., Lawrence, Kansas. Pi, Albion College — Alice Wixom, 404 E. Porter St , Albion, Mich. Rho, University of Nebraska — Ella Bradford Harper, 1435 G. St., Lincoln, Neb. yfpAU, Northwestern University — Grace F. Havens, 1707 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Ill. ^ Upsilon, University of Minnesota — Ruth Leonard, 1067 15th Ave., S. E., Minneipolis, Minn. /Psi, University of Wisconsin — Ada C. Lloyd, Chadbourne Hall, Madison, Wis. Alpha Gamma, Ohio State University — Florence Dann, 1298Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio.
Page 4
^Alpha Alumnae, Mrs. John B. DeMotte, Greencastle, Ind. rBETA Alumnae, Mrs. Marion Weller- Willett, 315 15th Ave., S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. /Delta Alumnae, Irene Baker, 952- Monroe St., Chicago, Ill. \Epsilon Alumnae, Edith Hunter, 1032 Bryden Road, Columbus, O. Zeta Alumnae, Hattie Mary Tutewiler, 801 Senate Ave., Indian- apolis, Indiana. GAMMA DISTRICT President E. PearlE Green, Stanford University, California. Phi, Stanford University— Cara Stillman, Stanford Univ., Cal. Omega, University of California— Rowena Moore, K. A. 0. Hall, Berkeley, Cal. Iota Alumnae, Edith E. Hill, Alhambra, Cal.
Page 5
Page 6
Vol. XVI. No. 3. Kappa Alpha Theta MARCH, 1902. Columbia University PRESIDENT LOW’S ADMINISTRATION — THE NEW DEAN OF BARNARD. The autumn of 1901 will be recorded in the annals of Columbia University as the definite end of one period of its history, and the beginning of another which, it is hoped, will be characterized by progress and prosperity equal to that of Mr. Low’s administration during the past eleven years. Early in October Mr. Low resigned from the Presi¬ dency of the University in order that he might accept the nomination on the Fusion ticket to the Mayoralty of Greater New York. From the beginning of the campaign there was little doubt that the Fusion Candidate would in the end be victorious, standing as he did at the head of the united forces of the Republican and Democratic parties whose aim was good government and whose war-cry was opposition to political corruption in its worst phases. The election was won, and New York now has as its Mayor a man 4 4 who is perhaps the best illustration of the public- spirited American citizen.” Where the city has gained the University has lost. The loss to the University through Mr. Low’s resigna¬ tion from the Presidency has been that of an executive whose
Page 7
140 KAPPA ALPHA THETA place cannot easily be filled. During his administration and under liis skillful management the new University has been built on the heights to the north of the city. The work accomplished within the last five years, brick and mortar alone considered, would be worthy of admiration if only for the untiring energy which it represents. Five years ago the home of the University was a cramped, inconveniently arranged square of buildings in East 49th Street where what is known as “college-life ’ ’ was practically killed by Copyrighted, Columbia university calendar, 1902, by Knowlton Durham Columbia University Library and South Court the city-life pressing close against its doors. Any one of the eight great buildings around and through which the life of the University now pulses and throbs, were it set down alone on the square in East 49tli Street would be cramped for room, at least it would long in a brick and mortar way for the open spaces and the long approaches. The centre of the University rectangle is the University- Library, a finely-proportioned octagon of granite, approached by flights of broad steps, and crowned by a dome worthy of claiming relationship with not a few of the great domes
Page 8
KAPPA ALPHA THETA 141 of the world. The Library-building, worth one million dollars, was the personal gift of Mr. Low to the University. It will not only be a lasting witness to the advance and development that marked his administration, but also to the beneficence and public spirit of the giver. As Mr. Low’s administration has been marked by the expansion of the University walls, so also and perhaps even Library — Reading Room to a greater degree has it been marked by numerical growth in the student-body and by expansion along educational lines. Exclusive of Barnard, Teacher’s College and the Summer School, the registration of the last year of Mr. Low’s term was twenty-six hundred and ninety-five as against seventeen hundred and fifty-three in 1 S90, the first
Page 9
142 KAPPA ALPHA THETA year. The recently published report of the University Registrar also shows that Columbia is no longer the local institution of the eighties. In 1900-1901 the only States not represented by students in the University were South Dakota and Delaware, and among the foreign countries represented were Japan, Persia, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey and England. Naturally the educational staff has increased in propor¬ tion to the number of students until with the addition Barnard College from Broadwav last year of fourteen new officers it now numbers four hun¬ dred and eighty-five of various ranks. Seventy-five of these are full professors ; twenty-one adjunct professors ; nineteen clinical professors and lecturers. As indicative of educational expansion the two most important pieces of the legislative work of the University during the last few years have been those connected with the Teachers’ College and with Barnard. Between Bar¬ nard and Teachers’ College an arrangement has recently
Page 10
KAPPA ALPHA THETA 143 been completed by which the students of each are privileged to attend courses at the other, thus receiving at graduation the teacher’s diploma as well as the degree of A. B. A like arrangement has been made with Columbia, so that Teachers’ College is not only nominally but practically a part of the University. The legislation affecting Barnard was that which incor¬ porated it in the educational system of the University. The College has now its own faculty and its new dean, Miss Entrance Hall— Barnard Gill, whose installation took place last May, has a seat in the University Council. “ It has its own trustees, but in the sphere of educational economy it is completely parallel to Columbia College, sending up its graduates to pursue their advanced studies in the University proper. It is not a mere annex, nor is it an isolated woman’s college, nor is it exposed to any of the adverse criticisms that attach justly
Page 11
144 KAPPA ALPHA THETA or unjustly to those institutions in which thorough-going co-education is permitted.’ * By this, one of his last legisla¬ tive acts at the University, Mr. Low did as distinguished a service to the higher education of women as he ever per¬ formed for that of men. Just what effect on the life of the University is involved in the change of administration cannot yet be estimated. At Barnard a change in the old order has already taken place with the beginning, at the opening of the term, of Looking Southward from Barnard active work on the part of its new Dean. Miss Gill’s record is a distinguished one from the point of view both of scholarship and of administrative work. “ In 1885, at the age of twenty-five, she took her Master’s degree at Smith College, with Biology as her major subject. She had previously taught at the Burnham School, Northamp¬ ton, Massachusetts, and while devoting herself to Mathe¬ matics at the same time pursued courses in Philosophy and Greek. After special work at Smith College she studied at Leipzig and Geneva and finally at the Sorbonne. Re-
Page 12
KAPPA ALPHA THETA 145 turning from Europe a thoroughly equipped scholar, she proved her versatility by undertaking administrative work at the school in which she had formerly taught. Her suc¬ cess was conspicuous. Important positions elsewhere were offered her, none of which, however, proved sufficiently attractive to her. But the late .war with Spain afforded an outlet to her energies of which she at once availed herself. Under the auspices of the Red Cross she served both at Cuba and Montauk as nurse and hospital manager, and on the cessation of hostilities she returned to the Island to repre¬ sent the Cuban Orphan Society. Her subsequent success in the organization of kindergartens and primary schools was noteworthy.” With a Dean at its head endowed with an administrative capacity developed by such training and experience, Bar¬ nard College will not take long to recover from the results of the indefinite policy of administration that has charac¬ terized the three years since Mrs. Putnam’s resignation. In a number of instances there has been direct violation of articles set down in the regular announcement of the College. It has been possible, for example, for a student carrying entrance conditions to register in the sophomore or even in the junior class, or for one carrying sopho¬ more conditions to register as a senior and so on. Miss Gill, however, believes in interpreting the letter as well as the spirit of the law, and in the practical application of this theory has compelled a number of students to register tentatively in a class below their own and to review incourse the subjects on which they were defi¬ cient. Miss Gill’s policy toward the students themselves is to place a great deal of the management of undergraduate matters in the hands of the undergraduates. This was also Mrs. Putnam’s policy, but she did not carry it to the same extent. Corresponding to this attitude on the part of the Dean there is an increase of confidence among the students
Page 13
KAPPA ALPHA THETA 1 4 who show a keen desire to have her a participator in their activities. On the day of her installation Miss Gill, in a careful address, outlined her views as to what an ideal college for women should be. All of it was worth remembering, much of it could not be forgotten. “ Today/’ she said, “ it is not a question of woman’s sphere, for a woman’s influence will be exactly as broad as her intelligence, intuition and con¬ science make it. It should be no more, it can be no less. She must focus her effort upon being something positive A Cloudy Day and noble. The dynamic power of character is then inevit¬ ably converted into action.” That the trustees of Barnard were wise in their choice of a Dean was made clear on the day of her installation and has been proved many times since. The college-world on the Heights has been much interested in the choice the trustees might make of a successor to Mr. Low. There was • • .
Page 14
KAPPA ALPHA THETA 147 a very general expression of gratification when it was officially announced that on January 7th Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler had been chosen to fill the chair so long and so ably filled by Mr. Low. Mr. Butler is a man of decided executive ability and is peculiarly fitted to guide the des¬ tiny of this rapidly growing institution. Florence M. Sill, Gamma Alumnae.
Page 15
The Women's University Club of New York The woman’s club of the usual sort is an institution which, it is safe to assume, does not appeal strongly to the college-bred woman. Several years of .serious and thorough university training are not just the most fitting preparation imaginable for the acrobatic mental leaps that the average club-woman who is not college-bred, takes with the utmost fearlessness. With her any subject under the sun can be treated exhaustively in a ten-minute paper, and while the knowledge gained thereby must necessarily be rather super¬ ficial, it has at least a distinct value in that it puts a stop, for the time being, to the endless “conversation about the lady who has just left the room.” But there are clubs having a serious purpose, and there are clubs that do really good work, literary and otherwise, in a manner that must appeal to college women as well as to all others interested in the club movement. Such a club is the Women’s University Club of New York which by reason of its aim, scope and location, can fairly lay claim to being of general interest to all college women, and cer¬ tainly to the members of Kappa Alpha Theta. It is a club, the aim of which is purely a social one* em¬ bodying as it does much that is characteristic of men’s clubs and that makes them so proverbially attractive ; its mem¬ bers are graduates of the leading women’s colleges and co¬ educational institutions; and the mere fact that it is located in the metropolis to which all roads nowadays lead, adds to its interest. New York is the permanent home of hundreds, or rather thousands of college-bred women who have come here as wage-earners — teachers, writers, musicians, artists, and the like — and who have made a place for themselves in their various callings. It is the home also of an equally large number who, though not professionally interested in anything, are yet workers, in that they are prominent figures in social and club life, or are actively interested in
Page 16
THE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB 149 philanthropic work. In addition to these the vast number of college girls must not be overlooked, who make this city only their temporary abiding-place during a few years of study along certain lines that can be pursued to better ad¬ vantage here than on the campus. To every one of these women the Women’s University Club must appeal as offering much in a social way that the heterogeneous and complicated life in a large city would otherwise make it both a difficult and tedious process to obtain. In November of 1889 a committee of women representing several of the leading women’s colleges and two co-educa- tional universities, met together and organized the club which was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York two years later, in October, 1891. Its membership was confined to the alumnae of our leading co-educational universities and women’s colleges, and to the holders of foreign degrees. The number of its members was at first limited to one hundred, but this rule soon had to be made more elastic, the club having steadily grown since its incep¬ tion, until now over six hundred college women have become affiliated with it. With an increased membership and larger means at its command, the club’s usefulness has also grown broader in scope, and as a result the fall of the past year saw this organization proudly installed in a club¬ house of its own. The home of the club is an attractive old-fashioned house in East Twenty-fourth Street, almost within a stone’s throw of picturesque Madison Square ; a quiet and dignified neighborhood which is slightly pervaded by the old-world atmosphere that still clings to certain sections of New York, in delightful contrast to the glittering spirit of all that is modern that seems to hold the city in its thrall. The im¬ pression made by the location and exterior is further en¬ hanced by the appearance of the interior, which is both simple and dignified, conveying a certain air of stateliness and solidity that is very pleasant.
