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Finding Aid Compiled by
Mary Ellen O'Connor and Sara Rohfeld
July 18, 1995
Revised March 9, 1999
M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives
University Libraries / University at Albany / State University of New York
1400 Washington Avenue / Albany, New York 12222 / (518) 437-3935
VOLUME: 4 cubic ft.
ACQUISITION: These records were transferred to the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, by the Alumni Association in 1989.
ACCESS: Access to these records is unrestricted except where otherwise noted in the finding aid.
COPYRIGHT: The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Box and Folder List:
The Kappa Delta Sorority is the successor to the Kappa Delta Society founded at the New York State Normal College on June 16, 1897. The Kappa Delta Society's purpose was to "promote social and literary advancement."
The constitution of the Kappa Delta Society stated that the object of the Society was "the attainment toward culture among it's members." By 1930 the sorority's goal changed to more contemporary "promotion of fellowship among it's members." Sorority meetings were originally held every other week. The minutes from 1924 show weekly meetings. Records of the sorority's meetings were taken by the recording secretary, then approved at the next meeting, and finally written as the minutes.
The founders of Kappa Delta were Bessie T. Amsburg, Mabel Emma Brookman, Phoebe V.V. Doughty, Mabel A. Eddy, Blanche Fairchild, Margaret J. Fawcett, Marion Gardiner, F. Elizabeth Henry, Minerva Hess, Mina S. Honsinger, S. Mabelle Honsinger, Marjoire Longham, Katherine D.V. Merwin, Winnefred Moir, Edith H. Nichols, Winnefred Orlit, Hatti circa Parker, Agnes Sax, Leora E. Sheerwood, Edna Steenburg, Frances M. Tullet, Nellie Willard, and Eudora N. Wylie.
In the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the concurrent revolt against traditional social structures, Kappa Delta was dissolved in the late fall of 1979 or the early spring of 1980. The Alumni Newsletter indicates that the dissolution was due to "little or no interest on campus in sororities."
Kappa Delta Sorority Records consist of approved meeting minutes compiled in notebooks covering the whole existence of the sorority 1899-1902, 1924-1932, 1935-40, 1951-52, 1954-1975. The minutes are missing for 1903-1923, 1933-1934, 1941-1950, and the last few years, 1975-80. The records also contain the original constitution (1898?) and the revised constitution (1930-45); alumni newsletters, (1974-85), photographs, both individual and group (1959-79); and realia including initiation headbands, paddles, and a blazer, Lacking the minutes from the final years the researcher is dependent on the Alumnae Newsletter for information about the demise of the sorority. The minutes contain few accounts of sorority rituals. The most prominent issues dealt with were socialization with fraternities, community service, and rush and recruitment of new members. See the Alumni Memorabilia Collection and the University Archives Photograph Collection for other Kappa Delta material including a sorority pins, individual and group photographs, dance cards, etc. Information about Kappa Delta social and literary activities can be found in The Normal College Echo, and its successors the State College News and the Albany Student Press. The records of the Kappa Delta Sorority are divided into five series including Minutes, 1999-1902, 1924-32, 1935-40, 1951-52, 1954-75; Subject Files, Photographs, Publications, and Realia.
Series 1: Minutes, 1899-1902, 1924-32, 1935-40, 1951-52, 1954-1975 .4 cubic ft.
The minutes of Kappa Delta detail activities such as social events, rush, initiation lists, nomination of members and election of officers, member lists, attendance of members at meetings, committee responsibilities and discussion for changes in the Kappa Delta constitution. The minutes for 1899-1902 include a copy of the Constitution for the sorority circa 1898. Beginning in 1964, amendments to the constitution became more frequent and copies of the amendments were stapled into the minutes book. Also included are notes for the minutes, 1967-1975.
Series 2: Kappa Delta Subject Files, 1919-1922, 1930-1979 .2 cubic ft.
The subject files contain initiation lists(1950-1979), correspondence with the national organization of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity (1919-1922) in an effort to join the national fraternity, Kappa Delta traditions, information on how to organize rush, a one-page history of the sorority taken from the 1900 Neon, a family tree (1968-76) showing the relations between the sisters of Kappa Delta, resolutions to the constitution, and a self-evaluation survey and the responses to it. Also included in this series are a videotape and guest register for the centennial reunion in 1997; and a book of the Kappa Delta Constitution (1930 and 1940 versions) along with membership lists for 1922-50. Initiation procedures and the process of installing officers is written in the back of the volume. Arranged in two subseries; one alphabetical, one chronological.
Series 3: Kappa Delta Alumnae Association Newsletter, 1974, 1976, 1979-81, 1983-85 .1 cubic ft.
