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Sigma Nu History
I was recently introduced to this website by my room mate, which is a TKE. Something I really like about their forum, is they have many people that share history that they know. NOT ritual, but different history. So... If you would like, please add any cool history that may be unknown to most people, and maybe we can all learn a little more about the roots of Sigma Nu.
Sigma Nu is one of the main reasons that the fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma is around today. Brother Wilson, was one of the key people that started that fraternity. Many Sig Taus think he is an initiated brother, and study him, but the truth is that he is a Sigma Nu, and only got them started. He is concidered an honorary member, with no true affiliation. Also, LBJ was a member of a society here at Southwest Texas State, that later became Sigma Nu. National Fraternities were not allowed on campus here, so they had secret societies. LBJ was a Jeffersonian, which became Sigma Nu, Eta Tau Chapter. Please share any history that you know, and lets kssp this going. Fraternally, VXH _________________________ Don't settle for average, because you are taking the best of the worst, and the worst of the best. |
Alpha Xi Delta got started with help from some Sigma Nu brothers at Lombard College, IL in 1892. We choose our pink Kilarney rose to compliment your white one.
On the night of our sororities coming out (whatever you like to call it) the Sig brothers took the sisters out to see a play to celebrate. J.j. Welsh, a Sig brother and attorney, helped our soror go national too. Of our ten founders, six married and five of those six were married to Sigma Nus So the histories of Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Nu are inextrictably intertwined....:D |
So that would explain why the Alpha Xi Delta ladies get really ticked when our new guys don't know who their sister sorority is, eh?
LHT, Kevin Mu Tau #5 (as of March 9th) |
Our chapter at SWT used to be very close to the Alpha Xis here, and we are getting back in the mix with them. They used to be really awesome, and they fell back for a year, and they are getting back up to the top. They are great.
The Sax player for Dave Matthews is a Sigma Nu, which most people know. |
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LHT, Kevin |
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LHT, Kevin |
I am currenty at KNox college, which is where the Delta Theta Chapter of Sigma nu is. And before we were here, we were at, yes, Lombard. The Alpha Xi Delta Chapter here is the Alpha chapter, and is currently dormant. But our college is trying to get another sorority back on campus(we currently have 2 S's, and 5 Fraternities). I sent an email to AXD informing of this, hoping they could reopen their alpha chapter. I've studied some of the history, and from what I can tell, the Snu's here helped AXD go national, instead of staying a local sorority. I'm not sure what other affiliations we have, but this is what I got from the "offical" AXD histories(sent to me by their nationals.)
M. |
You're with the Delta Theta chapter of Sigma Nu? I know your recorder! Your profile says Moses which I believe was his nickname... So you may be him =) He was in my 'group' at the College of chapters last summer. This is really bad notice, but if anyone from the Delta Theta chapter wants to come to our initiation/formal here in Edmond, Oklahoma (the Mu Tau chapter installation) you're welcome to! It's on March 9th.. You can stay in our house if you want.
LHT, Kevin (UCO Colony) MT#5 (as of March 9th) |
Thats me! I am no longer recorder--we have elections at the end of the first term, but I was there at COC. I will inform my chapter about your invite to formal, thought oaklohoma is a long drive, I will see if I can convince anyone to go :) I think it'd be a blast.
M. |
And how this all fits into this thread......
Well the first chapter installed in the 21st century... I guess that's somewhat historical =) LHT, Kevin MT-5(as of March 9th) |
I stand corrected on the fiddle player for Dave Matthews. I don't know what I was thinking.
Are any of you planning to attend Grand Chapter in Canada this summer? _____________________________________ Strategy is for the amateurs, logistics is for the pros. |
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Great, I will hopefully see them there.
Who is the spiritual founder of Sigma Nu? General Francis H. Smith Who is Ira Baldinger? The Keeper of the Rock Michael Jazack is the artist that painted the quest. He is also a vice-regent for Sigma Nu High Council. Did you know that he is only about 35 years old. The mayor of Reno, NV is a Sigma Nu. Sam is his first name, and I forget his last name. How many pages was the first issue of the Delta? 16 I hope you guys enjoy this history. If you know any, please add it. We give our candidates tests weekly, so that they know the upbringing of Sigma Nu. LHT, HT605 |
What military organization was inspired by the Badge of Sigma Nu?
