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Theta Eta Sorority papers

 Collection
Identifier: UA301

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

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

Related Archival Materials note

Theta Eta Sorority: Membership Lists

Additional information about Theta Eta can be found in Chapters 16, 17, and 31 of Arthur J. May's History of the University of Rochester.

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

Contact:
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA