Finding Aid for Phi Sigma Phi Omega Chapter Records, 1932-1992 Stout Series 209 Overview of Collection Repository: UW-Stout
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Finding Aid for Phi Sigma Phi Omega Chapter Records, 1932-1992 Stout Series 209 Overview of Collection Repository: UW-Stout Archives and Area Research Center 315 10th Ave. East Menomonie, WI 54751 715-232-2300 [email protected] Collection Number: Stout Series 209 Creators: Phi Sigma Phi Omega Chapter Title: Phi Sigma Phi Omega Chapter Records Dates: 1932-1992 Quantity: 1.2 cubic feet Location of Collection: 19-3-A Languages: English Summary: This collection includes organization records, including meeting minutes, financial materials, and ephemera, for the Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Phi at Stout. Historical Note In 1929, Kappa Phi Sigma was formed to promote knowledge, friendship, and social life among college men. This fraternal organization, only the second formed on campus, was recognized as a college group in the autumn of 1932. Supported by twenty initial members, the chapter quickly became one of the leading organizations on campus. Over the next twenty years, K.F.S. participated in various activities on campus, which included the crowning of several Homecoming and Prom Queens , the building of sophisticated parade floats, and the organizing of eloquent school dances including the annual "Orchids for M'Lady" Dance and the Spring Formal Dinner Dance. In addition, the chapter often competed with other campus organizations in grudge matches, bridge tournaments, pledge initiations, skits, and other recreational activities. Despite the heavy toll World War II had on membership, the chapter never ceased operations during the period. In 1952, K.F.S. had become so prominent on campus, the men captured the attention of Phi Sigma Epsilon, a national fraternity founded in 1910, and based in Indianapolis, Indiana. On May 17, 1952, K.F.S. was installed as the Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Epsilon at the Hotel Marion. Over the next eighteen years, the Phi Sigs continued to grow on campus. Although now a national organization, the Phi Sigs continued to grow on campus. Although now a national organization the Phi Sigs never changed their philosophy of participation in campus and local community activities. The men were instrumental in giving blood, organizing paper drives and Florida Vacations for students running for S.S.A. positions on campus. In 1965, the Phi Sigs began a tradition of firing a cannon at campus football games whenever the home team scored a touchdown. In the seventies, the image of Phi Sigs and other fraternities began to suffer for the first time due to the Vietnam conflict and changing student attitudes promoting individuality on campus. Chapter membership declined precipitously through the period as fraternity members were viewed at first by the campus body as militaristic in nature and then as pure socializers. By 1985, heavily in debt and with no national representation, the three remaining members of the Omega Chapter vowed to continue onward. On June 30, 1988, the Omega Chapter vowed to continue onward. On June 30, 1988, the omega Chapter became a part of Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity, a organization founded on the principles of the absorbed P.S.E. Fraternity. Scope and Content Note The records primarily consist of minute books of business meetings, financial ledger books, chapter management and ritual manuals, photo albums, membership directories, Alumni lists, newspaper clippings, and information regarding various member awards and achievements. also included are legal documents of the national fraternity merger, incorporation papers, newsletters, and correspondence from alumni and other fraternities and sororities on campus. Administrative Information Access Restrictions: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. Use Restrictions: The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39) Contents list Box Folder 1 1 By-laws –Manuals, 1970-1980 1 2 Correspondence, 1986-1992 1 3 Correspondence, Greek Organizations, 1988-1991 1 4 Directories, 1986-1992 1 5 Equilateral, 1985-1992 1 6 Incorporation Papers, 1959-1989 1 7 Merger: PSE & PSK, 1985-1988 Minutes 1 8 1950-1957 1 9 1957-1960 1 10 1960-1964 2 1 1964-1967 2 2 1967-1970 2 3 1978-1979 2 4 1982-1985 2 5 1985-1987 2 6 1987-1988 2 7 1988-1992 3 1 Newsletters, 1982-1991 3 2 Photographs, 1970-1972 3 3 Scrapbook, 1946-1953 Treasurer’s Book 3 4 1932-1953 3 5 1952-1956 3 6 1957-1960 3 7 1965-1992 .