1909 May - To Dragma

150 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

has held office of any kind runs up against many such difficulties, and
after all has been said and done, it resolves itself into the simple
statement, "do as ye would that others should do to you."—The Tri-
angle of 2 K .

ToT3rragma

Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity

ulablf of fflotttentB

History of the University of California . . . . . . . 159
163
History of Alpha Beta Sigma and Sigma Chapter. . . . . . 166
. 169
College Traditions at U. of C. . ...... . 172
175
The Greek Theatre of the University of California . . . 178
182
The Sorority House 184
185
Shall we have a Joint Fraternity House? 187
19°
Fraternity Enthusiasm 192
193
A Seniors Duties ........... 195
207
Loyalty of Alumnae .......... 208
208
The Greater Newcomb .......... 209
210
Dignity and Scholarship 209
.212
Frat Songs 220
221
Announcement ...........

Editorials

Chapter Letters

Alumnae Chapter Letters . . . . . . . . . .

Engagements . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weddings

Births

Alumnae Personals

Exchanges

News of the College and Greek Letter World

Chapter Houses Owned or Rented by WomensFraternities . . .

The Chapter Meeting

To D R A G M A is published at 165-167 Main Street Street Menasha, Wis., by
George Banta, official printer to the fraternity. Application has been made for
entry at the Postoftke at Menasha, Wis., as second-class matter.

DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS

FOUNDERS O F ALPHA OMICRON PI

Jessie Wallace Hughan, Alpha, '98, 663 Quincy Street, Brooklyn, N . Y .
Helen St. Clair Mullan (Mrs. George V . ) , Alpha, '98, Andrews Avenue, Uni-

versity Heights, New York.
Stella Stern Perry (Mrs. George H . ) , Alpha, '98, Overlook Avenue, Hacken-

sack Heights, N . J .
Elizabeth Heywood Wymann, Alpha, '98, 456 Broad Street, Bloomfield, N . J .

OFFICERS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Grand President, Jessie Ashley, 5 Nassau Street, New York City.

Grand Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Iverson Toms, 44 West
128th Street, New York City.

Grand Treasurer, Ruth Capen Farmer (Mrs. Walter), 24 Man-
chester Street, Nashua, N . H .

Grand Vice-President, Sue K . Gillean, 1625 Second Street, New Orleans, L a .
Grand Historian, Stella Stern Perry, Overlook Avenue, Hackensach Height, N. J .
Registrar, Lillian G. MacQuillan, 87 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, R. I .
Auditor, Florence Parmalee, 7 2 West 124th Street, New York City.
Examining Officer, Kate B. Foster, 2234 Dwight Way, Barkelev, Cal.
Chairman Committee on New Chapters, Carrie Green Campbell (Mrs. W m . ) ,

893 Brush Street, Detroit, Mich.
Editor of To DRAGMA, Viola C . Gray, 1527 So. 23 Street. Lincoln, Neb.
Business Manager of To DRAGMA, Helen Piper, 1731 D . Street, Lincoln, Neb.

INTER-SORORITY CONFERENCE

Delegate, Lula K . Bigelow (Mrs. C . G . ) , 1607 S. Sixth Avenue, Maywood, 111.
Secretary, L . Pearle Green, K A 0, 15 East Avenue, Ithaca, N . Y .

MEMBERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL

Jessie Hughan, Alpha, '98 Term Expires
Helen St. Clair Mullan, Alpha, '98 Life
Stella Stern Perry, Alpha, '98 Life
Elizabeth Wyman, Alpha, '98 Life
Life
Adelaide Richardson '09 ALPHA.
Elizabeth I . Toms, '06 June, 1909
Margaret Yates, '08 Nu June, 1909
June, 1910
Helen Raulett
Edith Prescott Ives, '05 June, 1909
Jessie Ashley, '02 June, 1909
June, 1910
Mary Hurt, '09 KAPPA
Elise Lamb, '06 June, 1909
lone Mathis Pi June, 1909
June, 1910
Rochelle Gachet, '09
Ernestine Bres, '06 June, 1909
Sue Gillean, '03 June, 1909
June, 1910

OMICRON

Janie Mayo, '09 June, 1909
Flarriet Greve, '06 June, 1909
Lucretia Jordan, '08 June, 1910

ZETA June, 1909
June, 1909
Marion S. Hart, '09 ! June, 1910
Helen Piper
Luree Beemer June, 1909
June, 1909
SIGMA June, 1910

Rose Schmidt, '09 June, 1909
Kate Foster, '06 June, 1909
Grace McPherron, '05 June, 1910

Margaret Pyke, '09 THETA L June, 1909
Cora Frazier, '07 DELTA June, 1909
Frieda Pfafflin, '07 June, 1910

Alice Rich, '09 June, 1909
Ruth Capen Farmer, '02 June, 1910
Dora Bailey Lough June, 1909

GAMMA June, 1909
June, 1909
Florence Chase, '09 June, 1910
Florence Hanaburgh, '05
Lennie Copeland June, 1909

EPSILON June, 1909

Roberta Pritchard June, 1909
Josephine Britton
Margaret Graham J « n e . r9<>9

NEW YORK ALUMNAE June, 1909

Jean Loomis Frame, '04

SAN FRANCISCO ALUMNAE

Kate Brown Foster, '06

BOSTON ALUMNAE

Magdalen Cushing

Luella Darling PROVIDENCE ALUMNAE
Katherine M. Reed NEW ORLEANS ALUMNAE

CHAPTER ROLL

^%pha—Barnard College, Columbia University, New York.
— H . Sophie Newcomb Memorial CoMege, New Orleans, L a .

~-- Nu—New York University, New York City.
^^cron—University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. •

^fcippa—Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, Va.
^fcta—University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.
^kgma—University of California, Berkeley, Cal.

Theta—DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind.
" elta—Tufts College, Tufts College, Mass.
Gamma—University of Maine, Orono, Me.

Epsilon—Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y . E
Rho—Northwestern University, Evanston, 111.
New York Alumnae—New York City.
California Alumnae—San Francisco, Cal.
Providence Alumnae—Providence, R. I .
Boston Alumnae—Boston, Mass.
New Orleans Alumnae—New Orleans, L a .

CHAPTER CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES

Alpha—Jessie L Cochran, 120 West 12th Street, New York City.
Nu—Helen Potter, 315 West 97th Street, New York City.
Kappa—May Wilcox, College Park, Va.
Omicron—Ailcy Kyle, 1617 Highland Avenue, Knoxville, Tenn.
Pi—Virginia Withers, 1138 Washington Street, New Orleans, L a .
Zeta—Eunice Bauman, 745 South 15th Street, Lincoln, Neb.
Sigma—Mildred C. Stoddard, 2519 Hillegass Avenue, Berkeley, Cal.
Theta—Lucy Allen, Box 268, Greencastle, Ind.
—Delta—Zilpah Wilde, Metcalf Hall, Tufts College, Mass.
Gamma—Mary E . Chase, Mt. Vernon House, Orono, Me.
Epsilon—Lottie E . Ketcham, 308 Farm Street, Ithaca, N . Y .
New York Alumnae—Mrs. James E . Lough, 2190 Andrews Avenue, University

Heights, New York City.
San Francisco Alumnae—Isa B. Henderson, 1128 10th Street, Sacramento, Cal.
Boston Alumnae—Blanche H . Hooper, Tufts College, Mass.
Providence Alumnae—Mrs. Alans"on D. Rose, 27 Fruit H i l l Avenue, Provi-

dence, R . I .
New Orleans Alumnae—Rochelle Gachet, 1640 Arabella Street, New Orleans, L a .

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

ACTIVE CHAPTERS.

Alpha—Jessie Cochran, 120 West 12th Street, New York City.
Nu—Emma Calhoun Stephens, 847 West E n d Avenue, N . Y .
Pi—Dorothy Safford, Newcomb College, New Orleans, L a .
Omicron—Myrtle Cunningham, Knoxville, Tenn.
Kappa—Olga Sheppard, R. M. W . C , College Park, Va.
Zeta—Ethel M. Perkins, 1644 Washington Street, Lincoln, Neb.
Sigma—Florence Alvarez, 2801 Ellsworth Street, Berkeley, Cal.
Theta—Ethel Tillette, Greencastle, Ind.
1 Delta— Gladys Waite, Tufts College, Mass.
Gamma—Annie H . Gilbert, Mt. Vernon House, Orono, Me.
Epsilon—Josephine Britton, Sage College, Ithaca, N. Y .

ALUMNAE CHAPTERS.

New York Alumnae—Jean H . L . Frame (Mrs. J . E . ) , 155 East 72nd Street,

New York City.

San Francisco Alumnae—Kate B. Foster, 2234 Dwight Way, Berkeley, Cal.

Providence Alumnae—Helen Eddy R o s e ( M r > A. D . ) , 25 Fruit H i l l A v e n ^

Providence, R. I . *

Boston Alumnae—Mary I . Lambert (Mrs. Fred D . ) Box 42, Tufts College,

Mass. • y

New Orleans Alumnae—Katherine M. Reed^.423 Pitt Street, New Orleans, Da.

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To D R A G M A

VOL. IV. M A Y , 1909. No. 3

To D R A G M A is published on the twenty-fifth of November, February, May
and July.

Subscription price, One Dollar per year, payable in advance; single copies,
twenty-five cents.

