1905-06 Volume 30 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

2S6 THE SCROLLelectedto membership. They prescribed a preliminary pledge of secrecyand they included an initiation ceremony. They defined the relationsbetween the colleges [chapters], directed how new colleges should be created,how c jUeges should be entitled and how their charters might be withdrawn.Provisions were made for appeals from the decisions of the colleges,for a system of annual membership reports to be made by the colleges,and for amending these Articles of UnionFor a society justlaunched on its career, the Articles of Union were remarkably complete.In fact, they were so complete that they were not amended for a quarter ofa century. They were superseded, 1871, by a constitution which retained,practically unchanged, all material features and most of the language of theArticles of Union.The first chapter constitution of Ohio Alpha, with its bylaws,is given in full, and all the early variations from presentusage in nomenclature are discussed. A chapter of ninepages, devoted to the original shield badge, gives the reasonswhich prompted the founders in adopting the emblems that itLOCAL SOCIETIRS ABSORBED BY PHI DELTA THETA.from "Tile History of Plii Delta Tlieta."TEXTA,Washingtonbears, and is illustrated with cuts of early badges and accompaniedwith a facsimile of the directions given by FatherMorrison to the jewelers for making the first badge.The social customs of fraternity life receive full attention.We learn of the frequency and character of chapter entertainments,the details of the menu, and even the cost to eachmember. Many programmes of literary exercises are foundin the minutes of chapters which are quoted in the history.In the annals of the '70's, many amusing passages fromchapter and convention records relate to the desire and determinationof certain members to extend the privileges of PhiDelta Theta to young women students in their colleges.One of the chapters of the early history which will be readwith peculiar interest is that which deals with the establishmentof the higher order of alumni, a double page facsimileof Benjamin Harrison's letter reporting this organization toFather Morrison accompanying it. This higher order wasa unique organization; it preceded any attempt by any othercollege secret society to vest in experienced alumni the man-