Page 17
150 KAPPA ALPHA THETA The large, high-ceilinged reception rooms have a dark, rich, red for their color scheme, with the wood-work of Flemish oak, while several old-fashioned portraits on the walls are in perfect harmony with their surroundings. Beyond the reception rooms is the large dining room, done in dark green, with the wood-work and furniture again of the Flemish oak. Here three table-d’hote meals a day are served after the manner of a first-class restaurant, and members who wish to entertain at luncheon or dinner can have a special menu served by ordering beforehand. This feature of the club has proved very popular and profitable. Comfortable reading rooms containing some general works of reference, and the current numbers of the leading periodicals, are to be found on the second floor, together with a large room where assemblies and lectures can be held. These rooms are frequently beautified by art exhibits loaned by art dealers, or artists who are themselves inter¬ ested in the club. The most recent exhibit was a collection of paintings loaned by Scribner’s. The remainder of the house, comprising a number of rooms, is rented to resident bachelor girl members who find it most desirable to live at the club, and a few rooms are reserved for transients, that is, out of town members who want to put up at the club during a short visit to the city ; or else non-members to whom, by the courtesy of some member, all the club privileges have been extended. This can be done for a period not exceeding two weeks. The monthly reception days are the occasions of much pleasant intercourse among a number of busy women who can in this way renew old college ties and acquaintances and make many new ones. The reunions of the different colleges which occur every two weeks — known as Wellesley Day, Vassar Day, etc., — are still more prolific in this sort of thing, and no college-bred girl in New York, be she ever so lonely a bachelor maid, need feel that she is quite without ties to cling to, for armed with the proper credentials, she will be gladly welcomed to a place under the University
Page 18
THE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB 151 Club’s roof where she is bound to find some congenial spirit. Occasional evening receptions are given when, in order to add a special zest to the affair, some noted person is generally the guest of honor. For instance a * ‘ Story¬ teller’s” evening was given recently when Mark Twain, Frank Stockton, and one or two other well-known writers, entertained those who were fortunate enough to be present, with their wit and humor. Such affairs not only make for good-fellowship, and pleasant interchange of thought, but also bring the social status of the club into greater promi¬ nence. In an organization of this sort, this is of distinct value. That the University Club is becoming an increas¬ ingly important factor socially is certainly proved by the fact that Dean Gill of Barnard College has recently been giving a series of receptions under the Club’s roof-tree, instead of at her own rooms at the college as heretofore. In addition to the regular dues, the Club’s source of rev¬ enue is considerably increased by renting the assembly room to other women’s societies or clubs which, having no place of their own for their meetings, find the University Club rooms admirably suited to their purpose. The New York alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta always meets here. Even if the mention of such an all-important topic has been left until the last, it should not be supposed for a moment that the sterner sex is not made welcome at the Club. On the contrary the Club is very broad in this respect, and the male creature is invited to all the functions where guests are bidden. That he accepts with glee goes without saying, although the air of mingled coyness and an ill-concealed feeling of being entirely superfluous that a man always carries with him into a milliner’s, clings to him still when he enters the awe-inspiring portals of a woman’s club. Since the opening of the new club-house, the University Club has taken a great step forward, and at the rate at
Page 19
152 KAPPA ALPHA THETA which the membership is now increasing, it will soon have quite a formidable enrollment. It is a boon to all college women graduates, be they residents here, or students, or but transient visitors, and as it becomes more widely and generally known just what unique advantages the club has to offer, there seems to be no reason why every college woman who is eligible and feels so inclined, should not identify herself with the University Club, and gain mater¬ ially thereby. Henrietta Weber Alpha Gamma
Page 20
Page 21
The University of California By way of foreword a bit of history : The University of California was founded in 1868, and in the following year was united to the California College. In its earliest years the University was located in Oakland, about five miles from its present site. When there wras need for greater space and when Bishop Berkeley, a visitor in California, recognized the charms and other advantageous points in the situation on the hills overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate, the institution was removed to the home which it now occupies. Since then from time to time new buildings have been erected, and now there are eleven main halls on the campus, including the library and the two gymnasiums for the men and the women. These buildings stand at some little dis¬ tance from each other, but taken as a group they seem placed between the hills and the slope that leads down to the town of Berkeley. Here then, are the Colleges of Letters, of Social Sciences, of Natural Sciences, and the Colleges of Applied or Tech¬ nical Sciences. In addition to these departments of the University are the Professional Colleges, the Mark Hop¬ kins Institute of Art in San Francisco, and the Lick Obser¬ vatory. Further, University Extension Courses in a variety of subjects are offered in different parts of the state. Though the field for operation is so broad the University meets the problem, “ How is the number of students who enter every year to be accommodated ?” Each freshman class is surprisingly larger than its predecessor, and now that there are between five and six hundred regular intrants in the Fall term, material limitations arise beside the new advantages and opportunities. As the student body increases it seems to become more and more a united whole. New factors are introduced which bind together the college members. Most important
Page 22
Chemical Laboratoy
Page 23
156 KAPPA ALPHA THETA among these factors is the so-called Students’ Hour, held every alternate Friday morning. On this occasion the members of the Faculty as well as the students, appear and occupy the platform in the gymnasium. President Wheeler presides and introduces the speakers of the day. These are men prominent perhaps in the commercial world, the professional or the educational. Thus in the meeting there is a touch of some outside interest and above all there is opportunity for college spirit. The increase in the number of students means also the appearance of many new class organizations, of new fra¬ ternities, or rather chapters, and of new clubs. The Prytanaeans and the Golden Bear are two recently estab¬ lished societies ; the former is composed of women promi¬ nent in college affairs and belonging to the Junior or Senior class ; the latter is composed of men prominent in college affairs and belonging to the Junior or Senior class. The fraternities represented at the University are Zeta Psi, Phi Delta Theta, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Chi Phi, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Nu, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Upsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha, Chi Psi, Phi Kappa Psi, Theta Nu Epsilon, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Pi Beta Pni, Alpha Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta. Several of the chapters own their fraternity house or are on the way to ownership by means of reasonable monthly rent. The clubs begin to take the place of dormitories; especially do those established by Mrs. Hearst in the last two years. In each house there is an older woman who is manager and chaperone combined. These clubs aim to afford a home and an inexpensive means of living. Beside organizations are celebrations, from Sophomore Hop to Senior Ball, and publications, from Blue and Gold to Daily Californian. The former seems the most strik¬ ingly characteristic. It is distinctly the college book, brought out each year by the Junior Class.
Page 24
Library Building
Page 25
158 KAPPA ALPHA THETA All this has told a little of the objective side of college life at Berkeley, and as for the other side we would only say : “ Hail to thee, our Alma Mater! 99 Muriel Ransom
Page 26
The Heart of Oaks
Page 27
The Functions of College Settlements* By the generous gift of a citizen of Evanston, the North¬ western University settlement is now permanently located in one of the most densely crowded sections of Chicago, where the value of such a social centre cannot be over¬ estimated. In the heart of the sixteenth ward the new residence, on Augusta and Noble Streets, does not obtrude itself as if seeking to embarrass other buildings with its more artistic proportions, but as if it is there to make friends with an unfamiliar environment, and to promote a spirit of neighborliness. As a settlement is primarily the meeting ground of college-bred men and women with all other sorts and conditions of men and women, a better un¬ derstanding of their common obligations is inevitable. How to level the barriers between the rich and the poor requires discernment, judgment, and courage, while not to set up false social standards is the true vocation of the settlement worker. Presumably the best activities of a settlement are those which exercise the functions of domestic life, although it often may be expedient to promote the arts rather than the humbler sciences — to teach literature and embroidery rather than cookery and sewing. House-work or manual-training is avowedly less attractive than lectures, concerts, or athletics, and the wise teacher, sympathizing with the nat¬ ural predilections of humanity, knows when to depart from the beaten track of practical instruction. To foster kind¬ ness, to put hope into comparatively hopeless lives, to in¬ cite unselfishness and to engender contentment with neces¬ sary duties in unhappy, envious hearts, should be the highest achievement of the settlement. But, by whatever method the condition of the poor becomes changed for the better, the problem of dealing justly with individuals is the unique *For a number of years Tau chapter lias been actively engaged in settlement work in Chicago.