THE. HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

The founding of the University of California in 1868 was the
result of forces that had been steadily at work for twenty years,
toward one great issue. I n 1855, Reverend Henry Durant, a grad-
uate of Yale in the class of 1827, who had come to California with
the idea of founding a university on a broad and liberal basis, in-
corporated the "College of California." A suitable site had already
been obtained in Oakland. I n i860, instruction was formally be-
gun in the college buildings there, with a faculty of six and a
freshman class of eight. Oakland, however, was only a temporary
home for the college. Professor Durant, in journeying up and
down the state in search of a suitable site, had enthusiastically
decided that a tract of land 160 acres, five miles north of Oakland,
would be an ideal location for a university. This tract of land,
that sloped gradually up to the hills, was dotted over with gnarled
and twisted live oaks, and tall eucalyptus trees, and commanded
a magnificent view of the great Bay of San Francisco, with its
placid waters, the Golden Gate, and, through it, a glimpse of the
broad Pacific beyond. I n i860, this spot was formally dedicated
to the purposes of education, and the settlement that later grew
up around it was called "Berkeley."

Beginning with the constitutional convention of 1849, each
legislature from that time until 1868, had constantly agitated the
matter of establishing a University of California. Endowments
of land for this purpose had been granted by both the state and
federal government. I n i860, the College of California generously
offered the state its property in Oakland and its grounds in
Berkeley, on condition that the state should immediately organize
and put into operation at Berkeley, a "University of California,
which should include a College of Mines, a College of Civil En-

160 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

gineering, a College of Mechanics, a College of Agriculture, be-
sides Academic Colleges, all of the same grade and with courses
of instruction at least equal to those of Eastern colleges and uni-
versities." The legislature readily agreed to this, and accord-
ingly passed an act organizing the University of California, which
went into effect March 23, 1868.

I t had been expected, when the work was first planned, that
the site at Berkeley would be occupied with the opening of the
university. But owing to delay in finishing the buildings, this
was impossible, and so from September, 1869, until 1873, instruc-
tion was carried on in the old college buildings in Oakland, with a
faculty of ten members and forty students. I n 1870, it was pro-
vided that the university be opened to women on terms of eqaul-
ity with men, and in 1874 the first woman student was graduated.
I n 1873, commencement exercises were held in the new buildings
in Berkeley.

Reverend Henry Durant was the first president, and the first
appointees to the faculty included Professors Martin Kellog, John
Le Conte and Joseph Le Conte. The period from 1874 to 1890
was one of internal growth. The university of today is vastly
different from the university of 1874, and that i t is so, is largely
owing to the untiring efforts and devotion of the little band of
professors of those early days. They had dissensions within, as
well as without the university, to cope with, but they met their
problems bravely and solved them wisely. President Durant was
succeeded by President Gilman, and later by our much revered
President John Le Conte. The administration of these men was
marked by many additions to the faculty, and by the addition of
the Colleges of Pharmacy and Law, and by the gifts of Harmon
Gymnasium, Reese Library and Lick.

U n t i l 1887, the university depended entirely for its mainten-
ance upon the interest from its invested funds, and from biennial
appropriations from the legislature. Its invested capital con-
sisted of money derived from the sale of lands granted by the
state and federal governments. These lands, being among the
richest in the state, had sold for a goodly sum, but still the uni-
versity rested on an insecure basis as regards the appropriations
from the legislature. I n 1887, an act of the legislature provided
for the university one cent on each one hundred dollars of tax-
able property. This placed the institution on a firm basis and
opened up vast possibilities of expansion. I n 1897, the resources
were further enlarged by a second act of legislation providing for
an additional one cent on each one hundred dollars. Recently, the

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 161

tax has been raised to three cents, thereby augmenting greatly the
resources of the university.

The period of 1895 to 1909 has been marked by the wonderful
growth and expansion of the university. The college fairly burst
its old shell. These years saw the students become animated with
a more potent college spirit, and the alumni more closely united.
By university extension lectures and by the work of the depart-
ment of agriculture, the benefits of the university have spread
throughout the state. A marked feature has been the summer
school sessions, which include as lecturers, the leading men from
the Eastern and European universities. Much of the growth and
power, the dignity and worth of the university as it now exists,
is due to the able administration of President Benjamin Ide
Wheeler.

Before 1900, several new buildings were erected—East Hall,
Philosophy Building and Mechanics Building, and the campus
was greatly improved. To every "son of California" the natural
beauty of the campus has always been a joy and an inspiration.
The beauty of the scene is somewhat marred by the inartistic
buildings. The older buildings, while they are inexpressibly dear
to the hearts of us all, are especially homely. I n 1896, the dreams
of those friends of the university who desired college buildings
more in keeping with the beauty of the campus, began to take
definite shape. I n order to attain the best results it was decided,
that there must be some general building scheme—an ideal toward
which the future generations might strive.

Mrs. Phoebe A . Hearst had for some years been deeply inter-
ested in the university. She had already endowed a scholarship
fund that maintained eight women in the university. She had
given Hearst Hall for the use of the women students. Her own
mind and that of the Senator had been filled with the desire to
do some great service to the state. Moved by her love and inter-
est in the university, Mrs. Hearst offered to defray the expenses
of an international competition for a comprehensive and perma-
nent building plan. This was something different from anything
that had been attempted before. I t was different from O x f o r d and
European universities, different from the colleges of the East,
different from the quadrangle at Stanford. I t was to be a "City
of Learning." We were to say to the architects of the world,
"Given an ideal spot of generous amplitude, plan for us, without
restriction of your genius, a noble city, dedicated to the cultivation
of man's intellect."

T w o competitions were held—a preliminary one at Antwerp,

162 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

and a final one in San Francisco. The second contest resulted
in the award of first prize to Monsieur Emile Benard of Paris.
Several buildings have already been completed in execution of the
Benard plans—the Greek Theater, the g i f t of W m . Randolph
Hearst, California Hall, a solid granite structure erected by ap-
propriation of the legislature, and the Hearst Memorial Mining
Building. The Doe Library, the g i f t of the late Charles F. Doe
of San Francisco, and the Boalt Memorial Hall of Law are now
in process of construction. A president's house, and a central heat-
ing station have also been erected. I t is more than likely that we
of this generation will never see the Greater University wholly
completed—that is for those who come after us. But though we
may never see it with our own eyes, still it is something we like
to think and dream about; and i t is a privilege to have seen the
beginning of it.



SIGMA CHAPTER—UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA 0MICRON PI 163

HISTORY OF ALPHA BETA SIGMA AND SIGMA

CHAPTER

I t seems a long time to hark back to the beginning of Alpha
Beta Sigma, destined to become seven years afterwards, Sigma
chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi. From the six charter members,
brought together by deepest friendship, has grown a sorority of
twenty girls, united now by the added link of a national emblem.
As years go by, objects and inanimate doings grow less and less
in one's range of vision, and the personnel of the fraternity more
and more vital. Therefore, in looking back over the past six years,
it is not the various efforts that were made or the receptions given
or the houses lived in, that count, but the love of the old girls
seems paramount. The immortal six! W h o and where are they ?
Muriel Eastman is now Mrs. Wilsie Martin of Alameda, her at-
tention divided among three small daughters. Lillian Lowell has
become Mrs. Paine, and a small son now demands the attention
which once was given to the inside workings of Alpha Beta Sigma.
Miss Edith Wherry is planning soon to go abroad again, where
she may continue her literary work, while Ethel Clarke has made
art photography her specialty. May Strong, now Mrs. Cooper,
has devoted herself to the study of theosophy, and lectures
through the East with her husband. Martha Rice, as Mrs. Her-
bert Furlong, finds her attention sufficiently distracted by a small
boy on one hand and a small girl on the other.

But now that we begin to mention the old girls, how can the
list stop with just the founders, for though one's mind must travel
across the Rockies and over the sea to find them all, one's heart is
a quicker guide and embraces all in a flash. Among our graduates
are many who are teaching and many who have married, and we
claim eleven fraternity babies.

Our ambitions and ideals, as embodied in our first pledge,
were much the same as those expressed by Alpha Omicron Pi.
That our girls should be high types of womanliness was our first
aim, social prestige and similar attractions coming in for no more
than their really just share. This ideal of loyalty, sympathy, and
mutual helpfulness, has been preserved in the active chapters.

The material side of our progress was much the same as that
of other sororities. Meeting at first in a semi-fraternity house, as
one might express it, where only a part could be considered our
own, we were graduated into a comfortable chapter house, where
our first experiences in house management were received. This,

164 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA 0MICRON PI

however, did not long meet our requirements, so after a so-
journ of two years, the girls moved to a more commodious home.
This was where Alpha Omicron Pi found us, but since receiving
its name and privileges, the chapter has found a still more at-
tractive house. A n d so, step by step, our sorority life has broad-
ened and developed. We want to feel the Alpha Omicron Pi
enthusiasm all through our ranks, from the original six to the
most recent initiate into the joys of sorority life.

SIGMA CHAPTER

Sigma Chapter was installed February 6, 1907, at the Univer-
sity of California. The seventeen members of Alpha Beta Sigma
who became Sigma's charter members, were Esther Boardman,
Bernice McNeal, Daisy Mansfield, Edith Wherry, Sarah Mat-
thew, Viola Ahlers, Rose Schmidt, Evelyn Morrill, Florence
Weeks, Roberta Boyd, Florence Schultz, Grace Batz, Hilda Man-
ning, Mary Davis, Carrie Bright, Mabel Robertson, and Helen
Bancroft.

A t the first regular meeting of Sigma, Daisy J. Mansfield be-
came our first president, and under her guidance Sigma was given
a most prosperous start. Sigma was particularly fortunate in
possessing the experience which six years as a local sorority had
afforded its members.