--- Military Order of the Serpent, a Spanish-American War veterans organization founded by Walter S MacAaron (Delta Zeta, Western Reserve) Why did the date "1866" appear on the earliest Sigma Nu Charters? --- It was the founding date of the Honduras Emigrant Association which included some future members of Alpha Chapter Which Sigma Nu was a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame? --- Melvin Jack Hein (Delta ioita, Washington State) What US President had his picture taken at the White House with the delegates of a Grand Chapter? --- President Calvin Coolidge (23rd Grand Chapter, Washington DC, 1927) What do Sigma Nu and professional Baseball have in common? --- Both started in 1869 (Cincinnati Reds) |
Kevin, that was some pretty cool history, most of which I did not know... Here is a bit about some great knights;
Ellwood H. McClelland McClelland designed the Sigma Nu coat-of-arms in 1915. James Bowles Settles Settles painted “The Founding of Sigma Nu.” Elmer Paul Catts Jr. Brother Catts painted “A Serpent, A Rose, and A Star.” John Alexander Howard Howard thought the Fraternity should replace the Roman numeral system of labeling chapters. He felt that chapters should be designated with Greek letters according to the founding date of the chapter. Howard’s greatest contribution to Sigma Nu was as the first editor of the Fraternity’s magazine, The Delta. The first issue was published in April 1883 and contained sixteen pages. The reason he named the magazine The Delta was to symbolize the geographical relationship of the three existing Sigma Nu chapters at that time (Alpha, Lambda, and Kappa). The location of the three chapters formed the Greek letter “Delta”. Isaac P. Robinson Robinson was responsible for organizing the first National Convention. It was held at Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee on July 9-10, 1884. Walter James Sears Brother Sears is the author of “The Creed of Sigma Nu.” “TO BELIEVE IN THE LIFE OF LOVE, TO WALK IN THE WAY OF HONOR, TO SERVE IN THE LIGHT OF TRUTH, this is the Life, the Way, and the Light of Sigma Nu, this is the Creed of our Fraternity.” For those of you going on Spring Break, be careful. We are going to South Padre, which is always a huge Sigma Nu reunion from brother across the nation. LHT, HT605 |
Oki, I got more stuff :D
I also looked at the TKE forum and it seems to be something like a quiz so what I'll do is put the question and then wait a couple days to put an answer (maybe we can make this interactive 'n stuff). QQ: What is the Past Regent's Badge? QQ: How many delegates were in attendance at the First National Convention? QQ: What wsa the only Sigma Nu chapter chartered in the month of July? QQ: On what day is it suggested that members of Sigma Nu wear the White Rose? Alrighty welp folks I'm getting Knighted tommorow after 3 years of being a colonist so I might not get those answers up tommorow, we'll see :D |
Answers to earlier questions:
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Here's a quick one :D QQ: What was is the most recent chapter founded in Sigma Nu's history? Mu Tau, University of Central Oklahoma. March 9th, 2002. The nex time I post on here I'll be a Knight :D :D :D see ya'll later!!! |
More questions:
In what historic space exploration event did Vance Brand (Gamma Kappa, Colorado) participate? What was the relationship of Clarence E. Woods' (Zeta, Central) private residence to Sigma Nu? What Sigma Nu emblem in its earliest design portrayed an American flag with stripes and the badge (instead of a field of stars?) Who wrote the first Ritual of Sigma Nu? Now part of the Sigma Nu HQ complex, what facility would have been observed under construction by the founders? Enjoy!!!! Kevin Taylor Mu Tau 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
KTSNAKE... You are doing great. The history you give is really interesting, and I am enjoying it. Here is a bit of history you may find informative. I will have follow ups each day I look on here. I will be out for the next couple of days at South Padre, which is a huge reunion for Sigma Nus from across the nation. I hope to see some of you there. We will be flying a Sigma Nu flag, with Southwest Texas State University embroidered under the letters. About 20 or 30 of the brothers from HT will be there.
