chronological evolvement of sororities

Soronian07 · #1 04-21-2008, 06:20 PM

Hi there, I am a current member of Soronian. We were first est. in 1847 as the Ladies Literary Society (first sorority in the U.S. ) We then evolved into Soronian (IKO) in 1868.We are located at Olivet College in Olivet, MI. We are not national, so there is only one of us. Not many have heard of us so its pretty cool to see some mention of Soronian. If anyone is looking for some great history on Greek life come to Olivet because we have have a long history dating all the way back in the early to mid-1800's.

#2 04-21-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soronian07

Hi there, I am a current member of Soronian. We were first est. in 1847 as the Ladies Literary Society (first sorority in the U.S. ) We then evolved into Soronian (IKO) in 1868.We are located at Olivet College in Olivet, MI. We are not national, so there is only one of us. Not many have heard of us so its pretty cool to see some mention of Soronian. If anyone is looking for some great history on Greek life come to Olivet because we have have a long history dating all the way back in the early to mid-1800's.

A lot of people will beg to differ with that statement.

There's a difference with "society," "sorority," and "Greek Lettered Organization." Several organizations will claim to be the first, and I've never heard of your organization ever being mentioned in that group.

AOII Angel · #3 04-21-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTW

A lot of people will beg to differ with that statement.

There's a difference with "society," "sorority," and "Greek Lettered Organization." Several organizations will claim to be the first, and I've never heard of your organization ever being mentioned in that group.

Soronian very well may be the first "sorority" in history. Several NPC groups claim to be the first literary society or the first GLO, but I doubt that this statement extends beyond the NPC. There are lots of local sororities (to use an inclusive, though not completely correct term) that existed over the last century and a half. NPC just happens to be a selection of the most successful of these groups. Considering that the oldest NPC is ADPi which was formed in 1851, Soronian is technically older.

#4 04-21-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Soronian very well may be the first "sorority" in history. Several NPC groups claim to be the first literary society or the first GLO, but I doubt that this statement extends beyond the NPC. There are lots of local sororities (to use an inclusive, though not completely correct term) that existed over the last century and a half. NPC just happens to be a selection of the most successful of these groups. Considering that the oldest NPC is ADPi which was formed in 1851, Soronian is technically older.

I don't doubt that at all.

I just threw it out there that there may be many who will disagree. That's all. Many groups are eager to claim "first" and they have the right to. After all, that's what sets themselves apart from the rest.

AOII Angel · #5 04-21-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTW

I don't doubt that at all.

I just threw it out there that there may be many who will disagree. That's all. Many groups are eager to claim "first" and they have the right to. After all, that's what sets themselves apart from the rest.

I know what you mean...there's lots of firsts around the greek world! I do think it's interesting that after 150+ years Soronian didn't decide to expand.