A large portion of her early career was devoted to the initia-
tion of the alumnae of Alpha Beta Sigma. Grace McPherron, Una
Kuster and Alice Lorenz, three Southern California alumnae,
were the first to be initiated, the initiation taking place at the
house on February 11, 1907. On account of the alumnae being so
scattered, several initiations were necessary. On February 23,
Muriel Martin, Martha Furlong, Ethel Clark, Celeste Etche-
verry, Blanche Du Bois, Ada Shreve, Hazel Skinner and Flora
Miller became members, and in the following xA.pril, Isa Hender-
son and Helen Henry. I n the summer of 1907, Daisy Mansfield
went to Los Angeles especially to initiate May Knight, Jeanette
Green, Anna Weeks, Helen Weeks and Eva Marty. Special indi-
vidual initiations were held for several others, who were not able
to be present at the regular initiations.

In the following August, Sigma experienced her first rush-
ing season under Pan-Hellenic, and at the end of three weeks
rushing, was proud to have pledged Florence Alvarez, Blanche
Ahlers, Olive Cutter, Helen Edson, Netha Hall, Mildred Stod-
dard, Minette Stoddard, and Genevieve Kimball.

The most enjoyable event of the following new year was the
celebration of Sigma's first birthday. The anniversary was marked

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 165

by a true birthday dinner, even to the cake w i t h its sturdy red
candle. Dramatics held a special interest for us that year, as
Rose Schmidt, '09, played the leading roles in the junior farce,
and in "The Cabinet Minister," the latter given under the
auspices of the University English Club, as well as minor roles
in several other plays. Last junior day, Lilian Rice, '10, had
the leading role in the class day curtain raiser.

I n August of last semester, Sigma became the first occupants
of a new eleven-room house four blocks from the campus, which
has proved to be a most comfortable home and convenient for
entertaining. Dinners and dances, with an occasional afternoon
card party, have been the more usual forms of entertainment. On
February 6, our third anniversary, the San Francisco Alumnae
Chapter gave the active chapter a most enjoyable afternoon party.
Sigma has also entertained President and Mrs. Wheeler, Miss
Sprague, dean of the women students, Prof, and Mrs. Noyes, and
Prof, and Mrs. Holway.

I t has been a custom for the active chapter to entertain some
members of the faculty at dinner at least once a month, unless
something important prevents. I t has also been customary to
have at least two extra places set at luncheon time f o r unexpected
guests. Very often we like to invite non-fraternity as well as fra-
ternity girls, to have luncheon with us, and this simple custom
enables us to keep i n touch with many girls we should like to
know better.

Week before last, Sigma had her picture taken for "To Drag-
ma." No, none of us are afflicted with dyspepsia. The scowling is
due to two good legitimate causes—the sun was shining almost
directly in our eyes, and the photographer kept us waiting only
an hour beyond the appointed time. We regret that three of our
number, Viola and Blanche Ahlers, and Olive Cutter were unable
to be present at this trying ordeal.

Sigma is happy to feel that she is no longer the baby chapter
and that she has some splendid younger sisters, but she does wish
that she could come in direct personal touch with both older and
younger ones, and trusts it won't be long before at least one from
every chapter can visit her.

166 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

COLLEGE TRADITIONS AT U. OF C.

California is just arriving at the age when her customs are
becoming real true traditions. There are the traditions of the dif-
ferent classes and those of the college as a whole. Freshman,
sophomore, junior and senior are all marked among the men by
a special series of hats, from the minute cap of the first year
man, to the smashed-in, battered "senior-plug."

No one quite knows whence came the law forbidding girls to
enter North Hall by the south door. That door and steps, how-
ever, are dedicated to Man, and woe to the unsuspecting Femi-
nine who attempts their ascent. Also there is the "upperclass
bench" in front of the co-operative store in North Hall, on which
the upperclass men sit and carve their initials, and view the pass-
ers-by,—to the extreme embarrassment thereof.

Of the real college traditions, the freshman rally comes the
earliest in the year. The freshmen spend their whole afternoon
in collecting wood, boxes and barrels in the great, open Greek
theater on the hillside. This is piled high in the center of the dia-
zoma into an immense bon-fire. I t is a spectacle worth while see-
ing, and arouses an emotion worth while experiencing. The men
sit in classes immediately around the fire, each with their own yell
leader, while thousands upon thousands of students and specta-
tors fill the tiers of granite seats, until even the steps of the aisles
are blotted out, and the firelight on the myriad of faces and the
tall eucalpytus trees i n back of the theater, transports you to a
veritable fairyland. The speakers are greeted with enthusiasm,
and the rally ends with a serpentine around the fire.

Then comes the "axe rally" on the bleachers before the annual
football game with Stanford. The axe, that was stolen from Stan-
ford several years ago, is brought out from its hiding place, the
story of its capture is recited, and a new custodian appointed for
its protection during the year to come.

The "Skull and Keys," the inter-fraternity honor society
among the men, holds its "running" or initiation—part of which
is public—on the campus, once a year. I n the morning, there are
speeches and "stunts" by the novices, who wear dress coats and
hats, white duck trousers rolled to the knee, and hosiery of many
and vivid hues. A t noon they are divided among the different
sorority houses, where they are compelled to wait on the table, to
obey commands obediently, and to say nothing. I n the afternoon,
the real "running" takes place on the football field, where, in

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 167

every conceivable costume from a ballet girl to a baby, plays are
given, songs are sung, and speeches spoken.

The 23rd of March is Charter Day for California. I n the
morning there is an address in the Greek theater by some noted
speaker, and in the afternoon the sophomore men are given a
"spread" by the sophomore women, and the " B i g C" is handed
over to the sophomores by the junior class. Perhaps the " B i g C"
is California's dearest tradition. I t is an immense granite C,
painted yellow, and stands on the hillside just above the campus
and Greek theater. I t is covered with hundreds of electric lights,
and on the evening before any intercollegiate event, is lighted and
guarded by the sophomores. A t all times it is visible for miles
around, but when lighted at night, and the background is lost
sight of, the C seems to hang in the sky, representing California's
loyalty and hopes.

Labor day is another tradition. The men work at some i m -
provement on the campus in the morning—and they really work,
too, with pick and shovel—and at noon are given a lunch in the
basketball court by the women. Afterwards, they indulge in sack
races and pie eating contests on the football field.

T o pass to another branch of college traditions, the day after
Thanksgiving is junior day on the campus. I n the afternoon is
the junior farce, written by a member of that class and also played
by members, and in the evening the junior "Prom." The seniors
have a "senior week" at the end of the year, i n which there are
the senior ball, the senior extravaganza, and commencement
among other festivities.

Around Hearst Hall group the traditions of the women. There
is not a girl on the campus but has a little soft spot in her heart
for Hearst Hall. The girls 'gymnasium classes are held there—
not a particular cause for loving it, however—and the girls' rest
and lunch room. But there are held all the women's jinks, the
"Gym" jinks, the Sports and Pastimes' masquerade, the women's
mass meetings, and the indescribable feeling produced by sitting
on the floor in a " g y m " suit, with your knees under your chin,
eating peanuts and stick candy, while you watch the "stunts" or,
better yet, take part in those stunts, is something you will remem-
ber far longer than your Greek and Latin.

Washington's birthday is woman's day. Athletics of all sorts
are indulged in during the morning, and a woman's vaudeville
takes place in the afternoon. I n the evening comes the colonial
ball, where the woman's editions of the college publications, "The

168 TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Daily Californian," "The Californian," the "California-Occident,"
and the "Pelican" are sold.

Last year the women had a girls' track meet, which included
stilt races and fencing, as well as the usual events, twice around
the basketball court being equivalent to a mile run, and four times
to two miles. I t was enjoyed so much, both by the girls partaking
and the spectators, that it bids fair to become an annual event.

Of strictly senior traditions, there is Senior Hall for the men.
There the different honor societies have rooms and the senior men
gather for senior singing and to discuss college topics and senior
control. The senior women have no strictly senior traditions, ex-
cepting that they wear caps and gowns on the campus on the days
of university meetings, where they sit together in a reserved
section.

Altogether in President Wheeler's oft-quoted phrase, " I t is
good to be here!" Good to be a college girl anywhere, and espe-
cially good to be a "California."

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 169

THE GREEK THEATRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF

CALIFORNIA

One of the most interesting features of the University of Cali-
fornia is its Greek Theatre, built in 1905. I t is a large, open air
amphitheatre, seating about 8,000 people, and was given to the
university by W m . Randolph Hearst. I t was not very difficult to
construct, as the sloping hills to the east of the campus formed
an almost perfect, natural amphitheatre. I t was built of cement,
with the idea that some day marble slabs would cover this, and
our university would have a model Greek theatre. A committee
has charge of the theatre—that is, it must keep the standard high,
so that only the best talent is allowed the use of it.

Among the noted singers who have given concerts in the
Greek Theatre are Mine. Schumann-Heink, Mme. Gadski and
Mine. Xordica, all of whom expressed themselves as highly
pleased with the acustic qualities, which are very good for such
an immense, open-air structure.

The theatre has been the scene of many plays. One beautiful,
moon-light night, " A Mid-summer Night's Dream" was given
by the Ben Greet Company . This company of actors was also seen
in "Hamlet." The entire play was presented, the performance be-
ginning at ten o'clock in the morning, and lasting until twelve,
when the audience was given a recess. The vast crowd held a pic-
nic on the campus, and, at two o'clock the play was resumed and
lasted until five.

