Theta Eta Sorority papers
Biographical/Historical note
Theta Eta was the first sorority established at the University of Rochester, motivated by a desire for more social interaction among female students. Theta Eta was officially founded on September 13, 1903 by the following:
Class of 1904
Alice Colby
Helen Ellwanger
Marie Griesheimer
Emily Lotz
Ethel Stevenson
Alice Zollman
Class of 1905
Jane Crowe
Helen Rogers
Grace Salter
Class of 1906
Thyrza Barton
Ina Coe
Helen Thomas
Mae Warner
M. Claire Williams
The chapter grew in popularity but remained locally based as efforts for national affiliation, along with a sorority house, were discouraged by the University administration as too expensive.
Theta Eta developed an active alumnae group in 1910 that held meetings and activities throughout the year, including a Spring Picnic and Holiday Celebration. In 1942 Theta Eta established the Senior Prize to provide a worthy female undergraduate with a cash award for contribution to campus life. By 1970, however, Theta Eta decided to disband, citing poor enrollment numbers. It has never been reinstated.
Scope and Contents note
The Theta Eta Sorority Papers consist of various items related to the sorority and its affairs, including membership lists for 1903 through 1968 and a photograph of members circa 1927. There are also meeting minutes for both the sorority itself and the alumnae group, as well as song sheets and cards detailing early initiation. Of special interest is a history of Theta Eta written by founding member Jane Crowe Maxfield for the 50th Anniversary party. Maxfield later went on to publish a work of poetry.
Creator
- Theta Eta. University of Rochester Chapter (Organization)
Dates
- Creation: 1903-1971
Language of Materials
English
Extent
0.74 cubic feet (2 containers)
Restrictions on Access
For access to this collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu) at least two business days prior to your planned visit.
Please note: Some materials may be restricted or require permission for use.
Restrictions on Use
To request reproductions or permission to publish materials from the collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu). Researchers may be responsible for determining any copyright questions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The Theta Eta Sorority Papers came together over time. On March 8, 1977 Carol Doty donated the contents of Folder 10 in Box 1 ("Miscellaneous"). The Secretary's notebooks from 1909-1913 and 1913-1921, along with the alumnae record book from 1910-1927, were donated in 1999 by Scott Cowles Jacobs UR1982 on behalf of his grandmother, Hazel Kolb Cowles UR1924. Margaret King UR1947 donated the membership lists on April 19, 2002. The alumnae materials were transferred to the Archives by Jana Biondolillo of the Development Office on January 9, 2007. Marilyn Lewis donated a photograph on behalf of her mother-in-law, Mary Leader Lewis UR1928, on January 23, 2007.
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], Theta Eta Sorority Papers, UA301, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Subject
- Theta Eta. University of Rochester Chapter (Organization)
- Title
- Theta Eta Sorority papers
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
- Date
- undated
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Library Details
Part of the University of Rochester Archives Library
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA
archives@library.rochester.edu