Inventory of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Alpha Epsilon Chapter Records, 1920-1972

Abstract

The Alpha Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Phi was established at Duke University in 1920.

Contains the records of the Alpha Epsilon chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, a social fraternity for men at Duke University. Types of materials include correspondence, financial summaries, amendments to bylaws, meeting notes, minutes, and printed material. Major subjects include student life at Duke University, hazing, rush, chapter establishment, and governance. Materials range in date from 1920 to 1972.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: University Archives, Duke University
Creator: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Alpha Epsilon Chapter (Duke University)
Title: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Alpha Epsilon Chapter Records, 1920-1972
Language of Material: English
Extent: 1 Linear Feet, 1000 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

General Administration Materials,1954-1970
Meetings, 1920-1974
Printed Material, 1956-1972

Collection Overview

Contains correspondence, financial summaries, amendments to bylaws, meeting notes, minutes, and printed material pertaining to the Alpha Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at Duke University from 1920-1972. One folder is restricted.

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Patrons must sign the Acknowledgement of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, Duke University permits students to inspect their education records and limits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records.

In off-site storage; 24 hours advance notice is required for use.

Use Restrictions

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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General Administration Materials,1954-1970

Contains correspondence, amendments, a housing contract, general financial statements, disciplinary fines levied, letter of expulsion, and pledge materials. The letter of expulsion is restricted. Ordered alphabetically.

Correspondence, 1961

Box 1

Bylaw amendments, 1969-1970

Box 1

Financial, 1950-1951

Box 1

Housing contract, 1960

Box 1

Interfraternity Council, disciplinary actions, 1961

Box 1

Loans and scholarships, ca. 1956

Box 1

Member expulsion, 1960 RESTRICTED

Box 1

Pledge materials, 1954, 1958

Box 1

Meetings, 1920-1974

Contains meeting notes from Alpha Epsilon chapter meetings from 1920-1974 and one folder of Interfraternity Council meeting notes. Ordered by date.

Interfraternity Council, Council of Presidents, meeting notes, 1963-1964

Box 1

Minutes, 1920-1925

Box 1

Minutes, 1928-1931

Box 1

Minutes, 1931-1936

Box 1

Minutes, 1936-1943

Box 1

Minutes, 1944-April 1950

Box 2

Minutes, May 1950-May 1951

Box 2

Minutes, September 1950-June 1951

Box 2

Minutes, 1953-1956

Box 2

Minutes, 1973-1974

Box 2

Printed Material, 1956-1972

Contains material produced by the Alpha Epsilon chapter, the Delta Sigma Phi headquarters, and Duke University. The Alpha Epsilonian is produced by the Dule university chapter. Ordered alphabetically by title.

Alpha Epsilonian, 1956-1963

Box 2

Alumni Express, 1972

Box 2

The Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity: Notes from International, 1961

Box 2

Float and Decoration Manual, 1962

Box 2

Fraternity Life at Duke University, 1955-1966, published in 1964

Box 2

The Gordian Knot, 1957

Box 2

Member Handbook, 1968

Box 2

Open Relations, 1965

Box 2

Tables of Chapter Standings, 1968-1969

Box 2

Historical Note

From http://deltasig.org/about/index.html

Late in 1899, a handful of undergraduate men began meeting between classes at City College of New York in Manhattan, N.Y. Some of the men had known one another before they graduated from the New York public school system, and they had wanted to continue their friendships at City College. The obvious solution was to join a fraternity, but this group of friends was an affiliation of Jews and Christians. At the time, entry to all-Jewish and all-Christian fraternities was barred to individuals and groups that mixed religions. Based on the principle of universal brotherhood, the men founded Delta Sigma Phi on December 10, 1899.

Delta Sigma Phi was incorporated in New York City on December 2, 1902. The incorporation papers stated objectives of disseminating "principles of friendship and brotherhood among college men, without respect to race or creed." The purpose of the fraternity was "to fulfill the desire of serious young college men for a fellowship and brotherhood, as near a practical working ideal as possible not fettered with too many traditional prejudices and artificial standards of membership, and accompanied by a clean, pure, and honorable chapter home life." The fraternity is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Alpha Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Phi was chartered at Duke University in 1920. Early meetings (1920-1921) held discussions of fraternity jewelry, pledging, installing officers, recruiting new members from prep schools, purchasing furniture and draperies, and planning initiations. In 1920, the chapter adopted Zeta Tau Alpha as their sister fraternity. As of 2006, the members of the Alpha Epsilon live on-campus at Kilgo Quad and are governed by the Interfraternity Council at Duke University. The Alpha Epsilon chapter is currently active.