The Song The White Star of Sigma Nu, our official song, was written by Jack T. Nelson in 1920. The Tree Dedicated to Brother Ora Baldinger, the White Oak was adopted as the official tree of Sigma Nu in 1985. Shrines Shrines are places or things consecrated with sacred character because of their place in history or their associations in life. The following are shrines erected in honor of Sigma Nu and those whose lives were instrumental in building the Fraternity: 1. Headquarters Shrine – Located on the highest hill in the corporate limits of Lexington, Virginia, it overlooks VMI, Sigma Nu’s birthplace. The Headquarters Shrine is often referred to as “The Rock.” It receives more visitors annually than all other fraternity headquarters combined. It is Sigma Nu’s home and it belongs to all who wear the five-armed Badge. 2. Our Founding – In 1935 a granite boulder taken from the nearby Maury River, with bronze plaque depicting the three Founders at the Rock, was placed by the General Fraternity on the edge of the VMI parade ground sixty-five yards from the original site of limestone saucer-shaped outcropping where the Legion of Honor was founded on a starlit Sunday night in October 1868. 3. Graves of Our Founders § James Frank Hopkins was buried at Mablevale, Cemetery; Mablevale, Arkansas § Greenfield Quarles was buried at Maple Hill Cemetery; Helena, Arkansas § James McIlvaine Riley was buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery; St. Louis, Missouri All of the Founders graves are marked by special headstones commemorating their important role in forming the Legion of Honor. 4. Grave of the First Editor of The Delta – John Alexander Howard was buried at the Oakland Cemetery; Tallahassee, Florida, is marked with a special headstone in lasting tribute of creating what has long been recognized as the best fraternity magazine in the business. KTSNAKE, congrats on your chapter's Chartering. I know it will be a great day for you and yours, but also for the General Fraternity. Welcome aboard, and represent the White Star with dignity. LHT since 1869, HT605 |
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I'll have some more later! LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
Oki, some of this history stuff I've been posting is pretty obscure so I'll just stick to single messages from here on out unless someone objects...
QQ: Who is the last living Sigma Nu to shake the hand of a Founder? --Charles E. "Ted" Palmer (Epsilon, Bethany/Gamma Upsilon, Arkansas); was initiated on Armistice Day (November 11, 1918); shook hands with Greenfield Quarles at the Nineteenth Grand Chapter, St Louis, 1919) QQ: What chapter first used the Alpha Room at SIgma Nu HQ for its formal Candidate Ceremony? -- Lambda, Washington and Lee QQ: Formerly called "catalogues, " what are these Sigma Nu publications now called? -- Alumni Directories QQ: Today the position is known as Regent, but what was it called in the early days of Sigma Nu -- Rho, originally, all offices were designed by Greek letters. LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
More trivia:
Now providing overnight lodging for visiting collegians, what was the Sigma Nu HQ Carriage House used for prior to being aquired by the Fraternity? --Horse barn, built in 1931 What famous World War II vehicle was created by Ward Canady (Gamma Kappa, Colorado) --Willys Jeep; while serving as board chairman of Willys-Overland, the first company to fully convert to war work, Canady ordered immediate production of the rugged, multi-purpose vehicle. Since first awarded in 1964, what chapters have produced ten or more Alpha Affiliates? -- Eta Zeta (LA Tech), Epsilon Epsilon (OK State), Epsilon Xi (Mississippi) In Sigma Nu history, who/what is a sacristan? -- Person in charge of ceremonial paraphernalia What was the unique relationship between Marguerite G Old and The Delta? -- Only non Sigma Nu editor of the Delta (1971-73) LHT Kevin MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
By the number of hits this thread is getting, I think people are enjoying this. If anyone else has some cool history besides KT and I, please throw it in. It does not matter if you only have a one-liner, just throw it in.
