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Start Over Date range 1962 Subjects African American fraternal organizations
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Alpha Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi minute books (Bluefield State University, West Virginia), 1951/1964

0.25 Cubic Feet 1 half legal document box

This collection contains two minute books of the Alpha Tau Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at Bluefield State College, an H.B.C.U. in Bluefield, West Virginia. Each grey cloth-bound book has "Records" printed on its cover, with "Kappa Alpha Psi" handwritten on one and "KAΨ" handwritten on the other. The minute books document meetings of the fraternity held over a decade, between 1951 and 1964. The first book dates from 1951 to 1956, and the second book is dated from 1956 to 1964. The entries chronicle the fraternity's pledging process, parties, hazing, initiation, charity events, finances, and the maintenance of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity house. Entries discuss the "laxity" of Scroller Club (prospective members), or impose sanctions on pledges failing to meet expectations: "Bro. Chesly made a motion that in the event that the prospective neophytes do not finish the painting tonight they will be left on pro until after Christmas (Dec. 11, 1952). Mention of trouble with the alumni committee for their hazing practices: "The Polemarch informed us that the alumni chapter said that we would have to drop some of the pranks played on probates such as kissing the Kotex, fake penis and slap jar drinking because it leads to homosexuality" (May 7, 1953). Lists of pledges are present in the books, alongside actual vote tallies by their elders accepting or rejecting them for membership; so too are vote tallies for women seeking to become "Kappa Queen." From time to time, problem pledges come up for discussion, for instance those too poor to pay the membership fee: "Bro Cousin mention that little bro Witten would have a conflict when he goes on probation because he works in the mines at night ... little bro. Witten may not be able to pay his money by the deadline." (Nov. 13, 1952). Other entries discuss their charity work and involvement with the local community including giving out scholarships, putting on plays in local schools, purchasing Christmas Seals from the N.A.A.C.P. and a "Guide Right" mentorship program. The brothers selected a topic of "The Challenge of Integration" as a topic for the program (April 13,1959).

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Alpha Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi minute books (Bluefield State University, West Virginia), 1951/1964 0.25 Cubic Feet 1 half legal document box

Kappa Alpha Psi. Alpha Tau chapter (Bluefield State College, West Virginia)

This collection contains two minute books of the Alpha Tau Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at Bluefield State College, an H.B.C.U. in Bluefield, West Virginia. Each grey cloth-bound book has "Records" printed on its cover, with "Kappa Alpha Psi" handwritten on one and "KAΨ" handwritten on the other. The minute books document meetings of the fraternity held over a decade, between 1951 and 1964. The first book dates from 1951 to 1956, and the second book is dated from 1956 to 1964. The entries chronicle the fraternity's pledging process, parties, hazing, initiation, charity events, finances, and the maintenance of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity house. Entries discuss the "laxity" of Scroller Club (prospective members), or impose sanctions on pledges failing to meet expectations: "Bro. Chesly made a motion that in the event that the prospective neophytes do not finish the painting tonight they will be left on pro until after Christmas (Dec. 11, 1952). Mention of trouble with the alumni committee for their hazing practices: "The Polemarch informed us that the alumni chapter said that we would have to drop some of the pranks played on probates such as kissing the Kotex, fake penis and slap jar drinking because it leads to homosexuality" (May 7, 1953). Lists of pledges are present in the books, alongside actual vote tallies by their elders accepting or rejecting them for membership; so too are vote tallies for women seeking to become "Kappa Queen." From time to time, problem pledges come up for discussion, for instance those too poor to pay the membership fee: "Bro Cousin mention that little bro Witten would have a conflict when he goes on probation because he works in the mines at night ... little bro. Witten may not be able to pay his money by the deadline." (Nov. 13, 1952). Other entries discuss their charity work and involvement with the local community including giving out scholarships, putting on plays in local schools, purchasing Christmas Seals from the N.A.A.C.P. and a "Guide Right" mentorship program. The brothers selected a topic of "The Challenge of Integration" as a topic for the program (April 13,1959).