Page 28
THE FUNCTIONS OF COLLEGE SETTLEMENTS 161 opportunity of the settlement resident. His commodious house stands for healthful sanitation ; for scientific methods of performing domestic labor ; for order in all things ; for peace of mind and body, while due regard may still be given to the refinements of life. His pleasant home is ever open to rich and to poor ; to the Christian and to the infidel, for his creed is love, and his faith is humanity made in the likeness of God. Philanthropists have long studied the serious problem of improving the social condition of the poor. Given the equation of the making of a man, the solution can be readily found since the constant factor must be good health upon which, in many cases, depends good morals. Abundant proof can be adduced to make the assertion general, that men of the lower classes would not be habitual drunkards if their homes afforded recreation for their hours of leisure, or provided palatable and nourishing food for their physical maintenance. Too often beer and stronger liquors are used as stimulants, because a day-laborer cannot subsist upon the imperfectly prepared food cooked by his ignorant wife or daughter. A gentleman of Evanston recently tried the experiment of visiting the slums, in the character of a workman, and his testimony corroborates the statement that a large part of the laxity in morals among the men of the poor wards is to be accounted for by the failure of the women to make home agreeable or even endurable to their husbands and sons. Cases have been reported of men who have been re¬ claimed from drunkenness, resuming the habit of drinking because it was impossible to work when the food given them was so poorly cooked or so seldom varied. Men do not know where to place the blame that their condition is so miserable ; but, in their ignorance, they resort to the cheap bakery and the demoralizing saloon to appease their natural hunger. Philanthropists are earnestly striving to help the poor in large cities, and bravely have they met and overcome many
Page 29
162 KAPPA ALPHA THETA obstacles in their great labor of love ; but many of them do not realize where to begin the work of reformation. While kindergartens, creches, and schools have been -established to lessen the suffering and to supply home-training among the children of the poor, no where has a school of domestic science been founded for the older girls and the mothers. Such a school should include instruction in plain cookery, sewing, practical training in housekeeping, with lectures on the simple hygienics of the home, and the proper care of invalids and little children. Sentimentalists have imagined fine things about uplift¬ ing the masses ; but, usually, even in their dreams, they do not get down to the fundamental needs of society. Re¬ forms cannot be effected in a day, but practical philanthrop¬ ists can start a needed reformation when such a school is established at any of the social settlements in Chicago. Probably no more common error is made by the earnest novice in Settlement work than to imagine that the people of the slum-wards are without religion, for the proportion of church attendants among the poor is very large. There¬ fore, to nine persons out of ten, the humanitarian need not go as a missionary to preach a gospel of words, but rather as a friend to bring the good tidings of sympathy, and un¬ derstanding, and helpfulness. The poor of Chicago are generally the creatures of unhappy circumstances; and they belong to the great army of the neglected, the men¬ tally “maimed, halt and blind.” Approach a poor man on any side but his religion, and he will believe in your sincerity of purpose. Show him that you regard him as one to whom certain rights as a citi¬ zen belong — educate him to be a law-abiding, conscientious integral in the great sum of the silent units, and you have touched upon the secret of personal responsibility. If you first convince him that you are his brother, he will have no difficulty in believing in the fatherhood of God. The stumbling-block in the way of every unfortunate, discouraged being is the fact of the inequality that exists
Page 30
THE FUNCTIONS OF COLLEGE SETTLEMENTS 163 between one man and another. Make your poor brother realize that you are trying to lift him up to your level by reaching down a helping hand, and let him feel the divine thrill of Christ’s profound utterance, “ Love worketh no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” The settlement worker uses each opportunity as it is pre¬ sented to exemplify by his own life the verities of Christ’s teaching. There may be few occasions to put the divine doctrine into words, but every opportunity to live it. “ By their works ye shall know them,” would seem to emphasize the human function of Settlement residents, and to deny that preaching is better than serving. The sermon of beautiful lives is eloquent and convincing, and who can measure the influence of one who loveth his brother as himself ? Helen Ruth Balmer Tau
Page 31
/\t aAe yco/4 On “My Aunt Margaret’s married now so I guess she isn’t a Theta any longer,” said a little girl of eight — a future Theta — to me the other day. “Oh yes, Margaret is,” I replied, “and we hope she will not forget the Thetas when she moves into her own little home way off from all her dear fraternity sisters.” I wonder if some do not lose their good Theta spirit when they leave college and go out into the world. It should not be, of course, but oh, there is so much else to do and so much else to think about I fear Theta is not quite so near after graduation day. Dear Seniors, we who will have to leave our beloved circles in so short a time, let us make good resolutions and keep to them. Let us resolve not to drift away in spirit but keep in touch always with Theta — our sister classmates as well as the younger sisters who are working and striving to keep at the top. Let us show the latter we are interested in them through all their trials and tribulations, so that they may feel free to call upon us if our assistance be needed. How delighted wre of Kappa chapter were the other day to receive a letter from one of our alumnae — one who was here perhaps ten years ago — saying, “I heard in a round¬ about way about some of the plans you are making for the coming year, and I write begging you to let me do something to help, for I am so anxious that you shall succeed.” You can imagine with what new courage and enthusiasm we went to work after that letter, for we wished to make our older sisters proud of us. Dear Seniors, let us ponder over these few thoughts while there are yet some months left for us to enjoy the college Thetas. Let us be very, very close to them now
Page 32
AIA A E Til MESA 165 and after school days are over and we leave our Alma Mater, may Theta be very dear to us and may we always think and be interested in those hearts that are beating in sympathy and love. A Suggestion — The clipping from the Delta Upsilon Quarterly which appeared in the Exchange Department of the January Journal has suggested the idea that Theta would do well to consider the plan proposed. How many chapters have an historian appointed whose duty it is to keep a record of the doings of its graduates and under graduates ? Such a record could not fail to be interesting to everyone connected with the chapter, espec¬ ially when the younger members wish to learn something of the college and fraternity honors which came to a sister long since an Alumna. It is surprising sometimes to learn how really ignorant some of the active Thetas are in regard to the work of one who has been outside the chapter only a short time. When at a banquet or some anniversary which brings the active and alumnae girls together how much greater would be the pleasure and profit of meeting if the young girl in college knew that her right hand neighbor at luncheon was a woman deep in college settlement work and her sister on the left a literary woman of no mean ability. The work of keeping the record of the active girl would be comparatively easy, writing down on the page assigned to her all college and fraternity honors as soon as they were received ; that of the Alumna more difficult. However by some inquiry, the historian could inform herself of any thing of interest, seeking to make the record as complete as possible. If it were known that such a book was in possession of the chapter all Alumnae would gladly aid the chapter in this undertaking. A good plan would be to
Page 33
166 KAPPA ALPHA THETA have an Alumna appointed whose duty it is to send all Alumnae news to the historian. Perhaps the plan of starting one of these historical books seems rather formidable to the older chapters whose list of Alumnae is so much larger, but the newer chapters would find it very easy and in after years would be highly rewarded for the trouble. The more every Theta can learn about her fraternity and every member of it, the greater is her loyalty and interest. Gamma Alumnae Our Opportunities — An older sister whose broader experience surrounds her words with a little halo of practicability, suggested to a circle of new Freshmen, one evening, some of the joys and privileges of being a Theta, and so pertinent is one thought that it ought to be a source of inspiration and a field of growth for any girl, especially to her who is blessed with the privileges of a chapter-house life. The thought is that of opportunity, and the opportunity especially of studying and knowing human-nature. The ties of our fraternity-life bring souls to souls as no artificial bond can. We open our hearts one to another, as mere friendship does not permit. We are not restrained from seeking out our sister, for we know her interests are ours. Indeed we sometimes may sacredly enter the very innermost chambers of her heart. Our love for her and our assurance of her appreciation of our motives even embolden us to point out wrongs and suggest remedies. The opportunity is given us to see through her eyes. In what other relation is this privilege ours? We learn to appreciate, to sympathize, to under¬ stand, and with this knowledge our power to help means something. Phi Let Us Love One Another — It is rather late in the year to turn our attention toward the principles which govern our choice of ‘‘pledges.” And
Page 34
J l A A Era ME# A 167 yet, there is at this time — at the beginning of the second term, an aftermath in the harvest of rushing, and often the gleanings are the richest and best of the whole year. The point which I wished to emphasize in this little talk is the necessity of choosing members who will be true sisters, true Thetas. We have often heard that the fraternity must be a little world by itself, made up of many kinds of girls. It must of necessity contain different types of mind and character. So it has come about, that we expect to have in our ideal chapter, one or two brilliant students — prospective Phi Beta Kappas, a few good Y. W. C. A. girls, an athletic girl, or a literary genius, and a few fecognized society leaders. This makes a strong chapter, one that is felt in all the varied circles of the University. But do we not sometimes — not often, but once in a while, run the danger of taking girls among us simply because they are one of these types, without sufficient regard to the questions : Will she be a girl whom we will all love ? Will she work with us earnestly and sympathetically in all our undertakings? These questions, it seems to me, should never be lost sight of when we are considering a “new girl.” Kappa Alpha Theta is firmly established on the principles of friendship and mutual helpfulness. Let us “love one another,” and “all these shall be added.” Let us be well-rounded as individuals, and as chapters. But let us always keep before us our standard of Theta Love ; then only shall we be strong and influential chapters. One thing that fraternity should impress upon its members is the great benefit derived from attending class meetings. Every Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior, attending and taking part in the meetings of her class, would be surprised at the harvest of her efforts. She will be brought in closer touch with college affairs,
Page 35
168 KAPPA ALPHA THETA and she will make many friends she otherwise would not have. In every college or university there are a great many of the undiscovered, genuine, men and women whom one does not meet at the fraternity parties or club dances. They are people that it is worth while to know, and a fraternity girl is not apt to meet them except through the medium of class. But as the student of Philosophy should know, there is the altruistic as well as the egoistic side of a matter. Every girl can give as well as receive, even in such a general affair as a class. She can swell the number in the meetings by her presence, and even her interest is a little help. When her class gives a party she can help with the decorating, even if she is not on that committee. Good workers are ever in demand. There is always, in every class, work of some kind for the bright, energetic, girl, and such we consider every Theta to be. So let us try to go to class meetings, thus helping ourselves, our class, our fraternity, and our alma mater. The Thinkers and the Workers — What is This ? This is a Committee Meeting. What does a committee Do ? Various Things. These Two Girls are the Working- Members. Are there any Other Members ? Oh yes. Five Others. They are the Thinking- Members. What do they Think ? They think that the Other Six are at the Meeting. What else do they Think ? They think that Little Things don’t Matter. They Mean to Do Big Things. Is that what a committee is for ? No : a committee is to do a Lot of Little Things. Then Why are the Thinkers Members ?
Page 36
J l A A Era M E8 A 169 They think the committee is a Big Thing. Why do the Working Members look Tired ? They have Done All the Little Things. But That was not Much? Not Much for Seven, but a Great Deal for Two. Oh, that’s what makes the Committee a Big Thing, isn’t it? You are mistaken. The Committee is a Big Thing because It Is Put In Print. Do the Working Members ever Think ? They seldom Have Time. But they Believe. What do they Believe ? That One thing is Reliable. They call it Love. It never Fails, they say. Do the Thinkers Believe, too ? Oh yes. They Believe that the Biggest Thing in the World is Self. May A. Johnson Chapter Economics — In every college chapter there is some difficulty in collecting dues. This difficulty may be at a minimum in some chapters but it is safe to say that it is not entirely absent. There are always some girls who, though ideal in all other respects, have a peculiar misapprehension regard¬ ing the credit basis in money matters. With them payment is ever in the future, it may be the very near future, but it remains, nevertheless, the future. They are prolific in promises whose very sincerity is temporarily persuasive, and which can be renewed at will. The basis of economics, doubtless, is credit and in the world of finance panic ensues when credit is attacked and specie is demanded. Deplorable though it may be, this theory extends to the realm of petty personal matters and the science of incurring debt and deferring payment takes violent hold of some persons in private money matters. Not that they are malicious in so planning nor are they guilty of deliberate dishonesty, but it becomes with them a
Page 37
170 KAPPA ALPHA THETA matter of habit to trade on paper and avoid cash payment. That this superstition pervades college and even fraternity affairs is too true and it is one of the first duties of fraternity influence to root out this dangerous tendency. Each chapter should nurture a pride in prompt and ready payment of all its dues and taxes, and should censure rigidly any laxness or tardiness in remitting. It should be the first concern of every Theta to pay promptly her dues to the fraternity and to sacrifice, to this debt, every interfering indulgence. Every girl should refrain from extravagances and, if necessary, should economize rigorously until her fees to the fraternity are paid. It is difficult for any treasurer to maintain a charitable disposition toward a delinquent member, and reconcile pleas of poverty with visible manifestations of luxury. Criticism is almost pardonable when another’s expenditures seem lavish in every direction except the chapter treasury. No chapter can thrive unless its financial basis is secure and good spirit can not result from an unequal division of this responsibility. If the expense is defrayed by one half the chapter a feeling of inequality is liable to be aroused, which is a menace to the aim of democratic spirit. Let us not forget that the privilege of active membership incurs a corresponding responsibility, and that it is incumbent upon all who wish to enjoy this advantage, to have an equal regard for its attendant duties. The Journal — “If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do , chapels had been churches and poor men's cottages princes' palaces .” Is there a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, anywhere, who has not at sometime or other in her own mind criticized the ‘Journal* and thought how she could improve upon it ? Is there one who could sit down and tell exactly how a model journal should be conducted ?