Hope everyone has or had a safe Spring Break. About 25 brothers from the HT chapter went to South Padre, where we met brothers from about 7 different chapters. It was a blast. LHT HT605 The Symbols The Badge (also known as The White Star) James Frank Hopkins had a sense of Honor, in a time when dishonor was a common and often accepted practice, and wanted to pass it on to others. He thought Honor might best be exemplified by the French Legion of Honor, whose motto is: “Honneur et patrie,” (Honor and native land). So that the Sigma Nu Badge would remind our members of Honor, Hopkins patterned it after the White Cross of the French Legion of Honor, which was also worn by one of his favorite professors at VMI. Only Knights, their mothers, wives, sisters, fiancées, or daughters may wear the Badge. The Badge is fully explained during initiation. The Book and Sword General Francis H. Smith adopted the practice of presenting a Bible to each graduate. Sigma Nu grew out of the tradition of Honor of a highly recognized military school. Cadet officers in formal dress carried swords. Both play a part in every formal Sigma Nu meeting and ceremony. Upon initiation, the symbolic meaning of these two fixtures is revealed. The Rock The Rock is a symbol of our enduring strength and constancy. The Rose (also known as The White Rose) The Rose is a living symbol of Sigma Nu’s purity of purpose and unique tradition for change. Sigma Nu’s first legacy, John Carmichael Jr., proposed the White Rose as our flower in 1892 because as a boy he looked after it during summers at his grandparents’ home, near what is now the Headquarters Shrine. Crossed Swords The crossed swords represent the celebration of Sigma Nu’s purpose and salute the dedicated alumni who voluntarily serve the cause of Sigma Nu. Upon initiation more symbolism is explained. Blue Ribbon During the time in which the Legion of Honor remained secret, the members of Alpha wore a blue ribbon to signal to other members that a meeting had been called. Alpha Chest Alpha had a wooden chest that contained the personal effects of the chapter. More of its story is told upon initiation. |
Sorry it's been awhile, but here are some more trivia questions:
What date is portrayed in Michael V Jaszczak's Painting, "The Quest"? The 24th Grand Chapter (Chicago, 1929) replaced the office of Grand Counselor with what office? What prompted a Sigma Nu Grand Chapter to confer emergency powwers on the High Council including budgetary authority, permission for alumni to hold active chapter offices and postponment of the next Grand Chapter if necessary? How was the Ritual conveyed to a newly chartered chapter prior to 1900? As these are not too obscure I'll leave the answers out for now to see if anyone knows. Enjoy!!! LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
I am going to slow down on posting so many at a time, so from here on, I will only post two or three different facts. If I don't I will be all out, and you guys will think I am a one pump chump. KT, you are doing a damn fine job.
Hope you all enjoy, HT605 The First Fraternity Phi Beta Kappa was formed at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia on December 5, 1776. Its basic purpose for existence was for the promotion of education. Today, Phi Beta Kappa is a coveted recognition of high scholastic attainment for both men and women. The Three Triads Union Triad – Union College (New York) Miami Triad – Miami University (Ohio) Lexington Triad – Washington College and Virginia Military Institute (Virginia) Union Triad - Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi, & Delta Phi Miami Triad - Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, & Sigma Chi Lexington Triad - Sigma Nu, Kappa Alpha Order & Alpha Tau Omega |
Lexington Triad - Sigma Nu, Kappa Alpha Order & Alpha Tau Omega
-- Did you know that Pi Kappa Alpha and Kappa Sigma include themselves with the Lexington Triad in their histories -- (well as far as grouping)? They call it the "Virginia Circle". I believe they were both founded at Virginia University. LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
I don't blame them. I would do the same thing if I was stuck in the shoes of any pike or Kappa Sig. Jk... That is wild. I had no clue.
HT605 |
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Welp here are some answers to the trivia I put up earlier: Quote:
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LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
Interesting story about a Lexington Monument
Here are some items of interest from when I visited Lexington at the College of Chapters.
There is a monument in Lexington at VMI that commemorates the Lexington triad. A Sigma Nu was commissioned to build it (another story I'm sure). He contacted the ATO national office and told them that he was building the monument which would feature a circle with "pie slices" displaying the names of each fraternity. I can't at this moment remember which way was which so left and right will have to do because that's how the monument looks =) ). He asked the ATO main office if they'd like the side of the sign closest to VMI (where they were founded). They of course loved the idea... and so it was. Then he went to the KA Order HQ and told them he could give them the part of the sign closest to Washington & Lee College (where they were founded) and they of course loved that idea. So the sign was built bearing the names of the fraternities of the Lexington Triad. On the left side near VMI was ATO's name. On the right side nearer to Lexington was KA's name. Finally on the top and in the middle is Sigma Nu. -- And that's how Sigma Nu is placed in the highest postion on the monument of the Lexington Triad. LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
More trivia (hopefully this will get things going a little better since the boards were down). Feel free to answer these if you can.