Nance O'Neil, the noted California actress, was seen several
times in the Greek theatre, in plays which were well adapted to
the severeness of its stage.

The theatre was packed to its fullest capacity when Mme.
Sarah Bernhardt gave a wonderful presentation of Racine's "Phi-
<ire." The people were stirred to such a pitch of enthusiasm that
they followed the great actress to her carriage, waving handker-
chiefs and shouting.

A series of symphony concerts was given i n the Greek theatre
last year. The surroundings are ideal for symphony music. Birds
twitter gaily among the branches of the tall eucalyptus trees,
swayin? to and f r o above the great columns of the majestic struc-
ture, and mingling the soft rustle of their leaves with the sweet
strains of the symphony.

Thousands climbed the hill to the theatre one starry night,
to hear Sousa's Band, and were filled with enthusiasm by the mar-

170 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

tial airs for which Sousa is famous. A n Italian Band and the
Royal Hawaiian Band proved the popularity of this kind of music.

The Greek theatre is soon to be the scene of a Bach Festival,
the first ever given west of the Rocky mountains. The chorus will
consist of two hundred and fifty voices, and the event is looked
forward to with a great deal of interest by music lovers about
the Bay.

Every Sunday afternoon during the college term, a free, half-
hour concert is held in the theatre. The purpose of these con-
certs is to provide an elevating entertainment for those wishing
to avail themselves of it, many musicians about the Bay having
tendered their services, without compensation, for the good of
the cause.

Ex-Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt made speeches in the
Greek theatre, and were there honored with the degree of Doctor
of Laws of the University of California.

The students of the university have given a number of Greek
plays which were unique, being presented in a real Greek theatre.
A series of three interesting plays was given by the students.
These plays were to illustrate the development of the English
drama. The first was "Abraham and Isaac," a fourteenth century
mystery play. The second was "Thersytes, a sixteenth century
interlude. The third was "The Hue and Cry After Cupid," a
masque by Ben Jonson. These plays were interesting, beautiful,
and instructive, and were attended by large numbers of students.

The Dramatic Association and the English Club of the uni-
versity have both presented plays in the Greek theatre. Alpha O
has been represented by Rose Schmidt, '09, who has taken a lead-
ing part in many of these plays, while many of our other girls
have appeared in riot scenes, dances, and other scenery parts, these
being much in demand. Many a jolly rehearsal and chafing-dish
supper must be held before the final performance is given.

The students hold most of their rallies in the Greek theatre,
seated in the diazoma about a monstrous bon-fire, the tiers of seats
above them being filled by crowds of people, gathered from all
parts of the city, to witness the thrilling spectacle.

Last year a tournament of Greek games was held in the thea-
tre, the contestants and judges wearing Greek costumes. A run-
ning track of sand was built for the occasion, and all of the con-
tests were carried out as nearly like the original Greek games as
possible. There were wrestling matches, disc-throwing and ob-
stacle leaping contests and races, medals being presented to the
winners.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 171

As the scene of many notable musical and artistic successes,
our stately Greek theatre has surely made a brave beginning.
What the ages yet hold in store, only future generations can know
or tell.

172 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

THE SORORITY HOUSE

The ideal life for every college girl would be, that her four
years away from home should be spent in the sorority house. I f
there is ever an ideal college, speaking from the social point of
view, it will be the one that has enough club or sorority houses,
to enable each girl to find her congenial set of spirits and make her
home with them. W h y is this the ideal? Because it is the best
imitation of home and family life which the college world can
offer, and home is one of the purest and highest ideals of the
Anglo-Saxon race. Thus, this banding together leaves the indi-
vidual, and really finds its source of being in a racial tradition.
The home is where we are best loved on the one hand, and
most harshly criticized on the other; but both love and criticism
give us strength with which to face the world. I t should be thus
in the sorority or club house.

This, however, is the ideal, and how often are we allowed to
meet the ideal in our every day life? These questions then pre-
sent themselves. Is it right that certain girls, no better than oth-
ers, enter into a bond of intimacy which shall of necessity keep
them from being close to the college girls in general? W i l l these
girls be as broad-minded at the end of their college days, as i f they
had not devoted their chief thought to their own intimate friends ?
W i l l their record in scholarship be as high as it would, had they
not been in the sorority house? W-ill they be unselfish women at
the end of four years of sorority life, or will they be wrapped up
in their own affairs? These are the questions which come to
every girl on her entrance into college, and which should be set-
tled in her own mind, before she decides her future life in college.

All through life, we see people in groups and cliques. Each
one has his own circle of friends. We, ourselves, belong perhaps
to several cliques; being congenial with one in one direction, and
with another in another. So it is a natural law that college girls
group together first as a group of friends, then as a social club,
perhaps merging into a sorority . The sorority house now comes
into existence, often as meaning smaller expense than when board-
ing, besides having the privileges of home. So, in reality, the
sorority house is a natural outcome and, as such, should not inter-
fere with close friendships with other groups of girls.

A l l college women should be broad-minded as the result of
their training. That many are not, is the fault of neither their
college nor their sorority. I t lies within themselves. Many sorority

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 173

girls take no apparent interest in student activities and college life.
These same would not i f they lived outside the chapter house. On
the other hand, some girls would never take any part in public
life i f it were not for their sorority. Chapter life develops a girl's
natural resources, and enables her to fill any part with dignity.
The shy, retiring girl, entering college with no thought without
herself, is often given, by the responsibilities thrust upon her in
sorority life, a capacity of thought and action in all matters, that
no one dreamed she possessed.

The standard of scholarship does not necessarily decrease
among those living in sorority houses. One of the sorority ideals
is good scholarship, and each freshman is made to feel it. The
example of the older girls in a club house often has a good effect
on a younger girl, who does not take her work seriously. The
hours for study can be as regular and quiet as in other places.

As the character of the girl who lives in the chapter house is
often broadened, so is she made unselfish. The constant daily con-
tact with from ten to twenty girls, rubs off her sharp corners, and
often makes for her a more lovable disposition. Many girls come
to college from homes in which they have been the center. Their
club life is the first critical living they have experienced. I t leads
to self-examination and, often, improvement. I t may be said that
all this is merely for the individual and not for the general good.
However, we have to begin with the individual and let her de-
velop her own world. Club life, then, makes many girls ready
to take an unselfish, but efficient place in their after life.

Responsibility is a characteristic greatly developed by life in a
chapter house. I n fact, it is fairly thrust upon one. Many girls,
coming to college, have had everything done for them and not by
them at home. In the sorority house, everyone is on a common
basis; has certain duties to perform and, i f these are not per-
formed properly, the guilty one is held to account. Every girl in
that house begins to learn the work of running a home, enter-
taining at any time, and keeping sweet through it all. O f course,
the girls do not do the cooking, but some one of their number
must be responsible for the providing and another for the finan-
cial management; good training, all of it.

Another great benefit of life in a sorority house, is that the
members are made responsible for themselves, their dignity, and
their standing in college life. O f course, the house mother is a great
help in facing the world, but to the girls themselves is left the
making of rules regarding their conduct and habits in the house.
These rules are not so liable to be overlooked as i f they were made

174 TD DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

by some stern guardian, for the girls are not apt to break what
they have seen the necessity of making. The rules on study hours,
house work and limiting hours for callers in the evening, would
then all probably be effective.

I n many institutions there are no dormitories, and there is
nothing left for the college girl but boarding houses of a more
or less indifferent nature. I n almost none of these can she find
a home, and in none, more than a few congenial friends. Then, it
is to the individual that the chapter or club house is a blessing. I t
lies with each individual then, whether she or her sisters shall be
exclusive, narrow, and selfish women at the end of their life to-
gether, or whether they shall be ready to take their places i n the
world as friendly, broad-minded and unselfish members of a com-
munity. Ideal sorority life will produce this i f all who become
a part of its daily life will think over these questions before enter-
ing the sorority house as a member.

KATE B . FOSTER, 2.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 175

SHALL WE HAVE A JOINT FRATERNITY HOUSE?

About two years ago, when some of us here i n New York were
discussing fraternity houses and wishing that land values in and
around Manhattan were not so prohibitive, it occurred to us that
perhaps a joint chapter house somewhere out of the city might
be feasible. One of the N u chapter girls had a summer cottage
i n a dear little seashore village rather off the beaten track, where
no land was very high and some was ridiculously cheap, and it
was suggested that possibly there or in some equally attractive
spot the girls of our several chapters might by clubing together
build a cottage in which any member of the fraternity might va-
cation during the long summer holiday, and which, throughout
the rest of the year, might be used by nearby chapters for short
recess and week-end parties.

The few sisters to whom we spoke of the idea were all so i n -
terested and enthusiastic, that we looked a bit into the prices of
lots and the cost of building; we even outlined a plan for financ-
ing the business. But there were not so many of us then as we
number now,—besides, we schemers were very busy, workaday
folk,—and so somehow our gay little sociable idea got laid away
on the shelf of discarded dreams.

Now, however, someone has remembered our half-forgotten
fancy and our editor has asked me to inquire through To DRAGMA
what the fraternity at large thinks of it, now that we have grown
so numerous and strong.

Certainly to those of us who originally thought it within the
range of possibilities, the scheme now seems more than ever prac-
ticable. A t the seashore it isn't necessary to own much land. I n
some places on the famous Jersey coast, there are lots ioo by ioo
feet, which we know are to be had for $200 . Such a space would
be ample even for the roomy house that we should wish to put up.
Therefore, i f we planned to spend $2,500 on the house itself—and
Bertha Rembaugh assures us that a very good cottage can be
put up for that—and about $300 on the necessary equipment and
furniture, we might call our joint chapter house complete for

$3,000.