Page 38
A 1 A A ETQM ES A 171 That tavSk has been set to me by our alumnae chapter. However I mean to disarm harsh judgment by stating at the outset that I do not aim so high, but will simply make a few suggestions from one point of view. In answer to the query — “shall it be a literary maga¬ zine?” we shout with one accord — “No !” The market is flooded with them now. Many a writer of good reputation has learned by long and bitter experience that it is not easy to win the appreciation and approval of a surfeited reading public. We do not find time to so much as read the good magazines that lie on our library tables — to say nothing of writing articles to compete with them. I do not mean to undervalue literary effort and feel that too much care cannot be used in writing our fraternity contributions, letters and personals. When a new journal arrives I look first of all for the personals and am keenly disappointed not to find familiar names. Let the personal column be full of interesting items. Then my eye turns to the chapter letters. While many are good — many, alas, show too plainly that on the eve of the day the letters are due, the much berated secretaries suddenly remember their duty and write the necessary letters in ‘hot haste’. I have been there myself! Would it not be a capital idea to put a tablet with pencil attached in a conspicuous place in the fraternity hall and urge every member of each chapter to inscribe thereon any items of interest that may come under her notice ? I am sure the secretaries and readers of the journal will be alike grateful for the result. As to the articles — anything of college interest is good material. They need not be exclusively on fraternity affairs. An occasional spicy poem, now and then the relation of an amusing episode or more serious experience that has taught its lesson in one quarter and may prove profitable in others : — all of these things go to make up a pleasing and helpful fraternity magazine. G. I. D., Delta Alumnae
Page 39
EDITORIALS How can we keep up the interest of our Alumnae f This is a question that has come to many of us and it seems that Kappa Alpha Theta is not the only Greek letter organization that has had this problem to deal with. For a few years after graduation our members keep in touch with the active chapters, but the chapters change so rapidly with the years that unless one makes many visits to her Alma Mater she soon finds that her college circle has changed entirely and that she is known in her chapter by name only. Of course she may keep up her interest in the fraternity at large through the pages of the Journal, but the number of Greeks who keep themselves in touch with the college world through this medium is very small. The Alumna is not wholly to blame in this matter, for very often she finds herself permanently located so far away from her little circle of college friends that frequent visits are impossible A correspondence is maintained with some members of the chapter for a few years after she leaves the college halls, but when these friends have also followed in her footsteps her knowledge of the active chapter life ceases almost entirely. Why would it not not be well for the chapters of Kappa Alpha Theta to emulate the example of some of of their Greek brothers and each chapter send every year a circular letter to every member who was ini¬ tiated into that chapter? Let the letter contain a full account of the chapter’s work — its successes and defeats, its strength and its weakness. Let it give to each alumna an honest statement of the chapter’s trials. Let it speak freely of the efforts to hold high Theta standards and ideals that are now left in its care. These little talks with the alumnae would do more to keep up their interest in the national organization than anything else that could be done. The benefit that would come to the active chapters, too, can scarcely be estimated. The Alumnae have passed along the same way they are travelling and will be glad to assist them over the rough places. Their experience in these
Page 40
E DITORI A LS 173 things ought to mean much, and the path ought to be smoother and easier to travel because of their assistance and timely advice. They are ever ready to help — to give of their time, of their strength and of their money. If thoroughly acquainted with the chapter’s needs they would be able to give to the chapter what would best contribute to its success in the college and in the fraternity world. Keep your alumnae well-informed and there will be no uninter¬ ested members. One unacquainted with the work of compiling a fraternity catalogue little realizes the difficulties encountered by the editor. The chapters, in many instances, have lost sight of their older alumnae, and it is only after persistent and repeated effort that any information in regard to these members is secured. A little care in this matter would do away with much of this unnecessary labor. Let each chap¬ ter maintain a complete catalogue of its members. Let this catalogue be given into the hands of some careful, pains¬ taking girl who will keep it up to date in every way. A card system should be used so that an absolutely alpha¬ betical file may be kept. Each name should be written in full. To this might be added the date of birth, date of initia¬ tion, date of graduation, the degree or degrees taken, and honors requiring .special mention, the positions held after graduation and the post office address. This catalogue should be kept up to date in every particular. The amount of labor expended in keeping up such a catalogue after it was once started would not exceed five or six hours a year. Its value to the Catalogue Editor would be immeasurable. Her labor would be lessened fully one-half. Each chapter ought to keep its roll in some such form. Why would it not be well to begin now and let each chapter start a card- catalogue of its members. With the new catalogue as a basis it will be an easy matter to start this card-file and the new names can be added from time to time imme¬ diately after the initiation of new members.
Page 41
174 KAPPA ALPHA THETA Thetas one and all extend their sympathy to Epsilon and to Wooster University in the great loss they sustained in the disastrous fire that swept from their campus their oldest building and main hall. May the friends of Wooster University rally to her assistance as never before and help to make good, as far as possible, the loss which has crip¬ pled her so seriously for the present. Your attention is again called to the new Catalogue. Is your subscription in the Editor’s hands? Every Theta ought to possess one of these catalogues. The volume has been printed at an expenditure of several hundred dollars and this amount must be covered by the sale of the books. Will you not give this matter your consideration now and save further trouble to yourself and to the Grand Council ? Will the corresponding secretaries please see to it that the mailing list for the Journal is kept up to date? The names and addresses of all initiates should be forwarded at once to the Editor and all changes of address should be reported without delay. The Corresponding Editors are requested to follow the form used in the ‘‘Personal Column’ ’ in this issue, giving the name of the chapter and the class of the Theta mentioned ?
Page 42
ALUMNAE DEPARTMENT GAMMA — NEW YORK CITY To the wanderers of all ages the final finding of a home is a keen delight, but for a Gamma Alumnae, the joy of this achievement is endlessly multiplied by the possibilities of hospitality which a home affords. Since its inception, in 1895, Gamma Alumnae has persist¬ ently and enthusiastically held monthly reunions, but ever as a wanderer — a wanderer to be sure from one gracious hostess to another, but still a wanderer, owning no perma¬ nent address and able to give none. After so long a spell of homelessness, therefore, it has been singularly joy¬ bringing for us this winter, to discover satisfactory head¬ quarters, and now to tender from them to all Thetas the invitation, which it has long been our wish to make, to come and share our pleasures. New York is so incessantly a thoroughfare, as well as stopping place, for travelers from all states, that we feel assured that oftentimes Thetas pass in and out again with¬ out our knowledge. While we remained ignorant one month of the next mouth’s meeting place, it was impossible to bid these birds of passage join us. Now, however, that our vexing wanderings are done, this missive’s mission is simply to announce that on the first Saturday in every month, from October to May inclusive, by half after two o’clock, we may be found at 13 East 24tli Street, the Women's Uni¬ versity Club, chatting over the cups and eager to extend hospitality to every Theta visitor of this corner of the earth. As another willing scribe has undertaken to tell the story of the home which has come to be our permanent meeting place, we need only refer all to her article on the Woman’s University Club for its history. Our sole object is to urge, but to urge insistently on all Thetas within possible dis¬ tances to visit us here on the first Saturdays of the months.
Page 43
176 KAPPA ALPHA THETA The faithful execution of an alumnae programme of meeting has borne upon us the realization of what the -alumnae chapters can be and should be to the fraternity. And, if receiving without giving at all be a small-spirited •thing, surely every alumna of Theta, recollecting the joys afforded by chapter life at college, should stand ready to give in turn the wiser counsel and efficient aid which will guide the whole fraternity to unceasing progress. And the effectual means of attaining this is through concerted action. Most earnestly, therefore, do we make a plea for more numerous alumnae chapters, and more energetic ones, while, with all the heartiness inspired by fellowship in the bonds, we promise welcome to every Theta who will join us for one meeting, for two, for a year, or for many years. Cordial wishes for success to all, and special greetings to the charter members of Iota Alumnae. Aurelie M. Reynaud DELTA — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Surely every Theta has reason to be proud that she is a Theta when she reads of the enthusiastic work that is being done everywhere, and the results that are accom¬ plished in the name of the fraternity. The activity of alumnae chapters is especially encouraging. They have certainly been doing things, and are to be congratulated — notably Eta Chapter — upon her large undertaking and her success. Miss Seba Moulton, of Phi, has recently come to Chicago and is now a member of Delta Alumnae. Irene S. Baker EPSILON — COLUMBUS, OHIO This has been one of the most interesting years for Epsilon since her establishment. In addition to our regular meet¬ ing, which is held every six weeks, we meet with Mrs. Alice White [DeVol every third Saturday afternoon for a
Page 44
ALUMNAE 177 class in fiction. Mrs. DeVol is one of Ohio’s brightest women, and we find our study with her most enjoyable. In local and general fraternity news we feel as well posted as any active chapter, since we have the Alpha Gamma girls with us very often, and have in our number the editors of both the Journal and the Catalogue. Our number remains about the same as last year, but with some changes in the personnel. We miss from our circle Perla Bowman Gibbs, who has gone with her husband to Vermont. We are glad to welcome Mrs. Joseph Taylor, of Chi, and Evelyn Harrington, of Epsilon. It is always a pleasure to us to have members from the other chapters. Epsilon sends good wishes to Thetas, active and alumnae. ETA — BURLINGTON, VERMONT At the annual meeting in December the board of officers was re-elected with the exception of the Corresponding Secretary, the new secretary being Miss May O. Boynton. It was decided to continue the monthly open meetings, which were so successful last year and to take Browning for our year’s entertainment. We do not aspire to any regular study. Both the December and January meetings were held at the home of our President, Mrs. Hodge. At the first meeting Prof. Howes, the Professor of Greek in the Uni¬ versity, gave us in his usual charming manner a most scholarly and enjoyable talk on Browning as a translator j^f Greek. To this meeting the undergraduate Classical Club was invited as well as our personal friends ; the appearance of men at our meetings was an innovation. In January we held another meeting at which Professor Goodrich, Professor and Mrs. Howes, Mrs. Deyette, Miss Russell and Miss Atwood read “The Blot in the ’Scutch¬ eon.” The participation by Professor Goodrich was for many reasons especially gratifying to us ; years before Kappa Alpha Theta was in existence he began his Latin teaching in our University, and consequently we Thetas^.