The Kappa Delta Alumnae Association Newsletter briefly relates what the active chapter is doing. The newsletter also includes sorority alumni by class year and briefly gives current information for each sister. The newsletter also informs alumni of upcoming reunions. Arranged chronologically.
Series 4: Kappa Delta photographs, 1959/60-1979 1.0 cubic ft.
Oversized group photographs of Kappa Delta Sorority (1955-1977), smaller composite photographs of the sorority and candid photographs of sorority members (1956-57, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1979) taken at parties and other events. Arranged chronologically.
Series 5: Kappa Delta scrapbooks, 1960-61, 1966-67, 1968-69 .3 cubic ft.
Scrapbooks include photographs, newspaper clippings, and other items with notations under or next to the items. Some of the scrapbooks are in poor condition. The covers are coming off and the adhesives no longer work. Some information has been lost. Arranged by size.
Series 6: Kappa Delta realia, 1965, 1976, nd. .75 cubic ft.
Items belonging to Kappa Delta such as a banner, a blanket, a Kappa Delta blazer. Kappa Delta paddles, a pin, a mug, a picture frame used for the photo of the sorority house, and other materials. Arranged by size. Textile items are together.
Series 1: Kappa Delta Minutes, 1899-1902, 1924-75
Minutes, 1899-1902
Includes original constitution.
Minutes, 1924-28
Minutes, 1928-32
Minutes, 1935-40
Minutes, 1951-52
Minutes, 1954-56
Minutes, 1956-58
Minutes, 1958-60
Minutes, 1960-61
Minutes, 1961-62
Minutes, 1963-64
Minutes, 1964-67
Includes constitutional amendments.
Minutes, 1967-68
Minutes, 1968-1969
Minutes, 1969-1970
Minutes, 1971-1973
Minutes, 1973-1974
Minutes, 1975
Draft minutes, 1967-1975
Draft minutes, 1968-1969
Series 2: Kappa Delta subject files, 1919-22, 1930-79
Alphabetical file
General Subject Files, 1919-1922, 1930-79
Certificate of Indebtedness 1956
Centennial 6/7/97
Constitution and membership list, 1930-1950
Includes initiation and pledge ceremonies for pledges, sisters
and officers
Family Tree, circa 1968-1977
History, undated
Holiday Sing Program (2 copies), 1971
Initiation List, 1950-1979
Kappa Delta notice of availability of KD scholarship, 1966-1992
Kappa Delta Alumni Association plaque, 1974, donated by Suzanne Russell
Williams '58
Letterhead and oath, undated
Nationalization correspondence, 1919-1922
Newspaper Clippings, circa 1940, donated by Grace Moon Pelham '41
Newspaper Clippings, circa 1968
Reunion Videotape, 6/7/97, donated by 100th Anniversary Committee
Scrapbooks - Loose Items, donated by Grace Moon Pelham '41
Scrapbooks - Loose Items,donated by June Carlson Vaughn '44
Scrapbooks - Loose Items, donated by Alice McGowen Palen '46
Scrapbooks - Loose Items, donated by Jacqueline Darfler
Muller '56
Scrapbooks - Loose Items, donated by Louise
Dukene Zervas '58
Scrapbooks - Loose Items, donated by Mary Ann Ross
'70
Songs, undated
Tea Service, history of
Traditions, undated
Western Avenue Sorority House Photo, undated
Chronological file
1962
Membership list, 1962
Resolutions, 1962
1963
Financial statement, 1963
Pledge list, 1963
1968
Evaluation, 1968-1969
1973
Message, 1973
Publicity, 1973
1974
Publicity, 1974
Rush, 1974
1975
Publicity, 1975
1976
Publicity, 1976
1978
Publicity, 1978
Series 3: Kappa Delta Alumnae Association Newsletter, 1974, 1976, 1979-81, 1983-85
Alumnae newsletter, 1974
Alumnae newsletter, 1976
Alumnae newsletter, 1979
Alumnae newsletter, 1980
Alumnae newsletter, 1981
Alumnae newsletter, 1983
Alumnae newsletter, 1984
Alumnae newsletter, 1985
Series 4: Kappa Delta Photographs, 1959/60-1979
Composite (11x14), 1974-1975
Composite (11x14), 1975-1976
Composite (11x14), 1976-1977
Composite (11x14), 1957 (2 copies) 1 copy was donated by Susanne R.