O f course, the seashore is mentioned not as being the only
place; it is suggested chiefly because we happen to know definitely
about land and building rates there. I t might be preferable on the
Sound or even inland, where possibly we might find one of those
"very popular "abandoned farms," which are advertised at such

176 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

low rates. A committee would have to canvass the fraternity thor-
oughly to learn the preferences as to locality, and then search in
the chosen region for something within our means.

But all that is rather far afield. The immediate business is to
find out whether enough girls care enough about the idea of a
common house to make it worth while for a committee to try to
work it out . O f course, many will say, "What's the use of putting
our money into a house such a long distance f r o m our home chap-
ter? We can't ever use i t . " This argument is unanswerable in
the case of very many members. A house in Connecticut would
hardly appeal to our California, DePauw or New Orleans chapters
for week ends . Yet it might make a rendezvous in the summer,
one that might well attract a house party from the four corners
of the country at the time of a Grand Council Convention, and
make New Orleans acquainted with Nebraska, Maine with Cali-
fornia. Possibly, too, a few years later the alumnae of the New
England states and New York might take the house over for their
own, while the fraternity at large might work together for an-
other common house in the West or the South, which in time
should similarly become a center for that particular geographical
section. Is this idea worth ten dollars to you? I f it is not worth
ten dollars to you for your own sake, is it worth ten dollars' gen-
erosity or sacrifice for the sake of the whole fraternity ?

Three thousand dollars will translate the idea into wood and
stone; $5,000 will do it more pleasingly. Let us aim at $5,000, i f
we aim at anything, and we'll surely get the smaller sum. Now,
who out of our seven or eight hundred members will be among
the five hundred, who by subscribing $10 each, are going to build
the house?

The manner in which we transact the business of choosing a
site, buying the land and building or altering the house, is not
material now. We might have an Alpha Omicron Pi Realty Com-
pany with 500 shares of capital stock at $10.00 per share, like the
company which the Women's University Club of New York City
has organized on a larger scale, however, i n order to build its
new club house, or we might simply have a building committee
appointed by the Grand Council, which should solicit the subscrip-
tions from our members. I n view of the uncertainty of the com-
pany being able to pay interest on the money invested, the build-
ing committee might be better; yet there would have to be some
incorporated body able to take title to the property purchased.
What plan should be adopted, would be for a preliminary commit-
tee, however, to decide. Just now, we need ask only one question,

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 177

"Are you interested in this question?" I f you are, fill out the
enclosed form and mail it to-day! Do it now. The first hundred
dollars has already been pledged. W h o will help pledge the first
thousand before September 1 ?

HELEN K. HOY-GREELEY, NU.

, 1909-
I am interested in the plan for a general fraternity house pro-
posed in the May To DRAGMA, and would be willing to contribute
$ to the building fund.

Name
Address
Chapter name
Mail to Miss Helen K. Hoy, 2 Rector St., New York City.

178 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON P I

FRATERNITY ENTHUSIASM

Fraternity Enthusiasm! What is it and why bring it before us ?
When we were under the pressure and strong excitement of
rush week, we thought we knew, without a doubt, what fraternity
enthusiasm meant. W e worked untiringly for Alpha Omicron Pi.
No sacrifice of time or self was too great, in order that we might
hold the ruby red higher than ever before, and when at the end
we pinned the colors on those choice ones, whom we had singled
out as worthy to uphold the fraternity's high standards, then we
confidently shook hands with ourselves and said, "That's what
fraternity enthusiasm can do."

Without a doubt we were, in a sense, true in our ultimatum.
Without such enthusiasm rush-weeks would be flat failures; fra-
ternity social affairs would dwindle into a stiff nothingness; fra-
ternity songs and yells would lose their inimitable charm, and
fraternity life as a whole would be devoid of half of its irresistable
attractiveness.

Yet to every enthusiastic member of a fraternity come the mo-
ments when far away from her active chapter, or perhaps in a
quiet corner of her room in the chapter house, she sits down and
reflects upon the realities of fraternity life. Then she asks herself,
"What is the abiding part of fraternity enthusiasm ?", "What does
it mean to me now, and what will it mean in the years to come ?"
Then it is, that the noise and glamour of the exterior fades
away and that which abides stands forth in all its beauty and
purity.

First of all, how does real enthusiasm exhibit itself in the col-
lege world? True enthusiasm results in a fraternity standing
out as a strong college factor. Every f r a t e r n i t y g i r l should be
active in some phase of college life, outside of her own frater-
n i t y . Good scholarship, such as A O I I has always stood for, does
not permit a girl entering all phases of the college world, but such
as she is affiliated with, should call forth her best efforts. Those
college movements, which tend toward the strengthening of the
college at large, should always find the fraternity girl in the lead.
Just as her enthusiasm is strong and pure for her college, so it
will be strong and pure for her fraternity. Can anything reflect
more honor to her fraternity than a high-rank Alma Mater? No
g i r l has learned the real meaning of fraternity enthusiasm, i f all
her extra energy is expended on the fraternity alone. No greater
encomium can be given to any fraternity than that it is known by

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 179

the college world, as a fraternity where members are found in
every strong college organization.

What is the attitude of the true fraternity girl toward her col-
leagues—in the class room, on the campus, in athletics and any-
where that she rubs up against her fellow student? I f she ex-
hibits the spirit of the "snob," then she is falling far short of the
real meaning of enthusiasm. The girl who thinks "fraternalism"
means "exclusiveness,"never should have known the joys of frater-
nity life. The girl who gives herself joyously and freely to her fel-
low student, means most to her fraternity. The atmosphere that such
a life creates is so pure and wholesome that its fragrance lives on
for her fraternity, long after her college days are over. I t even
seems to be remembered more than her strength in scholarship,
although that seems so often the paramount issue to us.

Nothing increases the prestige of any fraternity so remarkably
as strong scholarship, and by that we mean not only eligibility to
Phi Beta Kappa, but scholarship which will bear at any time the
searchlight of investigation . We want strong scholarship, but not
at the expense of strong character. Because a g i r l is your frater-
nity sister, that should never mean that she considers herself priv-
ileged to copy your note book or do anything equivalent to that
sort of work. We are told by those who know of student life in
a large way, that this dishonest work in the college world has come
to be the general thing rather than the exception. This is a cruel
statement and we cringe inwardly as we see it in black and white.
Yet, if conditions have become so appalling, is i t not time
that fraternity girls faced it? Is the fraternity girl free from
this criticism or does she come within the category? Cer-
tainly we know of many who do not do dishonest work,
and yet within our own heart we must acknowledge that
we have known a few who have thus cast a reflection, pro-
bably unwittingly, on their fraternity. W h a t is the duty
of a fraternity girl toward a sister who is slipping into such
doubtful kind of w o r k ? M u s t she (as so many have done)
resort to avoiding the unscrupulous sister when she sees her com-
ing toward her in class-room, hallway or on the campus, not liking
to refuse the request for the desired work, and yet feeling the
wrong and injustice of it? I believe we have drifted too long into
the negative way of dealing with this subject. W h y not save all
embarrassment by agreeing as a chapter to stand as a body against
dishonest w o r k ; to demand that every member be known as one
with moral stamina enough to refuse to take or give work illegiti-
mately. This is undoubtedly one of the hardest problems to face,

180 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI.

but surely the false idea, we now have, could be done away with,
if the chapter as a body took a decided attitude toward dishonest
work. The status of the fraternity would then be definitely settled
in the college world and the embarrassment of the girl, who
doesn't want to be considered a sanctimonious prig and yet who
knows that it is dishonorable to give material to be copied by an-
other, will be entirely obviated.

But there is a far brighter side to fraternity enthusiasm than
the important but disagreeable one just mentioned. What does fra-
ternity enthusiasm result in, in the lives of those associated so
closely f o r four happy years in college, and for the years that
whirl so quickly by after college days are over, when those who
ate, slept and studied together, are scattered to the four ends of
the globe?

During the four years of college, no one fills quite so large
a place in a girl's life as those, whom she has been privileged
to call her fraternity sisters. To them she has opened the secret
recesses of her heart. They have rejoiced over her successes;
wept over her failures; worked always for her greatest good. Day
by day they have striven to weed out the untrue; to strengthen
where she is weak; to rub off the annoying corners; to demand
the best from her. I n turn f o r all this, instead of the little irre-
sponsible, dependent freshman, we have the strong, self-reliant,
unselfish, thoughtful senior giving out with a joy and devotion
her very best, to make her fraternity the magnificent fraternity
that it is.

For those of our girls for whom the wedding march has been
played—is fraternity enthusiasm still burning, or in giving their
heart's keeping to the Prince Wonderful, have they nothing left
for their fraternity? Could we gather them i n legion about us,
I can imagine we would be met with an indignant " N o " to that
last query. Fraternity enthusiasm is still burning in their hearts,
as they possess the "larger heart and the kindlier hand."

The Harvester passed over Zeta's field this year and took one
of our choicest. There is not one of us but who is stronger and
better because of her. She so often showed us the real fraternity
enthusiasm, not the kind that exhausts itself in yells and songs,
but that which develops the true and tender, the hopeful and
joyous.