Page 45
178 KAPPA ALPHA THETA almost without exception, have had the privilege of being in his classes. Then, too, he is a thorough and apprecia¬ tive Browning student, and it was hard to realize that he was not the real Tresham, so conscientiously did he inter¬ pret the part. Mrs. Howes’ beautiful voice is as adaptable to reading as to singing, and her rendering of the part of Mildred was rich in pathos. It was plainly no task for Professor Howes to take the roll of Henry, his own wife’s ardent lover. How much we enjoyed this bit of realism ! Of the other reading I need only say that the rest were Thetas and a wise selection at that. Mrs. Deyette gave us an example of Theta loyalty, for it was a bitterly cold night and she had an eight mile drive after the reading. It seems like making a confession to tell you that at the close of our Browning evenings we descend to refreshments, but we consider the eating a kind of preparation for going out and mixing with the world again. When our guests have gone many of us have a habit of lingering a little for a family chat. L,. Florence Burdick
Page 46
CHAPTER LETTERS LAMBDA — UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT Mid-year examinations are now in progress and it is of course needless to state that Lambda’s attention is very fully occupied with them. The last two months have brought very few important events. The holidays, with a two week’s vacation, brought the usual delights to us individually and collectively. Our alumnae chapter’s generosity expressed itself again in the gift of two dozen silver forks for the rooms. These same alumnae, to whom we are indebted for so many good things, have arranged a course of evenings with Browning to which we are invited one evening a month. At the last meeting the “ Blot on the ’Scutcheon” was beautifully read by some of the alumnae and two of the professors. We celebrated Founder’s Day with a spread given by Marie Hall, ’02, with appropriate toasts given by the freshmen. IOTA — CORNELL UNIVERSITY No letter. MU — ALLEGHENY COLLEGE Does the time pass as quickly for everyone, as it does for Mu? The fall term examinations came and went, the brief Christmas recess was over all too soon, and now the winter term is well on. We girls all dispersed to our var¬ ious homes for the vacation, and came back fresh and ready for work, and with some new bright ideas for Theta and her friends. Here at Allegheny the winter term is a lively one for there is coasting, skating, and sleighing. Then our Basket Ball Team furnishes many good times, and it has already won all the laurels in the first two games of the season. The one great event to which all are looking forward is the annual Washington’s Birthday dinner given each year
Page 47
180 KAPPA ALPHA THETA by the students and faculty, in the new gymnasium. There is great rivalry between the classes as to which one shall have the prettiest table decorations and the best songs and 4 ‘yells.* * This is one of the days on which all fraternity and social differences are forgotten, only the kindliest feelings prevail, and all join in one shout of “ Glory to old Alleghe!” Besides our regular Saturday evening gatherings we now have something real new, in the line of Kappa Alpha Theta “at home.’* Two of our dearest alumnae girls, Emma Edson and Ethel Odell, *01, have been entertaining the girls and their friends at these informal home receptions, each Tuesday evening. They entertain as only two such girls can and when they say “Come early, have a good time, and stay late,” we all know what that means and do justice to the invitation. Each time there is some new scheme to amuse and puzzle us, and although so many of us complain of heavy college work we cannot resist the alluring temptation to spend a few hours in Emma’s den. We have decided to give a large formal reception this term instead of the usual party. By having a reception we can repay our indebtedness to many town residents. Until this is successfully over we girls will be very busy, though happy in our work. M. A. T. CHI — SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Chi sends greetings and good wishes to all Thetas. Our mid-year examinations are over and with a feeling that what is done is done, we have settled down to our second semester’s work. Closely following the college examination comes our fraternity examination for which we are all trying to make a most thorough preparation. Our fraternity educational committee has worked faithfully and systematically to instill in us every point in regard to our fraternity’s past and present. Since our last chapter letter was written Syracuse University has received a gift of $100,000 from John D.
Page 48
CHAPTER LETTERS 181 Rockefeller ; this insures the $800,000 which was promised to us conditionally. Chi chapter is to entertain the faculty of the university at Women’s Union Hall, March 11. The faculty will be received from eight to ten and the men friends of the chapter at ten. Our deepest sympathy is with four of our sisters who have had death visit their families this year. May the consciousness of all the Theta hearts sorrowing with them help to sustain them in their time of trouble. APLHA BETA — SWARTHMORE COLLEGE We have just passed through the trying ordeal of mid¬ year examinations and are now enjoying the luxury of a comparative rest — regular, blissfully monotonous daily work after a week of hard, merciless cramming. I could, were it at all appropriate, discourse at length on “ Exami¬ nations” in a style at once persuasive and oratorical. There was a student once, but, as Kipling says — “ that is another story.” What a peculiar winter this has been : so little snow. The “Crum”, to be sure, has given us it usual share of fun and frolic by freezing over beautifully for weeks at a time, but not a real snow storm and no sleighing until this last week. You can imagine that we took full advantage of that and a party of twelve packed comfortably in an old “bob” with two leisure-loving horses enjoyed a jolly ride to a town nearby where we indulged in hot chocolate and cinnamon bun. At the same time we invested in a supply of candy, the munching of which we interspersed with singing. No, not fraternity songs for there were a number of Freshmen with us. One of our alumnae, Lucy Price of Media, entertained the active chapter, alumnae and a few Freshmen at her home February 1st. We spent a most delightful afternoon at “ hearts.” Pansies and gold and black were prominent in tallies and prizes.
Page 49
182 KAPPA ALPHA THETA Our Friday afternoon teas at the “ den” still give us a great deal of pleasure. It is wonderful how little it really takes to make happiness — just a cup of chocolate in a cozy room with a circle of dear friends can banish the cares of a whole week and give one a bright prospect for the coming one. Our annual banquet will not be held as early as usual this year. Nothing has been definitely decided in regard to it as yet. Anna Walton Waters. ALPHA DELTA — woman’s COLLEGE In writing a letter of any kind, I think one always searches wildly around in one’s mind for “things that have happened. ’ 9 This time last week my search might have been almost fruitless, but on Saturday we were lucky enough to gain a new member, Mary Hough, from Macon, Ga. We are especially glad to get another southerner, as we have only a few of them in our circle and we want our type of girl to be as varied as possible. And it is certainly true that the Southern girl can often bring us something which we Northerners may lack and which helps to make our chapters what they ought to be. With the exception of this event, I think we have done nothing at all startling or exciting since Christmas. I was going to say that we have all been so busy, but one gets tired of hearing that well worn little word around college and I have resolved not to use it any more. Though things have been so quiet we have been having jolly times at our meetings every Saturday night. There are just eighteen of us now — a very good number we think. Some of our meetings are educational, others business and social. Then every Friday afternoon we have a tea to which we can invite our friends and for which the girls take turns in pro¬ viding refreshments. These teas we like very much as they give us a chance to entertain some of our outside friends.
Page 50
CHAPTER LETTERS 183 We are looking forward now to the basket ball games between the classes, which come in the next few weeks. The teams are practising hard just now and Theta is repre¬ sented on all of them. We are also looking forward to the season of dramatics which comes a little later. Some of the girls have already begun to be rather mysterious and unaccountable in their actions and the rest of us simply have to comfort ourselves with the thought that “all things come round to him who will but wait.” Meanwhile, by way of diversion, we are bending our energies to the plain, prosaic matter of examinations. ALPHA EPSILON — BROWN UNIVERSITY The inter-fraternity contract at the Women’s College ex¬ pired January twenty-fourth. Alpha Epsilon sent out five invitations, all of which were accepted. On the thirty-first of January, we held our pledge service at the house of Mabel Moulton, a solemn little service that impressed even the Seniors. The girls who are wearing the black and gold bow now, are of quite different characteristics, so that each one of them will be a peculiar source of strength to Kappa Alpha Theta. They are : Sarah Kempton Cady, Florence Ellswrorth Doane, Olive Bowers Eddy, Helen Louise Humphrey, and Alice Whitehall Teares, sister of Helen Teares, our Junior from Minnesota. In a few weeks they will be Thetas in fact, as they are now in spirit. ALPHA ZETA — BARNARD COLLEGE To all Thetas, Alpha Zeta sends hearty greetings. Together with the college world in general, we are just recovering from the disorders of our annual “ mid-years.” The remedy bids fair to be quite as violent, but much more endurable, than the malady. The program for the coming week includes a large college tea, the Junior Ball, and two afternoon entertainments. The first, on Tuesday, is given by Beta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our own, which follows on Friday, will take the form of a
Page 51
184 KAPPA ALPHA THETA reading and a reception. For the more formal part we have been fortunate in securing Beatrice Herford, who has been making a reputation in New York as a clever mono¬ logue artist. As this form of entertainment is an innova¬ tion at Barnard, we feel doubly anxious to make it a success. Plays are in evidence though not to such an extent as last year. The big college play is to be “The Rivals,” and the selection made by la Societe Francaise is Moliere’s “ Les Precieuces Ridicules.” Theta is well represented in both castes. Apropos of fraternity socials, a few weeks ago Alpha Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, a local society, entertained the college with a musical and a reception. Dancing was followed in the evening by a chafing-dish dinner for a few of the Freshmen. Within three weeks conies asking-day. Contrary to pre¬ cedent, it will cause little excitement this year, as among ourselves we are happily in accord about the selections to be made, and we are reasonably secure from outside inter¬ ference. As the time draws near, there grows again in intensity the feeling that the choosing of younger girls whom we want to help to live close to Theta ideals, is one of the sweetest duties that our fraternity life imposes. But there is another responsibility even more immediately before us. With the approach of fraternity examinations come redoubled ambition and interest for each and all. We Juniors and Seniors especially realize of what benefit these tests are in helping to keep accurately in mind the methods as well as the aim and spirit of fraternity life. It is consequently with sincere hope of proving within us the knowledge that renders action congruous and effectual, that we are looking forward to our annual trial. May Theta’s record be high this year.
Page 52
CHAPTER LETTERS 185 Beta District ALPHA — DEPAUW UNIVERSITY No letter. BETA — UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA No letter. DELTA — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Our initiation this year was held on the 14th of December, when we received our ten new pledglings whom we introduced to you in the last letter. We have never held as large an initiation as this and each one of us felt a greater inspiration than ever before. Thirty-four Thetas sat down to the banquet which followed. One of our artis¬ tic girls designed the menu cards which were of yellow card board in the shape of the pin. Helen Taylor was toastmistress and introduced the following toasts ; “ We’ll drink a Cup o’ Kindly Cheer for Auld Lang Syne” - Edith Willis Our Pansies, . - Jessie Lummis The Goat, . Miss Mudge Half a Decade of Progress, - - Bertha Pillsbury The New Thetas, .... Henrietta Pitts After these, the toastmistress called on all the new girls in turn for extemporaneous toasts, which were full of much spice and originality. Seven of our Freshmen we have with us in the house and this gives Miss Carpenter the responsibility of sixteen Thetas. To make room for all of us we had another room finished off on the third floor, giving us three cozy rooms up there. One of the Freshmen remarked the other day that 1 ‘ next year all the rooms were going to be third floor rooms. ’ ’ Every Sunday evening after supper we have such a good time singing our fraternity songs, and oh how glad we will be when the new song books come. The Delta girls send best wishes to all the sisters in Theta.