Williams '58
Composite (11x14), 1955 donated by Susanne R. Williams '58
(Loose photos are stored with Subject Files)
Candid photographs, circa 1968
Kappa Delta photos from Family Tree folder, circa 1968-1977
Composite photo, 1974
Candid photographs, circa 1979
Group photo, 1979
Kappa Delta Sorority House, undated
Photographs, 1974 and 1976, donated by Karen Tucker '77
Photographs, 1956-57, donated by Marit Jentoft-Nilsen '60
Composite (28.5"x36.75"), 1959-1960
Composite (25"x30") very brittle, 1960-1961
Composite (25"x30") very brittle, 1961-1962
Composite (28"x36"), 1962-1963
Composite (23"x26"), 1963-1964
Composite (32"x40"), 1964-1965
Composite (28"x36"), 1965-1966
Composite (30"x37"), 1966-1967
Composite (28.5"x36.75"), 1967-1968
Composite (30"x37"), 1968-1969
Composite (28"x36"), 1969-1970
Composite (32"x40"), 1970-1971
Composite (25"x30"), 1974-1975
Composite (25"x30"), 1975-1976
Composite (25"x30"), 1976-1977
Group photo (15"x18") taken by David Slawsky, circa 1972-1976
Group photo (14.25"x18.75"), circa 1972-1976
Series 5: Kappa Delta scrapbooks, 1960/61, 1966/67, 1968/69, 1997
1960-61
1965 Scrapbook of Nikki Verlotte '65
1966-67
1968-69
1968-71 Scrapbook of Terry Antonucci '71
1969-70
1970-71
1997 Centennial Reunion Album, June 7, 1997, donated by the 100th Anniversary
Reunion Committee
(See also Subject Files - "Scrapbooks - Loose Items")
Oversized loose
Light box Kappa Delta sign, undated
Kappa Delta Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Book, undated
Wooden frame for 1957 composite photograph, donated by Susanne R. Williams
'58.
Box 3
Candle holder, KD Centennial 1997
Candle snuffer, undated
Initiation head bands, undated
Paddles (two), undated
Pin that says "Smile on your brother", undated
Pin (KD) and Ualbany pin, Gift of Beverly Kuhlkon Christopher '51
Pin owned by Laura Bristol Chapman '13, donated by Louisa Chapman Whitlock
'41
Pin box, green velvet containing two pins
Pin box, Kappa Delta initials, empty
Pin, the "oldest", donated by Margie Rapacz Butkovich '72
Plaque for outstanding community agency support, 1976
Pledge pin, donated by Marguerite Lorraine Hughes Koverda '55
Platter, undated
Box 4
Banner (oversized box), undated
Blanket (oversized box), 1965
Blazer (oversized box), undated
Box 5
Blanket, green with shield and Kappa Delta spelled out, 37x60.
Pillow, green cloth, embroidered with the KD letters and "Kathy"
Pillow cover, black leather, with KD letters in Greek
Sweatshirts (2)
T-shirt, "Vinnies"
Kappa Delta 1958 Mug, donated by Susanne R. Williams '58
Box 6
Picture frame with gold-colored edges, donated by Susanne R. Williams
'58
Guest register June 7, 1997, Kappa Delta Centennial, donated by the
100th Anniversary Reunion Committee
Kappa Delta Alumni Association plaque for alumni house contributions,
1974, donated by Susanne R. Williams '58
Kappa Delta Memorabilia in the Alumni Memorabilia Collection
Class Memorabilia
Class: 1921
Description: FOUR PINS BELONGING TO MARTHA MCCLELLAND CRANE WILHELM
'21. TWO RED CROSS BLOOD DONOR PINS, STATE COLLEGE CLASS RING, AND
KAPPA DELTA SORORITY PIN.
Donor: MARTHA CRANE WILHELM '21
Date: 00/00/1921
Preservation note: FAIR
Class: 1923
Description: PHOTOGRAPH OF STUDENTS AT DANCE WITH "1922", "1923" AND
"KAPPA DELTA" SIGNS ON THE WALL. (POSSIBLY FROM THE PEDAGOGUE).
Date: 00/00/1923
Preservation note: GOOD
Class: 1923
Description: THREE PHOTOGRAPHS: "PROF BOB," KAPPA DELTA AT SILVER BAY,
AND AN UNIDENTIFIED MALE (FACULTY) WITH "RAH! RIS!" ON THE FRONT OF THE
PICTURE.
Donor: ERVA LITTELL HILDEBRANDT '23
Date: 00/00/1923
Preservation note: FAIR
Class: 1931
Description: MATERIALS OF THE 60TH REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1931, INCLUDING
PHOTOGRAPHS (KAPPA DELTA HOUSE, HELEN HOWARD, DORIS MARKHAM, IRENE DICKENSON,
MARGARET CUSSLER; REUNION, HELEN PECKHAM, RUSSELL LUDLUM, ALICE VANEVERA
CORR), SCHEDULES, PROGRAMS
Donor: HELEN HOWARD PECKHAM
Date: 00/00/1991
Class: 1931
Description: THREE PHOTOGRAPHS OF PEOPLE IN THE CLASS OF 1931.