University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Gamma Chi Omega Chapter Records, 1945/1981, bulk 1950/1969

.08 Cubic Feet 2 legal folders
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University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Independent Order of St. Luke collection, 1961/1975

0.03 Cubic Feet One letter-sized file folder

This collection contains two letters and three pamphlets related to the Independent Order of St. Luke, an African American fraternal order founded after the Civil War to promote Black economic independence. The Order was headquartered on St. James Street in Richmond, where the two included letters dating from 1961 were postmarked. The letters were sent by Dorothy V. Turner, the recording secretary of the Order, to Alvis Pinnix of Burlington, North Carolina, a member of the Order. The February 6, 1961, letter invites Pinnix to an initiation of a new council, while the August 18, 1961, letter discusses an Order membership drive. An undated folded pamphlet titled "Juvenile Catechism" offers questions and answers about the "Juvenile Circles" within the Order of St. Luke. A 1968 "Certificateholders' Report" outlines the policyholder rating of The Right Worthy Grand Council, Independent Order of St. Luke, published by Dunne's Insurance Reports of Louisville, Kentucky. The third pamphlet is a program for a "Testimonial Dinner," celebrating Dorothy E. Turner, an Order member, on October 10, 1975.

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Independent Order of St. Luke collection, 1961/1975 0.03 Cubic Feet One letter-sized file folder

Independent Order of St. Luke

This collection contains two letters and three pamphlets related to the Independent Order of St. Luke, an African American fraternal order founded after the Civil War to promote Black economic independence. The Order was headquartered on St. James Street in Richmond, where the two included letters dating from 1961 were postmarked. The letters were sent by Dorothy V. Turner, the recording secretary of the Order, to Alvis Pinnix of Burlington, North Carolina, a member of the Order. The February 6, 1961, letter invites Pinnix to an initiation of a new council, while the August 18, 1961, letter discusses an Order membership drive. An undated folded pamphlet titled "Juvenile Catechism" offers questions and answers about the "Juvenile Circles" within the Order of St. Luke. A 1968 "Certificateholders' Report" outlines the policyholder rating of The Right Worthy Grand Council, Independent Order of St. Luke, published by Dunne's Insurance Reports of Louisville, Kentucky. The third pamphlet is a program for a "Testimonial Dinner," celebrating Dorothy E. Turner, an Order member, on October 10, 1975.

University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Roy Davis collection of African American masonic programs, 1960/1981

.5 Cubic Feet 1 legal document box

This collection contains thirty-two programs of Masonic related events. Twenty-seven are souvenir programs from African American Masonic meetings and events belonging to Roy Davis, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut who was active in the Prince Hall Grand Chapter of New England. In addition to these are five programs for miscellaneous African American society events in the Northeast. Most of the programs were for events taking place in Connecticut between the late 1960s and early 1980s. There are also programs for the Order of the Eastern Star and the "National Council of Negro Women" that are for women who want to join the masons.

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Roy Davis collection of African American masonic programs, 1960/1981 .5 Cubic Feet 1 legal document box

Prince Hall Conference of Grand Masters, Inc.

This collection contains thirty-two programs of Masonic related events. Twenty-seven are souvenir programs from African American Masonic meetings and events belonging to Roy Davis, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut who was active in the Prince Hall Grand Chapter of New England. In addition to these are five programs for miscellaneous African American society events in the Northeast. Most of the programs were for events taking place in Connecticut between the late 1960s and early 1980s. There are also programs for the Order of the Eastern Star and the "National Council of Negro Women" that are for women who want to join the masons.

University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Vera Lee and Berry Clanton papers, 1951/1990

0.5 Cubic Feet 1 letter and 1 legal document box.

A collection of 31 souvenir programs, plus approximately 50 ephemeral items, 12 periodical issues, six books, and three folders of Masonic Lodge records and documents.

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Vera Lee and Berry Clanton papers, 1951/1990 0.5 Cubic Feet 1 letter and 1 legal document box.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

A collection of 31 souvenir programs, plus approximately 50 ephemeral items, 12 periodical issues, six books, and three folders of Masonic Lodge records and documents.

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