Page 53
186 KAPPA ALPHA THETA EPSILON CHAPTER— WOOSTER UNIVERSITY Since we wrote our last chapter letter a great deal has happened in the history of the University. The architec¬ tural plan of construction that was employed when this college was founded was a sort of omnibus system, embrac¬ ing everything under one ample roof. On the night of December 12, we awoke to find that same roof in flames and before morning the once immense and imposing build¬ ing was only a heap of ruins. Upsetting as it was, and inconvenient as it made our work, we still went ahead and took our term examinations in such make shift quarters as the faculty could devise. When we came back after the holidays we found that ar¬ rangements had been made for us which would be perma¬ nent for the rest of the year, which are certainly more use¬ ful than beautiful, but as the Professors tell us, this is Wooster’s Heroic Age, when the form matters little and the spirit everything. Of course immediate steps have been taken to provide money for new and adequate buildings and equipment. Some unknown friend has offered one hundred thousand if one hundred and forty thousand dollars can be raised to meet it by February twenty-first. Another friend has offered fifty thousand on the same condition, and students, faculty and trustees are alike anxious not to lose such a gift. The probabilities are that before this letter goes to print Wooster’s future will be assured. ETA — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN It is now the time for the semester examinations and every girl in the fraternity is hard at work. Indeed, our work through the entire year is so heavy and our time for social enjoyment consequently so short, that we feel our letters must often be tedious and uninteresting. Our girls returned from their Christmas vacation, rested and ready for the coming seige. Unfortunately there has been much sickness in our midst.
Page 54
CHAPTER LETTERS 187 Monday evening, January 27th, our seniors gave us a delicious little supper in memory of Theta’s birthday, and our freshmen surprised us with the gift of a very handsome silver vase, on which Kappa Alpha Theta’s initials are inscribed. We were very glad to have with us Mrs. Ruth Gould Jewett and Miss Grace Haven from Tau. In the immediate future looms the delightful prospect of the Junior Hop, the function of the year. Between the semesters, when no one could Work if they would, Ann Arbor becomes the scene of gaiety. The hop on Friday night is followed on Saturday by dinners and dances at the fraternity houses. In the evening the annual Glee Club concert is given. In our next letter we hope to tell you about some receptions and a party we are planning. KAPPA— KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Kappa has done very little in a social way during the last two months. It was the wish of all the girls that our big annual party, which was to have been on January seventeenth, be given up this year. Founder’s Day we celebrated with a most delightful •‘Katsup” at the home of Nell Wilhelmi. Coming as it did, in quiz week, we decided that it should be a tea from five to eight. Several of our Alumnae were with us and the time spent together that day in the celebration of the thirty-second birthday of Kappa Alpha Theta was a most pleasant diversion from the routine of quizes. Kappa has enjoyed visits during the last month from Edith Allen of Independence and Lou Havens of Minne¬ apolis, Kansas. An announcement of great interest has been that of the marriage of Florence Reasoner, a Theta formerly from Kappa Chapter, and Dr. John Miller, Phi Delta Theta. Their home is in Leavenworth. This semester, Kappa misses two who have been with us during the year. Mary Bowen has been obliged to return
Page 55
188 KAPPA ALPHA THETA to her home in Independence on account of illness and will not resume her work at the University till next fall, and Martha Pittenger has accepted a position to teach in the Parsons High School. We are glad to have Louise Alder with us again as an active Theta. Examinations over, we enter upon the work of the second semester with renewed energy and sincerely hope that the coming term may bring great success and happiness to all sister chapters. Anna Harrison, pi — ALBION COLLEGE The corresponding editor of Pi takes up her pen with the wish that she were anything but that proverbially procras¬ tinating creature, and she confesses humbly and penitently that for a long while she has been waiting for “ something to turn up,” but all in vain. It seems almost impossible that the winter term is almost half gone and that the year will soon be over— the last year that some of us will ever be in active fraternity life, and all the good times we are now enjoying will soon be but loving memories. Altho’ nothing of great importance has happened to us as seen by outsiders, we have so many good times among ourselves that we feel ourselves being bettered and strengthened by them, as we learn to know and from that knowlege to love one another. Thus far for Pi the winter term has been devoted by most of us, to hard study. However, skating, dinner par¬ ties, and feeds have been numerous and enjoyed to the utmost. A couple of weeks ago Inez Cromar took us *n a pleasant trip to her home at Grass Lake, Mich. We went by electric car most of the way, and upon our arrival there we received a warm welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Cromar. It was an all day’s trip and we reached home at night tired but happy every one voting the day perfect in every detail.
Page 56
CHAPTER LETTERS 189 Mrs. Davis, of this city, one of our patronesses, enter¬ tained us and a few of our friends at a dinner party soon after our return to college. Last week we gave a reception at our Lodge in honor of our friends of Alpha Tau Omega and their delegates, who were holding a State convention here. The gymnasium girls gave their annual reception to their college and town friends two weeks ago. It was a greater success than in previous years. The Women’s Indoor Meet, given by these same dignified girls, created no little excitement, especially among the boys, for the posters announced “ all ladies invited — no men — track work, base ball and special stunts by the latest stars.” Pi sends best wishes to all sister chapters. RHO — UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA Since our last letter Rho has been very quiet. The holi¬ days came and went with no special events except some very pleasant remembrances in the way of gifts for the " house.” Our vacation was saddened by our sharing the sorrow of Rose Carson, who lost her mother just before the New Year. Her sorrow was Rho’s and we shall all miss Mrs. Carson in many ways. Rose is with her sister in Los Angeles now, and though she has been gone only a few days we wish she were with us and have missed her very much already. After the holidays came hard work and study in prepara¬ tion for the final examinations which took place the last week of January. That being over we all take time to Smile again and to breathe more freely. Ifast week we entertained very informally one afternoon at the chapter house. We amused ourselves by illustrat¬ ing “slang.” It was, however, an open question as to whether it was more difficult to illustrate one yourself or to guess what some other girl had attempted. Next week promises to be a busy one with the Junior Prom Friday and our annual Banquet Saturday night.
Page 57
190 KAPPA ALPHA THETA We are looking forward to the Banquet as we always do, for it means a re-union of the girls, old and young, from all over the State. This year we are to have initiation, ban¬ quet and play all in one evening. We have put the colors on one more girl, Luella Brach, and we feel that she is worthy of the black and gold. Our fraternity meetings have been mostly of an educa¬ tional nature lately, both the Freshmen and old girls work¬ ing hard for the examination at the end of February. Rho is delighted to hear the new song book is so nearly ready and will welcome it gladly, for we have long felt the need of some new songs. Margaret Loomis. TAU — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Northwestern is glad to welcome to its presidential chair so distinguished a man as Dr. Edmond James, formerly professor of Political Science of Chicago University. We feel that with such a man at the head the future of the university is assuied. The second semester of college has opened with unus¬ ually bright prospects for Tau. We are looking forward to the initiation of Katherine Holcomb and Harriet Illsley who have just entered the university and are wearing Theta colors. Our annual ball which took place at the Evanston Boat Club on the twenty-fourth of January was the most successful affair of the kind in the history of Tau Chapter. We regret exceedingly the resignation from the faculty of Dr. Pearsons. He has been a close friend to Tau chapter and we have enjoyed his hospitality many times. We are looking forward in the near future to a visit from Miss Cockins. We are eager to meet her as we appreciate the work she is doing. On February the sixth we celebrated another Theta wedding, that of Miss Nell Flesham and Mr. Frank T. Murry. Miss Alta Miller was maid of honor.
Page 58
CHAPTER LETTERS 191 UPSILON — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Upsilon has just recovered from examinations only to plunge into college work of the new semester and the fraternity work of the new year. The schedule at the Minnesota University has been entirely changed. We now have semesters instead of three terms as in the past. We can hardly accustom ourselves to getting ready for the examination week in the latter part of January. The system of credits is also different Consequently the Juniors and Seniors are busy trying to find out when they can graduate while the Freshman remains unconcerned and seems to be the only one who knows exactly to which class he belongs. With all our work we have taken time to have some real jollifications together. We have given a little farce for our Alumnae. While it was probably not a success from a dramatic standpoint, it certainly appeared to amuse our guests immensely. Our formal dancing party was given in January. It was a most delightful affair. Among other decorations in the hall were about a dozen Theta banners. We have made a rule that no girl can give away Theta picture, banner or pillow without the consent of the chapter. To avoid all trouble we had our banners suspended from the ceiling and even then in some myster¬ ious way they all disappeared. Now that the football season is over, much interest is cen¬ tered in basket ball. We played Yale and were victorious. We are the first college to defeat her. We have also a number of girls' teams. The girls’ Varsity team is play¬ ing a schedule of closed games. A number of our out of town girls were fortunate enough to be able to come to the Junior ball and the banquet the following night. The ball was a great success. It was the first university party of the year and a great deal of time and expense was spent on it. It was the most brilliant event of the kind ever given in Minneapolis.