Fraternity enthusiasm is bearing its fruits. We are learning
to look below the surface; to leave the chaff and take the wheat;
to distinguish strength from weakness; to be charitable towards
other's shortcomings; to forgive seventy times seven and to love

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 181

with a love that abides when college days are over, and year by
year sows itself again with each returning season. Thus it will
grow and grow i n our lives and in others until we shall see H i m
who is the embodiment of perfect love face to face.

B E S S I E C H A M B E R S , Z, ex '10.

1 8 2 TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

A SENIOR'S DUTIES

A freshman lassie once begged the privilege of "trying on" a
senior cap. W i t h it pinned at a coquettish angle to her curly
hair, she strutted proudly i n front of a mirror, saying rapturously
as she gazed at her image—

"Isn't i t grand to be a senior?"
Yes, it is grand to be a senior. But being a senior implies
greater responsibilities than the freshman maiden dreams about
in the first exuberance of college life.
The senior members of a college sorority bear upon their
shoulders burdens, even as weighty in chapter life, as their work
in the college itself.
I n the "rushing season" it is the senior who should scan the
ranks of the "eligibles" most closely, with an unprejudiced eye.
On her cleverness as a judge much depends, as it is sometimes
necessary to show the less experienced and usually more impul-
sive members, that a pretty face is not always conducive to good
sound membership. This is a task that necessitates not only tact,
but oft times delicate maneuvering, as coercion should not be used.
I t is the senior who finds that a tactful expression will win more
from the less experienced girl, than open expostulation, when
new members are concerned.

The senior by reason of her long attendance at college realizes
the necessity in chapter life, of choosing girls who will complete
a four years' course. H e r duty then is to urge her chapter to
look to scholarship when seeking new sisters. Mental capacity
as well as social ability, are to be sought for. The former with
the latter. The latter never without the former.

The popularity of a freshman girl with "the boys," in the
co-educational college, often leads her into the enchanted belief
that "The Freshman Hop," "Company B's Dance," "The Non.
Com. Hop," "The Junior Prom." etc., comprise a full college
course. Again the senior members of that maid's sorority have
a duty that cannot be slighted, until the deluded little sister is in
the " E " ranks aeain in her studies. This takes time, it is true,—
to help tutor a failing sister, when perhaps there is "The Senior
Theme" looming like a headlight in the path,—yet a duty is owed
to the younger girl that must not be overlooked.

When the topic of the homesick freshman is introduced
among a number of the "old girls." how many of them will
laugh and state that had it not been for some " N e l l " or "Helen,"

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 183

an upper class sister, they would have trundled back home, the

second week of school. Little they realized at the time, how

much trouble they caused the above mentioned upper-class sisters,

yet the senior was there to comfort when needed.

Another responsibility that the fourth-year girl is burdened

with, through heedlessness perhaps of the younger members, is

the entertainment o f backward visitors at the informal parties.

I t is the senior who quietly appropriates those guests who are less

popular, or more reticent, i n making the acquaintance of the

younger members, and makes them feel that their hostesses com-

prise the grandest fraternity i n college.

Thus the senior girls i n the college fraternity must, along

with their college work, be advisers, comforters, entertainers, and

general "props" for the chapter members. Whether they are suc-

cessful in their mission depends upon the versatility- and capabili-

ties of the individual girls, and their love and sincerity towards

their college and fraternity. E D N A S P E A R S , Zeta, '05.

184 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

LOYALTY OF ALUMNAE

Do some of our sisters feel when they graduate and leave their
Alma Mater that they have also left the responsibilities, and
dropped from the activity and life of the fraternity chapter?

However, when something arises to stir them up, they respond
with eagerness, perhaps feeling glad they are not forgotten. But
should not the inspiration and enthusiasm come often from the
older girls, from the alumnae who have the interests of the fra-
ternity at heart just as much now as formerly, but merely lack
the opportunity of showing it directly? Their experience and
judgment should count for much.

True loyalty begets loyalty, and whatever we can do, sister
alumnae, for the aid and uplift of our fraternity, be it ever so
hard and wearisome, is only a golden opportunity put in our way
to help the cause. I t lies within our own power to exert the best
influence for good. W e know enthusiasm is contagious. I f made
a part of our lives, to take interest in our fraternity, to forward
its movements, how effective would be its results!

To keep in touch with the life of the fraternity is very essen-
tial. Alumnae should enter into its plans, encourage the mem-
bers, older as well as newer girls, to cultivate high standards, in
order that the vision of power and greatness may not fail in any
particular through our neglect, nor any member's neglect. I t may
be the alumnae meet with their own chapter only once a year, yet
all should be made to feel that an active, living, progressive spirit
exists between alumnae and present members, which is in perfect
accord with the high ideals of our fraternity.

Another way to aid A O IT substantially is to support the mag-
azine. I t is the messenger which comes to us f r o m all our sisters,
bearing tidings and greetings of interest to each and every mem-
ber. I t is our magazine, sisters, and ours to cherish and aid
wherever it is possible.

Let us make the purposes and ideals of our chapters the high-
est and best. Let us live them and thereby cultivate them in
others, making an appeal to whatever is the true duty of the indi-
vidual. Our duty is to be helpful, willing co-workers in every
enterprise, the same now as in our own college days; i f not in
person, then through every channel where sisterly love, aid and
inspiration help the most.

May Alpha Omicron Pi always be a power f o r good.

L A U R A A . R H O A D E S , Z, '08.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 185

THE GREATER NEWCOMB

The talk these days at college concerns chiefly the time "when
we are up there"! Lest my meaning be mistaken let me hasten
to explain, that the region referred to is the recently purchased
site for "The Greater Newcomb." Plans for the new college are
discussed with various emotions: the freshmen, to whom the
present college is scarcely "home", look forward eagerly to new
and spacious halls; the alumnae and upper-class girls can imagine
Newcomb in no other place than the old square in "the garden
district" with its sheltering oaks and magnolias, its winding walks
and tangled shrubbery. However this may be, with one accord
all join in making these last years in the old buildings glorious
ones, and in preparing for the new college both i n spirit and in
substance.

In this last effort, faculty, alumnae, and students united on the
25th of January to celebrate the first Arbor Day at Newcomb.
Each class in the academic and art departments selected a live-oak
on the campus, and from beneath it gathered acorns which were
planted by each girl in the class. The trees (when they grow!)
will be transplanted upon the campus of the new college, and will
thus stand as memorials of the grand old oaks of today.

In every phase of college activity the alumnae are prominent.
In the formation of the Newcomb Athletic Association, the chair-
man of each branch of athletics was chosen from the alumnae.
Prior to this year Newcomb girls have concentrated their atten-
tion upon basketball to the exclusion of other athletics, but now,
in addition to this, there are several tennis clubs, a track team,
and a crew.

The French Circle has been placed on a firmer basis and will
give its play as usual this year; the Dramatic Club has been
reorganized and improved as to its constitution. I t s play was
given in March, and there was a German play also. I n October
the Latin Club was organized and soon afterward, the Banjo,
Mandolin and Guitar Club. Later on the "Agonistic," a senior-
junior debating society, was dissolved, and two literary and de-
bating clubs substituted in its stead—the "Odds" composed of
seniors and sophomores, and the "Evens," juniors and freshmen.
The Glee Club, now i n its second year, has a large increase in
membership and will again give its concert in conjunction with
the Glee Club of Tulane. A Student Club has been organized,
and a large room in the main building assigned to it. The college

1 8 6 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

bookstore established in October is attaining wonderful success.

The very latest and best happening, however, is the appearance
of the first issue of the "Newcomb Arcade." For a number of
years Newcomb has had a department i n the "Tulanian," a uni-
versity publication, but some ambitious '09's conceived the idea
of a magazine "all to ourselves," and now we have i t ! W e are
very proud of this, our first venture in literary circles, perhaps
unduly so; but i f the time, labor, and thought of the editors were
considered, no amount of praise would be amiss.

And now, armed with our own magazine, and with the addi-
tion of * B K, but lately come into our midst, we feel that the
Newcomb that is to be, will have somewhat beside oak trees and

boundless enthusiasm! D O R O T H Y SAFFORD, IT.

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 187

DIGNITY A N D SCHOLARSHIP

What do the words, "fraternity girl," mean?
The campus is, in a sense, a stage. Hundreds of feminine
players move about on that stage watched by a world of specta-
tors. H o w does an onlooker identify the Greek letter girl? I t
might startle some of us i f we knew! Here are a few of the
adjectives by which we are distinguished from "other" girls,—
thoughtless, giddy, careless, boisterous, and, worst o f all, snob-
bish ! Do any one or all of these words apply to you ? Where
does the fault lie ? W h o gave us such a reputation ? Perhaps the
world misjudges us; let us hope this is true.

Our mothers have spent years in moulding us. They have
offered us every educational advantage; they have checked our
rash impulses; they have shown us how to take our places in the
social world. Upon entering fraternity life we need not uproot
all these carefully nurtured characteristics in order to transplant
from shallow ground. Let no girl cheapen herself to become a
Greek among the Greeks!

We are charged with being giddy and frivolous. Is it then
imperative that we shut out life's sunshine ? N o ! N o t at all!
But our gaiety is too often overstrained,—that is, we screw our
bodily mechanism at too high a tension. W e merit criticism be-
cause we are so feverishly anxious for a good time. Like the
quest of the "Golden Fleece," it becomes our one occupation.
Girls forget why they are attending college. Higher education
should be synonomous with culture, and that word culture stands
for such an infinite number of things. I t means that one who
possesses i t must be well balanced, mentally and morally. I t
means a refined taste. I t means perfect control of self;—in short
it means a readiness to cope with any situation which may present
itself in the course of a lifetime. I f we are to be well-balanced
mentally we must profit by the constant class discipline, but we
fraternity girls, are too willing to allow f u n to take the place of
stndiousness.

