Theta Nu Epsilon Society - History of the Dartmouth Chapter

The Theta Nu Epsilon Society.

The Chi Chapter at Dartmouth College.

The Chi Chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon at Dartmouth College was founded in 1895 and had a very strong, yet brief, existence. It was a legitimate chapter, having been chartered by the Alpha Chapter.

The Salem Cadet Band, (first row, fifth from right, Sgt. Pepper.)

In 1896, the new Chi Chapter sponsored a dance with a rather elegant dance card, held on June 23rd of that year in the old gymnasium, Bissell Hall. Each year following, the Chi Chapter followed up with another dance, each quite the fine affair in the college year. In 1900, The Dartmouth noted “the annual dance of Theta Nu Epsilon, Sophomore society, was held last evening in Bissell hall, which was tastefully decorated with the society colors. The patronesses were Mrs. Merrill of Portland, Me., Mrs. Virgin of Concord, Mrs. Moore and Miss Smith of Hanover. Music was furnished by the Salem Cadet Band, and all present had a most enjoyable time. Among those present were Miss Merrill of Portland, Me., Miss Gilson of Clinton, Mass., Miss Proctor and Miss Tucker and Miss Hazen of Hanover, Miss Virgin of Concord, Miss Southgate of Woodstock, Vt., Miss Gibbs and Miss Leach of New York. Mr. A. H. Ruggles, Mr. A. H. Merrill and Mr. G. L. Dow were the committee in charge of the dance.” We’re sure it was a pleasant time for all concerned. We have found a photograph of the Salem Cadet Band, one of the the most popular bands in the country.

On March 4, 1903, for no identifiable reason we have been able to ascertain, the members of the Chi Chapter all signed the following letter, “We, the honorary and active members of the chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon in Dartmouth College deem it advisable [and] that the best interests of the college demand the discontinuance of the local chapter. We furthermore agree not to perpetuate or re-establish said chapter in any way.” There is no record what prompted this action, and the notice in the March 6 The Dartmouth only stated matters in a similar blank way.

That did not prove to be the end of the chapter because a few years later it reappeared. It was a traditional society chapter and so it was driven from the society in the 1913-16 Interfraternity Conflict. It must have been restored again, only to be purged again in 1925. The chapter was last known, ca. 1925.