Page 59
192 KAPPA ALPHA THETA The banquet was a source of benefit and inspiration to all of us. We were much pleased to have Rev. Anna Downey of Alpha as our toast mistress. Certainly there is nothing except initiation in our fraternity life that is more enjoyable and helpful than our annual banquet. We are working very hard for our fraternity exami« nations. Upsilon sends to all her sisters her best wishes for success in the educational work. PSI — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN This is an exceedingly busy time for the students of Wisconsin for February brings with it the end of the semester and the necessary final examinations. Tittle visiting is done these days and the lonely wanderer passing down our halls is greeted on all sides by such uninviting signs as “Keep Out,” “No Admittance,’ ’ “Please Do Not Disturb” and many more. But as we work away on our reviewing — “bucking” we call it at Wisconsin — we think with satisfaction that the strain will last only a week and then we go back again to our regular recitations and are greeted by some other expression than, “How many exams have you today ?” or “Was the last one hard ?” With the opening of the second semester we always look forward with anxious hearts to the spring time, for that is the loveliest part of the year in Madison. We have enjoyed our ice-boating and parties but after all we are happier in the Spring. Then we can live out-of-doors and fully appreciate the woods and country roads, the bright sparkling lakes, we have three of them, and the songs of our many colored birds. We always say the second semester seems about half as long as the first. On the sixteenth of January the Seniors of the University had an informal party which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those attending. We have had so many good lectures, art-exhibits and other forms of entertainment this month that it has been impossible to attend everything that one desired. The
Page 60
CHAPTER LETTERS 193 Red Domino girls gave their annual performance on the twenty fourth. There was a large audience which was well pleased with the interpretation given in Nance Oldfield, a comedy, and {Barbara, a farce, both one act plays. Charlotte Wasson, one of our new sisters took very acceptably the title role in the second play. The faculty have decided to allow the Junior Prom to be given on the eleventh of February this year. It is the greatest social event of the college year and many are anticipating it with pleasure. With it we close the work and gaiety of our first semester. The first of the year saw the birth of a new sorority at Wisconsin. The Chi Omega girls have begun with a membership of sixteen and are the eighth sorority to be represented here. Although last to be mentioned by no means least in importance are the two new members whom we have received this month. They are Bertha Clark and Faye V. Rogers whom we initiated one Saturday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Roy Stevens. Several of our alumnae were present and altogether we had an exceedingly pleasant afternoon for Mrs. Stevens always makes us feel very welcome whenever we visit her home. ALPHA GAMMA — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ^ February finds Alpha Gamma’s girls busily trotting back and forth over our beautiful snow covered campus. We have had severely cold weather recently which is, of course, very advantageous for study, as there is no temptation to wander out doors, and which also adds to our enjoyment of cozy “ Katsups” in our new chapter room which is at pres¬ ent our pride and joy. Two weeks ago this “holy of holies” was a very ordinary looking room on the third floor of the home of one of our girls. We took possession and by dint of Theta colors and Theta ingenuity, we have made a very pretty and comfortable little home for our¬ selves. As usual, we called upon our ever willing alumnae
Page 61
194 KAPPA ALPHA THETA and gave ourselves a “shower”. They responded most generously, one of them even donating a name for our new abode and it is now known as “ Kat attic.” We are expecting a great treat soon in a concert to be given here by Henrietta Weber, ’95, who is a very talented pianist and is now studying in New York. She is one of our charter girls and we are justly very proud of her. We have enjoyed very much having Jessica Morgan of Rho with us a few times recently. She has been visiting in Columbus and has been at some of our meetings. Alpha Gamma and Epsilon Alumnae celebrated the fra¬ ternity’s birthday January 27th, together. In the past we have given more attention to our chapter anniversary but the birthday of Kappa Alpha Theta surely should be a day of much rejoicing and many fond memories and we mean to make it such in the future. The social function in college circles which is taking our attention now is the annual Junior Prom, to be given in the University Armory on February 7. The second Battalion Hop of the year will also be given there on February 21st, and these are red-letter days as it is only occasionally that we are given the Armory for dancing. Alpha Gamma is, of course, immensely interested in the Journal this year. Our Editor-in-chief has put forth every effort to make it a success and to have it published promptly. We hope you are pleased with it and that you will join us in an endeavor to lighten her labors and to make our publication worthy of Kappa Alpha Theta. Mary MacMieeen Loren, Corresponding Editor. PHI — STANFORD UNIVERSITY We extend to all Thetas our congratulations for Theta’s thirty-second birthday, and even though we are a trifle late informally wishing her “many, many happy returns of the day” yet we do so even tardily because we know that on January the twenty-seventh each chapter was raising
Page 62
CHAPTER LETTERS 195 high the toasting cup in love and honor. We of Phi and the alumnae near us gathered together at an informal dinner, thirty-three in all. Three of the women were with us who brought our charter from the University of the Pacific to Stanford : Martha Haven, Clara Avery, and Mrs. Elsie Shelley Heath. Mrs. Winnifred Caldwell Whittier, one of the first initiates, was also at the dinner, and there were besides Mrs. E. E. Sissons of Rho, Mrs. Julia R. Gilbert, and Miss Elizabeth G. Hughes of Alpha, Dr. Celia Moser of Psi, Mrs. G. C. Price of Beta, and Miss Alice Dickinson and Mrs. H. W. Rolfe of Iota. Of course there was much merriment with many clever things said and many happy songs sung and beneath it all a feeling of deep rejoicing. In the University has been started a movement to bring all women together, faculty women and students. The system adopted is modelled somewhat after that at Ann Arbor. Once a month an informal social gathering is to be held at Roble, the girls hall, and what little mechanism there must be to keep the league well organized is to be as subordinate as possible. It is hoped that this new federa¬ tion of women will work toward the elimination of the unfortunate feeling that exists between the fraternity and non-fraternity girls, a feeling that is merely the result of ignorance, a lack of understanding on both sides of the attitude and standards of the other. It is a subject for congratulation that there is only good fellowship among the fraternities themselves, and that what rivalry there is here is only the necessary outcome of wholesome growth. A pleasant instance of this has just been shown. We were to entertain a men’s fraternity one evening and at the last moment four of our girls were unable to appear. On exceedingly short notice several of the girls from the different houses made ready and came to assist us in our endeavors to make the evening a success, a courtesy that was much appreciated. We trust that all Theta chapters find themselves among such good friends.
Page 63
196 KAPPA ALPHA THETA OMEGA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA We are fairly launched upon the second term, and we think with a sigh of sympathy and relief of you who are only now in the midst of mid-years. Even before Christ¬ mas, examinations had joined the ranks of past history for us. So now we have time and spirit for the fun which this part of the college term permits. Already we have given two informal dances, and several luncheons and afternoon teas. All these primarily to meet a few of the Freshmen. But of course the entering class is not large at this time, and rushing is not so arduous a matter as it is in the fall. This week our thoughts have been chiefly of the anni¬ versary. We did not celebrate on the twenty-seventh, but waited until the following Saturday when it was possible for a larger number of the alumnae to join in the festivities. Then too there was a combination of occasions — the alum¬ nae luncheon — which, by the way, is a new institution among us — given for the active members, and the birthday party. It was a most successful day. There were forty- three of us at one long table in the fraternity house. It was the greatest pleasure to see so many of the girls again and to be reminded in this way of our fine traditions and our present joys. Two years ago we decided that the en¬ tertainment for the anniversary should always be planned by the Sophomores. The class of ’04 following the ex¬ ample of its predecessors gave a farce. On this thirty-second anniversary we are wishing success to each chapter, from Alpha down to our own, and long life to Kappa Alpha Theta.
Page 64
NOTES AND PERSONALS Kappa Alpha Theta has nine chapters living in chapter houses. Edith M. Lamb, Alpha Beta, ’98, of Baltimore, visited among Thetas near Philadelphia, recently. Myriam Seller of Lancaster, Pa., has been a guest of Alpha Beta Thetas. Laura D. Smith, Pi ex-’02, of Weston, Michigan, was Pi’s guest for a couple of weeks the first of the term. Helen M. Temple, ex-’02, of Tecumseh, Michigan, is at the State Normal Ypsilanti, Mich., preparing to teach next year. The engagement of Grace Cloes, Psi, ’99, to Mr. H. E. Stedman of Berlin, Wis., is announced. E. Blanch Clark, Psi, is teaching in Salesville, Wis., this year. Miss Henrietta Weber, Alpha Gamma, ’95, gave a con¬ cert at the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium on February sixth, at Columbus, Ohio. She was assisted by Mr. Charles Russell, a well known cellist of New York, and Mrs. Maud Wentz MacDonald. She was greeted by a large and enthusiastic audience of old college friends and admirers. Miss Weber for the last few years has been studying piano in New York where she has made quite a reputation for herself. Miss Jessica Morgan of Rho, has been visiting in Colum¬ bus for a few weeks. Alpha Gamma’s girls are very glad to meet one of Rlio’s members. Mrs. H. N. Mateer entertained the Epsilon chapter January seventeenth. Katherine Snyder, Epsilon ’03, is teaching German in the Preparatory Department of Wooster University. Miss Arietta Warren, Epsilon ’89, is lecturing in the University, on Archaeology. Grace Corbety, Epsilon '02, will represent the local Stu¬ dent Volunteers in the convention at Toronto.
Page 65
198 KAPPA ALPHA THETA Anna Ruth Milder, Omega ’00, has given up her position in the San Louis Obispo school, and is teaching now in Oakland. Francis Boggs, Omega ’94, is teaching in the Napa High School. Marion Crins Whipple, Omega ’98, has left Los Angeles to take a position in the Walla Walla High School. Jennie Elsworth Price, an Omega girl, is spending the winter with her husband in the far north, at Tellar City, above Nome City, Alaska. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Price (nee Elizabeth Hoyt, Omega ex. ’00) are now in Rome, Italy. Pearl Judson, Omega ’05, has just returned from Mexico where she spent the Christmas holidays. Mabel Nelson, Lambda ’99, has been at home in Bur¬ lington for several weeks on account of illness. Her posi¬ tion as assistant in the Barre High School has been supplied by her sister, Florence Nelson ’01. Margaret Healey, Lambda ’01, visited Burlington re¬ cently. She attended the meetings of the State Botanical Club held in the city, and renewed old friendships at the University. Isabelle Clingensmith, Mu ’01, has accepted a position as teacher in the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Edin- boro, Pa. Ethel Odell, Mu ’01, is teaching in the Meadville Public Schools. Emma Edson is with Mu again after an extended visit in New York and Brooklyn. Rebecca Cooper, Mu, is teaching music. She has large classes in Meadville and Cambridge. Sina Smith, Eta, is now with her family in Berkeley, Cal. Grace Holmes, Eta, who now lives in Kenton, Ohio, is going to Ann Arbor for the Junior Hop. Katrina Kennedy, Upsilon, was unable to remain in col¬ lege this semester and has returned to her home in Duluth.
Page 66
NOTES AND PERSONALS 199 Isabelle Armstrong, Upsilon, has been very ill. She has gone to California for the winter and is much improved in health. Margaret Moore, Upsilon, is teaching in Wilmar, Minn. Lulu B. Ridgway, Upsilon, has returned from the Man- bato Normal School and now has a position in the Calhoun School in Minneapolis. On Friday evening, January 10th, at the Savery House in Des Moines, Iowa, occured the second annual banquet of the Des Moines Women’s Pan-Hellenic Association. At the banquet over seventy Greek-letter women were present. This association was the outgrowth of a Theta Club es¬ tablished in Des Moines over a year ago. This Theta Club has members from Leland Stanford, Northwestern, Kansas State University, Woman’s College of Baltimore and two members from the old Theta chapter at Simpson college. Miss Katherine Early, Alpha Gamma, was a guest at Cornell during ‘‘Junior Week.”
Page 67
AMONG THE GREEKS The Editors of the Phi Delta Theta song book will in¬ clude in their collection the yells of all the colleges. The Delta Gamma chapter house at Syracuse University was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day. A committee representing the active members of the fra¬ ternities, alumni and faculty of the Syracuse University is contemplating a fixed pledge day for all the fraternities rep¬ resented in that institution. A remarkable example of the effect of loyalty and enthu¬ siasm of the alumni is shown in the case of the University of Kansas chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. At the close of last year the chapter was almost extinct. The alumni pres¬ ent at commencement took the matter in hand and appoint¬ ed a committee to look after the chapter’s interests at the opening of the fall term. This was done so effectually that the chapter now has seventeen men. For the first time this chapter occupies a house, probably the finest fraternity house west of Ann Arbor. This house was purchased at a cost of nearly $10,000 (though it represents an original out¬ lay of more than twice that sum) by a number of the alum¬ ni of the fraternity, including William McLaughlin of the Ohio State Chapter, now a resident of Lawrence. State Printer W. Y. Morgan of Topeka, Gen. Wilder S. Metcalf, who recently returned from the Philippines, L. N. Lewis and W. T. Sinclair, prominent attorneys of Lawrence. Members of Phi Gamma Delta deny that their fraternity has restored the charter of the Muhlenberg (Pennsylvania) Chapter, which was revoked in 1894. As a body of men claiming to be a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is said to ex¬ ist there, we may look for some interesting developments. The new editor of the Theta Delta Chi Shield is Mr. Charles Schmid, Jr., of Cresskill, New Jersey.
