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Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter Records, 1916-2009
Collection Overview
Title: Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter Records, 1916-2009
ID: OGLMC1219
Primary Creator: Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Extent: 5.25 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 01/12/1991. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: University of North Dakota - Student Organizations - Fraternities
Languages: English
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Collection Historical Note
The Epsilon Kappa chapter of the Sigma Nu Fraternity at the University of North Dakota began as the Synergoi Fraternity. After years of working towards nationalization, the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity was installed June 13, 1923.
Many of the early practices of the chapter such as “stool night,” philanthropic efforts, and the observance of Armistice Day became traditions. Stool night was an occasion when the faults of an individual pledge or member were discussed and improvement was encouraged. Philanthropic efforts included fundraising for and helping at the Rehabilitation Center, donations to various charities, and holiday dinners for poor children in the community. The tradition of Armistice/Memorial Day included church attendance as a body as each member wore a white rose in honor of Sigma Nu men who had died for their country. This practice began November 6, 1923, and eventually changed from Armistice Day Sunday to Memorial Day Sunday.
Social events have always played a large part in the lifestyle of the chapter. For example, “White Rose” was a spring party during which the elected sweetheart of the fraternity was presented with a gift. The chapter has participated in many intramural sports including football, softball, volleyball, and basketball. They expressed a preference for kittenball in the 1920s and 1930s. Sigma Nu has been active in student elections. Its members have held offices of student senator, student representative, student body vice-president, and student body president.
The rules of the fraternity showed many changes over the years. For example, in 1918 drinking, card playing in the house, and smoking in the house were all prohibited. These rules were eventually repealed or modified. Some rules grew out of specific problems. For example, rules were established in 1976 to enforce penalties for the possession and sale of illegal drugs.
Sigma Nu's place of residence changed over time. In February 1927, Sigma Nu moved from 2912 University Avenue to a house designed by Joseph Bell DeRemer at 2808 University Avenue. They were forced to vacate their house when the Army took residence in March 1943. Sigma Nu returned to their house by February 11, 1946. They were threatened with foreclosure on the mortgage in 1976, but they made payments and kept the house.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections
Accruals: Additional materials were received from Hope Squires Beam (99-2379), and from Chris Young, Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter (2010-3002)
Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.
Acquisition Source: John Wold, Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Acquisition Method: Donation; 91-1731, 91-1746, and 91-1754
Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Sigma Nu, Epsilon Kappa Chapter Records. OGLMC 1219, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Processing Information: An addition was processed by Maureen Hukill, Special Collections intern, in July 2013.
Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in June 2013.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Minutes of Meetings],
[Series 2: Membership Information],
[Series 3: Financial],
[Series 4: Photographs],
[Series 5: Events],
[Series 6: Blueprints],
[Series 7: National Publications],
[All]
- Series 4: Photographs
- Box 2
- Folder 3: Membership, group photos, 1935-1960
- Folder 4: Winter and Spring Formals, 1947-1967
- Folder 5: Party Photos: Breakdown, Christmas and Shipwrecked, 1947-1967
- Folder 6: House Interior Photos, Mid 1930-1967
- Folder 7: Membership, single shot photos, undated
- Folder 8: Membership, group photos, exterior, undated
- Folder 9: Membership, group photos, interior, undated
- Folder 10: Winter and Spring Formals, undated
- Folder 11: Social Gatherings and Fraternal Life, undated
- Oversize Folder 2
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Minutes of Meetings],
[Series 2: Membership Information],
[Series 3: Financial],
[Series 4: Photographs],
[Series 5: Events],
[Series 6: Blueprints],
[Series 7: National Publications],
[All]