Suppose among the members of a fraternity there are two
capable, earnest students, girls who are leaders in social and
scholastic circles. They help to build the character of the local
chapter. Yet one giddy, chattering sister, a student only in name,
may tear down the reputation of her fraternity as fast as these two
can build it. Why? Because the girl who is a discredit to her
chapter usually makes herself conspicuous in her idleness. Then,

188 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

too, our critics are prone to note the evil rather than the good in
fraternity life.

We are also accused of being boisterous. Some of us have
tried to assert our superiority by stamping our elevated heels and
exaggerating the swing of our skirts, until we have won the com-
ment,—"She has the typical frat walk." The girl who talks to
her friends in a stage voice so that she compels strangers to be-
come auditors, whether they will or no, is forgetting that such
behavior is not indicative of good breeding. Dignity should not
be a word foreign to our lives, and by dignity I do not mean that
quality which makes girls stiff and unapproachable,—no, far from
i t ! One may possess the requisite amount of dignity and yet be
jolly and companionable. The college girls who are most ad-
mired are those who exhibit such a self-control and dignity that
they keep one guessing as to what they may do. A loud talking,
boisterous girl is easily read, and the chance gentleman acquaint-
ance turns aside to spend his leisure time with some girl who
shows she has stores of qualities in reserve.

Our fraternity was founded under the inspiration of noble
ideals and purposes. I t is the duty of the local chapters to keep
up that standard. "The whole is as strong as each of its parts,"
is trite, yet true. Remember that as individuals we improve or
harm the reputation of our particular chapters and indirectly that
of the national chapter. Down in the depths of her heart, every
member, though apparently thoughtless, wants her fraternity to
be first in scholarship, ideals, and those things which go to make
life "worth while.

Perhaps you are young,—a first year student. You have had
little responsibility as yet, but right now you should begin to pre-
pare for a period of usefulness in your fraternity life. Every or-
ganization has its leaders, the staunch supporters who are capable
and prompt in committee work or as chief executives. Perhaps
such usefulness does not appeal to you, yet be sure that you are
cheating yourself i f you fail to take an active part in planning
and carrying out fraternity activities! Were you a leader in your
high school class? Does the college or university seem too large
to be benefited by your limited efforts? Put away that thought!
I f you are energetic and resourceful the college needs you! Your
fraternity needs you! Do not, I beg, allow yourselves to slip into
a passive, colorless existence, subject to the dictation of the
"rest!" Keep at the top! Use your natural ability before i t be-
comes withered from long neglect. I t is not so much a question

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 189

of more or less talent, as it is a question of developing what we

have!

Inspire confidence by showing yourselves serious minded.

Treat serious things seriously, yet be ready for good healthful

fun. Then with the beginning of the new semester let us devote

more time to the courses of study we have chosen. By faithful

preparation let us raise the quality of our class work and thereby

help to convince our instructors and the world that a fraternity

girl may be something more substantial than a flimsy, social but-

terfly. G R A C E C . ROPER, Z , '06.

190 TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

FRAT SONGS

Tune—"Juanita."
I. Hail to our freshies,
W e are glad to welcome you,
T o our fraternity, be you ever true—
Keep her name in honor,
Keep her aims forever high,
Loving all her members,
To eternity.

CHORUS :

Alpha, dearest Alpha,
You our inspiration are;
Alpha, dearest Alpha,
Be our guiding star!

I I . Hail to our chapter,
And the ties that keep us true;
Hail to our color,
And our emblem, too.
Lift your hearts and voices,
Pledge her name in joyful song.
Alpha, dearest Alpha,
May her life be long.

CHORUS :

SIGMA.

Tune: "My Own United States."

L Oh, some girls wear an arrow pin,
O r the Greek letters Alpha Phi,

And some a moon, with the stars set in,
Or a diamond with K . A . T .

The taste of some's in the anchor line,
While others wear a key,

But a monogram for mine,
Where the letters all entwine.

Of my fraternity.

I I . Oh, some girls sing of Theta's fame,
O r Alpha Phi so grand;

And others praise Chi Omega's ways,
And some love Kappa's band.

And others swear by the sweet P i Phis,

Or Delta's numbered three;
But let me acclaim Alpha O's fair fame—

My own fraternity!

SIGMA.

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 191

Tune: "Alone."

I f ever for college you hope to depart,
Alone! Alone!

Take time by the fore-top and make out a chart,
Alone! Alone!

Just print in vivid golden browns
That you have forty party gowns,
And hang out the sign as you enter the town.

Alone! Alone!

II.
When you step on the campus you feel rather blue,

Alone! Alone!
And groups of fair maidens will ogle at you,

Alone! Alone!
But soon as they observe your chart,
For you the crowd will make a start,
You'll do well if you can save even your heart,

Alone! Alone!

III.
They'll feed you on chocolate and raspberry ice,

Alone! Alone!
You'll be stuffed with "blarney" and "trade lasts" so nice,

Alone! Alone!
Don't mind the "gush" and "googoo" eyes,
Just hold your peace and you'll get wise,
When you pick out your frat you will hear, oh, such sighs!

Alone! Alone!

IV.
If you are the wise one you'll wear ruby red,

Alone! Alone!
A n d make all the other frats wish you were dead,

Alone! Alone!
For Alpha you will make things boom,
You'll serve her till the crack of doom,
And then have her monogram chipped on your tomb,

Alone! Alone!

E . and A. SPEARS, Zeta.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON

ANNOUNCEMENT

ALPHA OMICRON PI
Announces the Establishment

of
RHO CHAPTER
At Northwestern University,
Evanston, Illinois,
June eleventh, nineteen hundred and ni

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 193

EDITORIALS

Has each chapter had its back numbers of T o DRAGMA bound ?

To DRAGMA is glad to be able to welcome into Alpha Omicron
Pi, Rho Chapter at Northwestern University, Evanston, 111. The
charter members are bright and active girls, of whom we may
well feel proud. May their life in Alpha O. be successful and
happy! We have been promised an account of the installation for

the November To DRAGMA.

We are especially pleased to find all chapters are graduating
members, not that we are glad to lose them, but it makes us more
confident that there is little i n the old criticism, that fraternity
women are not students, but join for the " f u n of the thing" and
drop out after a few years. More than this, the seniors of '09
have added five $ B K's to our list, two 2 H's, and one <f» K
the equivalent of $ B K.

The next number of the magazine will be a directory number,
primarily, and will be mailed to no one but members of Alpha
Omicron Pi. Exchanges please take notice. W e advise each
chapter to urge all alumnae members who are not subscribers to
provide themselves with one of these directories. This advice is
not prompted by a selfish motive, namely that it may swell the
magazine cash drawer, slightly, but it is offered with the hope
that it will enable Alpha O's in traveling to meet members of
other chapters.

Another school year has come and gone, and vacation is here
again. Has each A O IT accomplished all that last Sep-
tember found her planning to undertake? Has each chapter suc-
ceeded in making itself stronger, when viewed by those from
w i t h i n ; does it stand for broader ideals in the college world,
when viewed by those from without? The chapter, whose ideals
have been realized, should not feel content with itself, but should
place its standard higher, as it is capable of larger things. On

194 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

the other hand, for the chapter whose ideals are still unattained,
there should not be disappointment nor the feeling of failure.
Both of these attitudes will render future efforts ineffective. I n -
stead, there should be a consciousness of effort unattained, but
accompanied by a clear understanding of the reason, and the will-
ingness and determination to overcome future obstacles of the
same nature. Furthermore, instead of feeling satisfied with the
efforts of the past year, or secretly hoping that our errors will be
forgotten by fall, or will not seem so flagrant, let us make use of
the summer months to prepare for the struggles of the coming
year. Be not discouraged over past accomplishments, but be
eager for new endeavors, and ever hopeful, even confident of
success. Above all, don't rest on your oars!

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 195

ACTIVE CHAPTER LETTERS

ALPHA, BARNARD COLLEGE

This year has been a most exciting and strenuous year for
Alpha. Owing to new faculty regulations, we had no pledge day
last year, and we rushed freshmen in a sort of mechanical way,—
feeling it to be an output of energy with no compensating return.
This year our attitude has been different,—we could see the first
Monday in April, the date specified by the faculty as pledge day,
approaching slowly but surely, and we, meanwhile, stood divided
between conflicting emotions, half wishing for it, half dreading it.

We entertained the sophomores in various ways. There were
two very successful dances, one in November and one in Decem-
ber. There were afternoon teas given at different girls' houses.
Then the New York alumnae gave us a most delightful Valentine
luncheon on the 13th of February. Alpha colors are singularly
effective as decorations for this sort of a party, and they were
used to their best advantage on this occasion. Besides this, we
had various theater parties, lunches, and house parties, and, on
the whole, had such awfully good times ourselves, we could
almost forget we were indulging in such a painful pastime as
"rushing."

We have not, however, spent all our time rushing, nor have
we in any way sacrificed college interests to the fraternity. We
have all been quite as active as ever in the college world. The
juniors presented Booth Tarkington's "Monsieur Beaucaire" in
November. Vora Jaques had a prominent part, and Hazel Wayt,
although she had but a minor part, made so much of it that she
received special mention in all the papers, not to mention the en-
thusiasm of the audience over her wonderful French-English ac-
cent. Hazel was elected by her class for the undergraduate play
committee. We gave "Twelfth Night" in Elizabethan style. Ha-
zel Wayt played the role of the Duke Orsino. I n the French
play, "Le Point de Mire," given jointly by the French societies
of Barnard and Columbia, Jessie Cochran, '09, had the heroine's
part. Hetty Dean, '10, was a member of the junior ball
committee. The ball was given by the juniors to the seniors, and
was held this year at the Hotel Majestic on February 19th. Bea-
trice Aron, '09, and Jessie Cochran, '09, are both on the senior
dance committee. The senior dance is one of the events of com-
mencement week and this year comes on the 31st of May. Adel-
aide Richardson, '09, was elected to the commencement week

196 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

committee, and was also elected to deliver the class history on
class day. A l l of our seniors are to be in the May pole dance,
which takes place on I v y day.

And now, we too, before closing, want to express our heartiest
congratulations to the editor and business manager, on the success

of our last two issues of To DRAGMA.

PI, N E W C O M B C O L L E G E

No, we have not been expelled from Newcomb, as you may
imagine from the heading of this letter; we are merely having a
week-end, rest-cure rushing party given by "individual members,"
a la Pan-Hellenic. Let me say right here, that i f this letter is
disjointed, you must blame the passing rushee, not the writer;
for when a freshman speaks, her remarks must receive undivided
attention, even i f the chapter letter has to be rewritten.

This house-party was moved by Sue Gillean, seconded by the
irrepressible active chapter, and carried by everyone. So, on F r i -
day afternoon, a party of very hopeful Alphas with Sue at the
head, escorted some very excited freshmen to the train. Under
the chaperonage of Mrs. Pendleton Morris, a treasured mother
and patron of I I chapter, we arrived here in time for a walk on
the beach, supper, and private theatricals. I ' m not going to tell
you of the beauty of Waveland, because i f I did A O I I would no
longer be a national fraternity; nor shall I make you envious with
tales of midnight feasts, tally-ho rides, a day on the Gulf, when
we were the guests of a friend on his beautiful yacht "Sweet-
heart" ; days when no one rests, nights when no one is allowed
to sleep! How do we exist ? Well, we bask in the smiles of
freshmen, and they live on hopes! Now that the smiles are ab-
sent for a while, the chapter letter may be written.

One of our first good times since the last letter, was a boat
trip up the river to meet Rex on Carnival Monday. Innes Morris
was the hostess, and was indeed worthy of all the "nine rahs",
which our enthusiasm could give her. Carnival here is the event
of the year, and an invitation to meet and escort the king to his
realm is not to be treated lightly. The king very kindly allowed
us to come alongside the royal barge and was exceedingly gra-
cious, when we requested the pleasure of kodaking His Royal
Highness. A f t e r a delightful luncheon on board we landed,—
deaf from countless salutes, blinded with carnival colors, but the
happiest crowd in Rex's dominion.

In the last letter, there was a hint of our annual party for
alumnae and patronesses. The affair was successfully carried out

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 197

early in the spring. The feature of the occasion was a pantomime
in five acts (and countless scenes), depicting "The Joys of College
L i f e . " Virginia Withers was the author, and the active chapter
the actors. The "joys" indicated every phase of college life from
the perplexed and homesick freshman, through basketball defeats,
initiations, "exams", conflicting schedules, to the prostrated
senior. The climax was the scene entitled "Rushing";—on one
side of the stage the " f r a t " entertaining freshmen at a "tea", all
calm and serene; on the other side, behind a screen, certain
disheveled members wildly washing dishes, and endeavoring to
make a very limited amount of "eats" go a long way. The audi-
ence seemed to appreciate the realism of this scene very much.
After the play, the actors appeared "clothed and in their right
minds," and served refreshments, which fortunately on this occa-
sion, were abundant.

Soon after this the frat and the much-rushed freshmen went
up to Dorothy Safford's home presumably to a candy-pulling, but
the candy wouldn't pull, so everyone decided to call the affair by
some other name. The hostess, to redeem herself from what she
considered a failure (though the guests were very polite about i t )
persuaded them to try her hospitality once more, and this she
modestly confesses was a success. W e went sailing out on the
lake, then over to the old Spanish fort for luncheon, and after a
very exciting afternoon, came home with much more confidence
in the hostess.

Everyone was so charmed with the picnic idea and with the
fort, that we immediately set to work to repeat the thing with
variations. This time, it was a breakfast, and we reached the
fort by way of one of the old bayous. W i t h Sue Gillian as usual in
the lead, we prepared to enjoy camp-life. We built a camp-fire
with the help of a "mere man," and cooked a breakfast worthy of
New Orleanians. The old fort is almost buried in live oaks and
wild flowers, and, surrounded by the lake and the bayou, is one
of the loveliest places imaginable.

I t was here that Innes Morris became inspired with the idea of
a hay-ride—the good, old-fashioned kind,—and promptly issued
invitations therefor. The eventful night at last arrived, and with
it three wagons (decorated with bunches of hay to remind us all
of pledge pins!) and thirty girls and boys. N o one describes the
way we progressed from wagon to wagon, and from partner to
partner, without screams of laughter at the memory, and, since I
cannot do this on paper, you will have to imagine it. The fresh-
men were very enthusiastic about this, so we planned to eclipse all

1 9 8 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

previous efforts with the house-party. But the freshmen are
already too conspicuous in T o D R A G M A , where they do not belong
as yet.

Now f o r some family affairs. As the warm weather approached
the seniors became much occupied with managing the college, in
fact the whole university seemed to rest on their shoulders, so we
assisted in the good work by exempting our particular two, V i r -
ginia Withers and Rochelle Gachet, from all responsibility in the
care of the room—'twas well to accept gracefully the inevitable!
So Virginia confined her attention to writing class poems, being
manager of the senior play, giving a class party, being president
of the Senior-Sophomore Debating Society, and participating in
the Carnot debate. Rochelle was supported by the presidency of
the Deutsche Verein and by the responsibility of getting the
"Newcomb Arcade" out on time, the latter requiring the undivid-
ed attention of one person at least. Then both girls won for them-
selves and A O IT—<J> B K ! Think of our girls being the only
representatives of $ B K in '09! Do you wonder we rejoiced?
A t the particular assembly when this was announced, the junior
class gave "Snowdrop" in pantomime, and Innes Morris took the
part of the nurse. This was very fortunate, f o r her eyes were
red anyway—she says, from excitement. IT chapter has had one
or two occasions to weep for joy.

Soon after this, Mary Thomas came in with a very woeful face,
because the days were not long enough. She couldn't manage a
sophomore party and practice Dutch dances at the same time, the
coming fete champetre weighed heavily on her spirit. We all felt
the need of peace and quiet, so we gave the annual frat banquet
to our seniors. Our roses were there, letters and telegrams were
there, speeches were forgotten and toasts were drunk, songs were
sung, everybody was happy, so happy, even the toast-mistress,
who unfortunately was Dorothy Safford, admitted a wild desire
to shout her part instead of calmly and gracefully speaking i t !

The morning after the banquet—oh, how we did wish that
commencement was a week off, instead of that very day! How-
ever, duty called and we proved again that "virtue is its own
reward." For did not even the skull in the frat room wiggle,
when Virginia Withers was awarded the Lazarus prize for the
best English essay, and Rochelle Gachet followed with an "hon-
orable mention"? Then didn't Dorothy Safford wish she had
been more careful about personal appearance, when she was
called up to receive the 1903 prize for the best Shakesperean
essay? W e were all right j o y f u l that day! A n d now the seniors

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 199

have gone and the freshmen are coming to take their places on
pledge day in October. Until then, n chapter, small but earnest,
lives on past glories and glories to come, yet never forgetting the
finest and best—our great A O I T .

NU. N E W Y O R K UNIVERSITY L A W S C H O O L

No letter.

OMICRON. UNIVERSITY O F TENNESSEE

This issue of To D R A G M A finds fraternity life at the University
of Tennessee revolutionized. The faculty met, passed a decree,
sprang it upon us, and left us gasping. This decree was that
there was to be no freshman pledging. But you may be sure that
we did not remain long in our paralyzed condition. We quickly
recovered, put our heads together, and assuming courage which
we did not feel, waited upon the powers that be. W e found the
much dreaded faculty a very pleasant and amiable body, thinking
only of the best interests of fraternity and college. They gra-
ciously accepted our proposition, and now the little freshmen may
be pledged, and turned from "fish" into "goats" at the beginning
of the second term. O f course there is one condition,—they must
have successfully passed the first term's examinations.

On May 14th, representatives from Chi Omega, Alpha Omi-
cron Pi, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Phi M u met in Chi Omega's room,
and formed a Pan-Hellenic Association. Pledge day is to be a
week f r o m matriculation day in February. The other rules of
the association were made for the best interests of all, and .we have
all announced ourselves as much pleased with the new order of
things.

Just now, we are i n the midst of senior "exams"—then will be
commencement, then the undergraduate "exams"—then home!
There are so many parties that we have hardly had time to think
of losing two of our best girls by graduation. Janie and Laura
S w i f t Mayo, both will receive the degree of Bachelor o f Science.
I t is not often that a chapter has to part with two such enthusiastic
members as these girls have been.

I t is with much interest that we are looking forward to next
year. I t is not only fraternity affairs that have been changed, but
the entire university. Our state legislature has eriven the univer-
sity new life, by voting a handsome nppropriation to be used i n
general improvements. A Carnegie Library and several other
buildings will be erected within the next year. The entrance con-