Page 68
AMONG THE GREEKS 201 Phi Beta Kappa celebrated its one hundred and twenty- fifth anniversary on December 5th, 1901. It has now fifty- three chapters. Those at Vanderbilt, Allegheny and Illi¬ nois were recently chartered. On January 16 and 17 the 21st annual convention of the Northern Division of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity was held in Columbus, Ohio, with the chapter at the Ohio State University. The Northern Division embraces the states of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Michigan and represen¬ tatives were present from the following thirteen colleges which comprise the division: Adelbert College, Ohio Wes¬ leyan University, Ohio University, Kenyon College, Ohio State University, DePauw University, Indiana University, Butler College, Wabash College, University of West Vir¬ ginia, Hillsdale College, Albion College and the University of Michigan. H. J. Ebreth of Toledo, a Kenyon graduate was elected president of the division and Ann Arbor was chosen as the meeting place for next year. Dr. Frank Wiel- and the new national president of the fraternity was pres¬ ent on the last day and spoke at the banquet. On the first evening of the convention the delegates were entertained at a formal dancing party by the Ohio State University chap¬ ter and on the second evening was held the annual banquet.
Page 69
EXCHANGES Would it not be well to have as part of our initiation rites the examination of each candidate in fraternity matters, so that our girls may have a broad knowledge of the Greek world of which they are to form a part ? The examina¬ tions should include questions pertaining to the fraternity world in general and our fraternity in particular. There should also be consideration given to its relation to the other fraternities, its own individual rules and itself as the best and greatest of fraternities. — The Arrow of Pi Beta Phi. . What is true of everything else is true of a fraternity chapter. A fraternity chapter, whose strong students are now alumni or dead, and whose present claim for prece¬ dence is based on the ownership (usually by heavy mortgage) of the finest chapter house in town, and the possession by members of an extra large number of college offices, gained by selfish wire pulling, rather than true merit, and on the giving of the swellest receptions in college (while regular fraternity fees remain unpaid), such a chapter may seem to the unthinking, outside observer to be successful, but such judgment is false. The chapter is a failure, and usually in four or five more years even the outside observer will be able to see signs of decay, while inside the chapter dissatisfaction is rife and disaster in view. The success of every chapter and every fraternity is to be reckoned according to the degree to which in its organization and the lives of its members it attains or actualizes the object or ideal set forth in the words fraternity, fraternalness, brotherhood. Success is not to be judged by incidentals, externalities, mere transitory, irrevelant superficial ties, but solely by achievement of the organization’s ideal, the promoting of fraternity in college life. The college world will support such an organization. Self-seekers will join a selfish organization, but a chapter is better off without them —The Delta of Sigma Nu.
Page 70
EXCHANGES 203 The circumstances surrounding the opposition to the petition from the University of Illinois and those which have recently been most vividly placed before the fraternity concerning the delay in establishing another chapter have emphasized somewhat, or, rather, brought more promi¬ nently to mind the question as to whether or not our whole system of granting charters is not a mistake. As it is now, a body of petitioners from an institution, no matter how worthy, are at the mercy of a body of undergraduates scattered throughout the United States, who, necessarily, are not and cannot be informed concerning either the standing of the institution in which the chapter is sought to be placed or the personal qualities of the men seeking admission. The first obstacle is most difficult to overcome. This country is enormously large — larger, in fact, than the average undergraduate ever can realize. It is difficult for a student in a New England college, who, for instance, is thoroughly familiar with the standing of Amherst, Wil¬ liams and Bowdoin, to understand that two thousand miles away from Boston there exist institutions just as good in point of equipment and in standing and culture among the undergradutes. Similarly, it is difficult for students in the neighborhood of Chicago to understand that institutions as good as those in their own neighborhood exist east, west and south of them hundreds of miles distant. All students in college are apt to estimate the standing of other collegiate institutions by two standards : First, does the college in question successfully compete in athletics with the better-known colleges of the country ? Second, does it produce periodical literature which attracts attention in the college press ? Not to be too personal or pointed in these remarks, we remember very well that twenty-five years ago Beloit was practically the only one of the smaller western colleges known in the east, and this was solely on account of the superior excellence of the “Round Table” at that time. Colleges of similar equip¬ ment and just as good standing wThose energies had not
Page 71
204 KAPPA ALPHA THETA been directed into the same field were unknown at that time, no matter how they have progressed since. These conditions, coupled with the conservatism which has developed in all classes of college life within the past ten years, make it extremely difficult to .secure really proper and just attention to applications for charters, not only in this, but in other fraternities of high standing. Now this should not be the case. The fraternity should be extended symmetrically into fields where it does not now exist and into institutions which afford an adequate supply of material. The standing of such institutions and the character and quality of the undergraduate body should be carefully and patiently ascertained by men whose acquaint¬ ance with the general educational field and with the tendencies of the entire country is not a matter of exper¬ ience and knowledge recently acquired. In view of these circumstances, it may well be considered whether or not the matter of granting charters should not be placed in the hands of the Board of Trustees, or of some similar body, which would consider and decide the matter in each instance free from the ignorance, bias and prejudice which inevitably exists among undergraduates through no fault of their own, but simply through lack of age, experience and opportunity. This would obviate the unpleasant attitude of supplication which so many petition¬ ing bodies have to assume ; it would secure for each petition a decision upon the merits ; it would eliminate the element of prejudice due to victories or defeats in athletic contests, and it would secure, above all, prompt and decisive action, to which every body of petitioners is entitled, but which they seldom or never secure. The result of transferring the power to grant charters from the students to a body such as we have mentioned, we believe, would be most happy and for the best interests of the fraternity. It is almost impossible at the present time for a group of petitioners from a small college to obtain admission to the fraternity, and yet some of our
Page 72
EXCHANGES 205 best chapters, like those at Beloit, St. Lawrence, Wesleyan, Miami and the like, are in small colleges and are doing good work within the organization. There are possibly ten small colleges in the United States where we are not represented by chapters in which chapters could be placed to our profit, and yet none of these institutions could secure a favorable vote in the conventions owing to the lack of the kind of advertisement which other institutions have received in the collegiate world in recent years. This is a subject for which our pages are open for discussion, and we hope that some of the alumni and some of the undergraduates also will take the time carefully to consider the matter and to formulate some practical working plan by which our present system can be improved. — Beta Theta Pi. In our zeal for the welfare of our fraternity, particularly for our own chapter, we are apt to become narrow-minded and forget the regard which we should have for every college society. We forget that every fraternity has its ideals which it strives to live up to ; we forget that every fraternity has its trials and disappointments ; we forget that it is wrong to judge a chapter by any one of its members, and most of all we forget that a fraternity’s spirit and ideals cannot always be judged by our chapter. Have we the right to criticise a fraternity as a whole when we have only one chapter in mind ? In our fraternity have we not chapters that are weaker than others ? How mercilessly we pass judgment on others, never stopping to consider what they may think of us. If some particularly desirable freshman on whom we had counted as making one of our sisters, prefers our rivals to ourselves, let us not be too hasty in accusing the other fraternity of unfair methods, or (in whispers be it said) the girl of having poor taste. Let us remember that the girl is quite as attractive to others as she is to us, and that others may be more attractive to her than we are. This is not our fault, or the girl’s, nor is it the fault of the rival fraternity.
Page 73
200 KAPPA ALPHA 1HETA Rushing is at best dangerous work, and those who pass through the ordeal with perfect integrity and honor are indeed to be esteemed and congratulated. We know that Pi Phi has alwa3^s maintained the highest principles in this respect, but because we are strong is it fair to find fault with others because they fail to come up to our standard ? Perhaps we may fail to come up to theirs. However that maybe, let us at least show respectful con¬ sideration for the principles of others. A fraternity’s standing in a college must depend largely upon its relations with the other Greek letter societies. Our attitude toward them should be one of cordiality and liberality. We should be quick to see and appreciate their good points, and slow to denounce their weak ones. While we, of course, have our own ideas and methods, our pride need suffer no humiliation if we occasionally profit by the examples of others. This is not a new thought, nor is it intended as such. Let it merely serve as a gentle reminder, “Lest we forget.” — The Arroiv of Pi Beta Phi . The day and age is past when we admire dependence and frailty in a woman. Circumstances may produce both dependence and frailty in a woman, and we may love her, not because of these things, but in spite of them. In this day we admire the competent woman ; we like to watch every movement of her body and to hear every word she speaks. We like to see her take hold of situations and control them. We like to feel that this woman has the ability and strength to take care of herself in any emer¬ gency. There is a growing desire among the girls of America to be fitted for some line of business, a resolve to be ready at any moment to earn a living. Parents are realizing how tremendous a mistake they make when they cultivate dependence in their daughters, by shielding them from every care and responsibility. To many a father and mother this indulgence has been the deepest pleasure, but after-
Page 74
EXCHANGES 207 ward has proven the greatest detriment to the daughter. Now the daughters of wealthy men are developing the ability to stand alone, so that if reverses of fortune do come, as they are so liable to come in these days of rapid change, they may not go unprepared to the battle with the world. It is not the unmarried woman alone who values her power to face necessity and conquer, but to the married woman in her home comes a vast amount of comfort in the knowledge that she has the ability to support herself and her family if the extremity demands. But, you are saying, some girls can never acquire this independence, can never prove themselves competent women. To some extent this is true, but the power to be indepen¬ dent may exist where least suspected, and in any event is largely a matter of cultivation. These characteristics show themselves in the college girl; here, if she but realizes it, is her grand opportunity to pre¬ pare herself to struggle for her existence, if sometime it be necessary for her to support herself ; here is the place for her to shape her destiny, and anything which tends to make her lean upon others rather than upon herself hinders her progress and lessens her ability to help herself and others. But these things have been written and said so often that they have half lost their force, and every year we find in our colleges and universities great numbers of young women who are going to school with the indefinite idea of finishing their educations, whatever that may mean. I believe every girl who goes to college should have in mind some definite work which she is fitting herself to pursue ; it may be that she leaves college to enter an ideal home of her own as a wife — but this does not alter the case, if she has made good her opportunities, she is still ready at any time to follow some line of employment, and earn her living if she must. I write this not from a school girl’s standpoint, but as a married woman sees it, when she looks about her and sees so many women whom bitter experience is teaching
Page 75
■208 KAPPA ALPHA THETA hard lessons they might have learned easily, long before, and saved themselves the hardships which helpless depen¬ dence upon others has brought upon them. My earnest plea then to you girls who are yet in college is to prove to yourselves and others that you are indepen¬ dent, and to know that you are able, whether it is neces¬ sary or not, to do some work of pecuniary value, and if you need never do this work it will be a vast satisfaction to you to know that you have the ability. — The Anchora of Delta Gamma .