ONE PHOTO IS OF THE KAPPA DELTA HOUSE AT 380 WESTERN AVE. THE OTHER
TWO ARE PHOTOS OF MEMBERS OF KAPPA DELTA, INCLUDING EDITH CARNS, HELEN
HOWARD, DORIS MARKHAM, IRENE DICKENSON, CLAIRE PRINCE, AND MARGARET CUSSLER[?].
Donor: HELEN HOWARD PECKHAM
Date: 00/00/1931
Class: 1939
Description: NEWSPAPER PHOTOGRAPH ENTITLED "LEAD NATIONAL SORORITY."
PICTURED ARE NORMA WELLS AND RUBY STEWART '40, MEMBERS OF KAPPA DELTA,
OLDEST SORORITY AT STATE COLLEGE FOR TEACHERS.
Date: 00/00/1939
Preservation note: POOR
Class: 1939
Description: NEWSPAPER PHOTOGRAPH ENTITLED "STATE COLLEGE GIRLS HAZED,"
PHOTOGRAPH OF GIRLS BEING INITIATED INTO THE KAPPA DELTA SORORITY.
Date: 00/00/1939
Preservation note: POOR
Class: 1940
Description: SCRAPBOOK PAGES FROM LOUISE WATERMAN, '40. PAGES
CONTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS INCLUDING CAMPUS PHOTOS, KAPPA DELTA PHOTOS, MOVING
UP DAY, MILNE SCHOOL, NEWMAN HALL, FRESHMAN CAMP.
Donor: LOUISE WATERMAN '40
Class: 1944
Description: NINE DANCE CARDS FROM 1941-1944 FOR VARIOUS FUNCTIONS
INCLUDING A KAPPA DELTA FORMAL, AN INTERSORORITY BALL, A CHRISTMAS DANCE
AND OTHERS.
Date: 00/00/1941
Class: 1944
Description: KAPPA DELTA CIGARETTE BOX CIRCA 1944. THE BOX IS
WHITE WITH A SMALL KAPPA DELTA EMBLEM ON THE FRONT COVER. THE BOX
IS HOUSED IN A PURPLE VELOUR BAG.
Date: 00/00/1944
Class: 1946
Description: TWO PHOTOGRAPHS: 1. UNIDENTIFIED GROUP OF 6 FEMALE STUDENTS
('45?) AT PIERCE HALL, 2. MURIEL GARDNER, "JOHNNY" JOHNSON AND PATRICIA
RUSSELL '47 AT KAPPA DELTA HOUSE.
Donor: GENEVIEVE YOUNG ERTELT '46
Date: 00/00/1945
Preservation note: FAIR
[7]
Class: 1959
Description: INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SORORITIES: BETA ZETA,
CHI SIGMA THETA, GAMMA KAPPA PHI, KAPPA DELTA, PHI DELTA, PSI GAMMA, AND
SIGMA PHI SIGMA.
Donor: IRMA TOGNOLA HALLER '59
Date: 00/00/1956
Preservation note: POOR
Kappa Delta Photographs in University Archives Photograph Collection
Kappa Delta folder
#6199
Description: KAPPA DELTA SORORITY HOUSE AT 380 WESTERN AVENUE CIRCA 1920'S.
#10100
Description: KAPPA DELTA MEMBERS AT GRADUATION HOLDING A CLASS OF 1916
BANNER
Date: 1916
#21320
Description: KAPPA DELTA HOMECOMING FLOAT, 1966 WITH CLOSE UP OF SIGN
THAT SAYS "THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE". FROM THEIR 1966 SCRAPBOOK
Negative: Y
Date: 1966
#21321
Description: KAPPA DELTA SORORITY, 1966 HOMECOMING FLOAT. FROM THEIR
1966 SCRAPBOOK.
Negative: Y
Date: 1966
#21322
Description: KAPPA DELTA 1960 HOMECOMING FLOAT. FROM 1960-61 KAPPA
DELTA SCRAPBOOK.
Negative: Y
Date: 1960
#21324
Description: KAPPA DELTA 1968 HOMECOMING FLOAT. FROM 1968 KAPPA DELTA
SCRAPBOOK.
Negative: Y
Date: 10/1968
#21348
Description: KAPPA DELTA SORORITY HAZING, CIRCA 1951. REPRODUCED FROM
NEWS PHOTO; ORIGINAL IN ALUMNI MEMORABILIA COLLECTION.
Negative: Y
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