Inventory of the Kappa Delta, Sigma Delta Chapter (Duke University) Records, 1935-1981

Abstract

The Sigma Delta Chapter of Kappa Delta was chartered at Duke University in 1912.

Types of material include correspondence, historical accounts, photographs, printed materials, and scrapbooks. Major subjects include student life at Duke University, establishment of a sorority, organization, pledging, initiation, community service activities, social activities, general governance, leadership, and public relations. The collection ranges in date from 1935-1981.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: University Archives, Duke University
Creator: Kappa Delta. Sigma Delta Chapter (Duke University).
Title: Kappa Delta, Sigma Delta Chapter (Duke University) Records, 1935-1981
Language of Material: English
Extent: 1.3 Linear Feet, about 1,000 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Sigma Delta Chapter Materials, circa 1935-1978
Printed Material
Scrapbooks, 1957-1981

Collection Overview

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.

Collection is open for research.

In off-site storage; 24 hours advanced 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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Sigma Delta Chapter Materials, circa 1935-1978

Contains congratulation letters upon rechartering, a letter to parents about sorority life, photographs, and a typed chapter history.

Initiation letter to parents, circa 1935

Box 1

Letters of Congratulations on installment and reactivation, 1976

Box 1

Chapter History

Box 1

Photographs, 1977-1978

Box 1

Sorority Board Composite Photographs, 1964, 1967

Oversize Folder 1

Printed Material

Contains bound volumes about the history of Kappa Delta sorority.

The History of Kappa Delta Sorority, 1897-1937

Box 1

A History of Kappa Delta Sorority, 1897-1972

Box 1

Scrapbooks, 1957-1981

Contains scrapbooks from the Sigma Delta Chapter. The 1957-1960 scrapbook was disassembled and placed into folders due to preservation concerns. Materials tucked inside the back cover of the 1975-1977 scrapbook were also placed into folders. Other scrapbooks remain intact and are boxed separately due to their size.

1957-1960, pages 1-30

Box 1

1957-1960, pages 31-46

Box 1

1975-1977, separated materials

Box 1

50th Anniversary, Sigma Delta Chapter, 1962

Box 2

1975-1977

Box 2

Kappa Delta Convention Memory Book, 1977-1981

Box 2

Historical Note

The Sigma Delta Chapter of Kappa Delta was charted at Duke University in 1912. Its charter members included Mary Gorham, Lucille Gorham, Katie Lee McKinnon, Estelle Flowers, and Catherine Thomas.

During 1915, meetings were held in the home of Mary White Cranford. The women wanted a chapter house on campus, but President Few opposed the idea. Sigma Delta continued to have monthly meetings off campus until 1916, when they were granted meeting space in the Woman's Building. In fall 1918, the women moved into a suite in Alspaugh Hall.

During the first year of their Kappa Delta affiliation, the Sigma Delta chapter attended a Halloween party, gave two rushing parties, and attended garden parties. Some other activities enjoyed by the Sigma Delta chapter were: a "Dream Ship Cruise" themed ball with fellow fraternity men, War Chest and YMCA philanthropy, slumber parties, and supporting Hungarian exchange students at Duke. Kappa Delta also participated in Greek Night and created a float for Joe College Weekend.

The Sigma Delta chapter lost its charter in 1967 but was re-chartered in 1976. From 1976 to 1981, the chapter was active on campus, but again lost its charter in 1990. The sorority was formerly governed by the Panhellenic Association at Duke University.