What was the relationshp of Ernest Wenner to the Creed of Sigma Nu? What Sigma Nu Chapter had the longest dormancy period? How old is a chapter when it holds its jubilee celebration? What was the significance of Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities to Sigma Nu? LHT Kevin Taylor MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
James Frank Hopkins (Alpha I) The Very Soul Of Honor
Hopkins was born on December 30, 1845 in Ripple, Mississippi. At the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a courier due to his expert horsemanship. After the war, he studied civil engineering at VMI in the late summer of 1866. Dedicated to modesty and objective thinking, cool-tempered Hopkins was the exemplar of the principle of honor. Immediately he won the friendship and the respect of his classmates at the Institute. When the first slate of officers was chosen, Hopkins was elected to be the Lieutenant Commander. He wrote the first ritual and designed the original badge. The life of this dedicated Founder ended on December 15, 1913 in Mablevale, Arkansas. The two character qualities associated with Hopkins are Leadership and Seriousness. Greeenfield Quarles (Alpha II) A Living Symbol of Purity Quarles was born on April 1, 1847 in Christian County, Kentucky. He began service in the military at the age of sixteen as an aide on the staff of his uncle, General William Quarles, until he was captured and made prisoner of war for six months. Entering VMI at the same time as Hopkins, Quarles was known as a man of grace and dignity. His refined character was endowed with pure thought, his conduct impeccable. His every impulse was noble. He excelled academically and would later become a renowned judge. Quarles was taken from living contact with the fraternity on January 14, 1921 in Helena, Arkansas. The two character qualities associated with Quarles are Scholarship and Dignity. James McIlvaine Riley (Alpha III) The Vivifying Spirit of Good Fellowship Riley was born on May 16, 1849 in St. Louis, Missouri. Being quite young during the war, he did not fight in the struggle and was barely seventeen when he entered VMI in 1866. “Mac” Riley became the most popular cadet at the Institute. He was free-hearted, with a natural talent for friendship and good storytelling. A fun-loving and action-oriented fellow, Riley could easily cheer up the most depressed, and often did with his wit and happy outlook. Due to his popularity with cadets at the Institute, Riley was chosen to serve as the Commander. His life of tireless dedication to Sigma Nu ended when Riley entered the Chapter Eternal on May 6, 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri. The two character qualities associated with Riley are Fellowship and Responsibility. Sorry for my time of absence... I hope you all enjoy this history. LHT, HT605 |
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--- 2prompted the idea for a magazine for Sigma Nu More trivia later! LHT Kevin MT 5 University of Central Oklahoma |
Trying to revive this thread a little bit..
How many fraternities currently have their HQ's in Lexington, VA? |
I have a little more Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Nu history. One night our founders were to serenade the Sigma Nus at one of their meetings, but the problem was that the ladies weren't allowed on campus after a certain time so they snuck out of the house to serenade them, and the next morning the footprints of the Alpha Xis were seen in the grass my one of the members so one of the Sigma Nus had a janitor rake the ground so that the Alpha Xis wouldn't be punished for what they had done.
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KA, ATO, and us? I know the last 2 for sure. dude, ktsnake, where did you get all this info? it's great! Kitso KS 361 |
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Seriously? Where can i get my hands on this game?
Kitso KS 361 |
I recieved mine at the last College of Chapters. You might be able to get one if you call HQ.
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Another bit of trivia...
Q. What tie does Alpha Sigma Phi have with Sigma Nu? A. Alpha Kappa Pi fraternity had as its faculty advisor Rev. Albert H. Wilson, a former Regent of Sigma Nu. Alpha Kappa Pi consolidated with Alpha Sigma Phi in 1946. |
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