University at Albany - Pedagogue Yearbook (Albany, NY)

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H Sketch of Eta Phi Sorority 553' OR the past few weeks, if one had been a careful observer, he would have noticed an unusual degree of animation among a few of the college students. Furtive glances, full of suppressed meaning and subdued whispers con: taining the words 'meeting,' ' Madison ave- nue,' ' degree,' ' constitutionf ' pin,' betrayed the enthusiasni of these young ladies in behalf of something or someone. lt it Later the mystery was solved. A secret society of women of the State Normal College had been organized and was to make its debut at a tea given on the spcdczl day of this year. February 2Q. VVith these words, The Echo of February, '96, announced to the College the formation of a new society, the organization of which had, up to that time, been known only to the fourteen girls who were its charter members. The cause and history of its organization may be quickly told. VVhen the writer of this sketch entered the New York State Normal College, in September, l95, but one society for women existed in the College-the Delta Omega. This society was doing good work in promoting friendship among its own members, but naturally its influence was limited to a few, while a large and constantly growing number of students in the College was left outside this charmed circle. There was little or no social life for the student body as a whole, few pleasant acquaintanceS were made. except in the classes, and few warm bonds of friendship forged in this strictly professional atmosphere. On January 24, 1896, the model chapel was thrown open to visitors that they might inspect the wo1'k of the department for the midwinter term. VVhile the guests were examining the work a small group of students might have been observed in earnest, animated conversation. The topic under discussion was this lack of a social and college spirit,and what could be done to alter this. The remedy suggested was that a new society bc formed-and, then and there, Eta l'hi came into existence. The plan found other sup- porters on that very day, and when the consent of the president of the college, Dr. Milne, was sought, the proposition met not only with his approval but received hearty encouragement and valuable suggestions from him. Between that day and February 21, the com- plete organization of the society was accom- plished. The first meeting for a discussion of the project was called on February 7, by Miss lftta Snyder, at 474 Madison avenue. At that meeting, there were present Arrietta Snyder, Marguerite Mann, Lilian Moser, Ada Dunne, Helen Pratt, Laura Stafford, Mary Cook, liva Pratt, Nan Dc VVitt, Mrs. Franc Sproul and julia Ast-all but three fCatherine Gomph, Marie VValradt and Margaret Huntj of the charter members.

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When the purpose of the meeting was an- nounced, there was a unanimous vote for a per- manent organization. Committees were ap- pointed to draw up a constitution and to formulate a ritual. It was also resolved to invite Miss Russell, Miss Bishop and Dr. Hannahs to become honorary charter members, which invi- tations, to the delight of the society, were accepted. At the following meetings, February I4 and 21, all members, both active and honor- ary, being present, the constitution was adopted, the name of the society determined and the first officers elected. The final organization took place at 474 Madison avenue, on February 2l, with the following as officers: President, Arrietta Snyderg vice-president, Lilian Moserg secretary, Marguerite Mann, treasurer, Laura Staffordg chaplain, Mary Cookg marshal, julia Ast, and on February 29 the society announced its exist- ence at a tea given in the kindergarten rooms. Such very brieiiy is the history of the formation of Eta Phi. The society has at present three honorary, forty alumnae and twenty-five active members. Since its organization it has always kept promi- nent its purpose to create strong bonds of friendship between its members and to arouse and strengthen the love for our College. It seeks to provide recreation from the college work, but its meetings are not wholly devoted to social pleasures. At every meeting a literary program is also carried out. That the society has fulfilled its mission in the past is proven by the strong interest and attach- ment that its alumnae show for it and towards each other. That it may in the future continue to carry out the purposes for which it was organ- ized, and to progress to higher degrees of use- fulness, is a wish near to the hearts of all who wear its pin. J. T. A., '97.