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History of Kappa-Omega Zeta |
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History of Kappa-Omega Zeta |
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the academic program of most American colleges was based on the classical curriculum. Readings were limited primarily to ancient Greek and Roman literature along with the Bible. The study of ancient Latin and/or Greek was a requirement of all students, along with the practice of oratory (public speaking). Student learning consisted of memorizing passages and being able to recite these on demand before the class. Study of "modern" literature and thought was considered frivolous, and students were not considered capable of critical thinking, reading, writing and discussion or debate.
This restrictive environment lead students to form "rebel" groups to practice what
they considered was lacking in their education: the reading of "modern" literature and
ideas, along with discussion and debate on the meaning and applications of both ancient
and modern writings. These groups usually had to meet off-campus to practice such
"heresy", often meeting in taverns and bars. Collecting books was a primary activity,
and some societies eventually created large private libraries, housed in rented or purchased
rooms or homes which also provided a place for meetings and other activities
[Photo: Recitation Hall, constructed in the early 1840's, was the first permanent building at Georgetown College. Its name reflects its original purpose and the classical curriculum at the time. Liberal-Arts was adopted shortly after construction, but the name would remain for almost a century when it was renamed Giddings Hall in honor of Rockwood Giddings, president of the college at the time construction began. The photo is of a postcard marked 1909 showing the name Recitation Hall was still in use.]
These literary societies exhibited many characteristics associated with general fraternities today. Membership was by invitation only, prompting students where weren't invited to membership to form new rival groups. Competition between groups consisted not only of recruitment, but also formal debates and the number of books in their private libraries. Strong social bonds were formed in these men-only societies (most colleges were not co-ed at the time) and social activities sometimes were as prominent as literary exercises.
However early literary societies did not posses other characteristics of general fraternities.
They did not have Greek-letter names, choosing instead titles such as "The Flat Hat
Club" or "The Ciceronian Society." There were no secret mottos, secret handshakes and symbols,
or secret initiation ceremonies. Literary societies also did not form branches or chapters
at other colleges. Each society acted as a local organization on its campus. And while
strong social characteristics existed, literary and debate exercises were still considered
the primary reasons for existence (at least officially). After the
formation of fraternities, some later literary societies did adopt a few of these attributes,
but it would be a developmental "leap" when the first fraternity was established.
[Photo: Ciceronian Society photo from 1900 Belle of the Blue]
In 1776, the year of the American Declaration of Independence, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, a bright student sought membership in one of the literary societies but was rejected. Feeling the decision was made for social rather than academic purposes, he decided to form a primarily social group with literary/academic activities, removing the facade of academic excellence he believed the literary groups portrayed.
Being an excellent Greek student, he gave the new group a Greek-Letter name, Phi Beta Kappa,
which were the first letters of a secret motto in Greek meaning "Philosophy is the Essence
of Life." To the secret motto was added a secret handshake and emblems, all of which
the new member would learn in a secret initiation ceremony. A key (badge) with the
Greek-letters and symbols was designed, and the first fraternity was founded.
In 1779, believing students at other colleges would benefit from such a fraternal organization, branch groups called "chapters" were organized at Harvard and Yale. Chapters were given names with Greek letters: William and Mary was called Virginia-Alpha, Harvard Massachusetts-Alpha, etc. The "mother" chapter at William and Mary functioned as the "national" office, making decision on policy and the admission of new chapters for the entire fraternity. The Harvard chapter took leadership in 1780 when the British army occupied Williamsburg and temporarily closed the college. The "mother" chapter would not be revived until 1851.
In 1831 Phi Beta Kappa fell victim to the strong "anti secret society"
sentiment sweeping the nation. They were forced to reveal their fraternity secrets
and convert from a social to a purely academic honorary which still exists today.
It would seem at that point that the concept the a national general fraternity had
died, since Phi Beta Kappa was the only one in existence (which still survives).
But students at Union
College in New York would soon revive the idea, based on Phi Beta Kappa as a
prototype, and the general fraternity system would grow from there.
[Photos: taken from FBK National Website: the key (badge) of FBK ; FBK Hall on the campus of William and Mary, houses a reproduction of the Apollo Room of the Raleigh Tavern where FBK was founded and met 1776-80.]
