Arm of Honor records 04.AOH Finding aid prepared by Courtney Dornburg, Natalie Morath This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit November 20, 2017 Describing Archives: A Content Standard Eastern Michigan University Archives 2012 January 12 Halle Library, Room 310 Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197 734-487-2673 lib_archives@emich.edu
Table of Contents Summary Information... 3 Administrative History...4 Scope and Contents... 4 Administrative Information...4 Controlled Access Headings...5 Collection Inventory... 6 Administration and History... 6 Events and Activities...7 Memorabilia... 8 - Page 2 -
Summary Information Repository Eastern Michigan University Archives Title Arm of Honor records Date [bulk] Bulk, 1913-1985 Date [inclusive] 1895-2014 Extent 10.6 Linear feet 3 archive boxes, 4 flat boxes, 7 objects, 1 oversize folder Language English Abstract Arm of Honor is the oldest local fraternity in the United States and was founded at the then Michigan State Normal School in 1895 for the stated purpose of fostering "in its members the ability to think, to think extemporaneously." The records of the organization includes founding documents, membership information, minutes and records of events and activities as well as ephemeral items. Materials in the collection are organized into three primary series: Administration and History, Events and Activities, and Memorabilia. In 2014 the University suspended the active chapter, informing the active members they were not recognized by the university and could not continue to engage in fraternal activities. The bulk of the records date from 1913-1985 - Page 3 -
Administrative History Arm of Honor is the oldest local fraternity in the United States and was founded at the then Michigan State Normal School in 1895. Its original stated purpose was to "foster in its members the ability to think, to think extemporaneously" and evolved its purpose to be the promotion of "the highest level of education, social and athletic achievement, as well as promoting the values of brotherhood and loyalty." In 2014 the University suspended the active chapter, informing the active members they were not recognized by the university and could not continue to engage in fraternal activities. Scope and Contents The Arm of Honor records include materials from the oldest local fraternity in the United States, founded at the then named Michigan State Normal School in 1895. The records of the organization includes founding documents, membership information, minutes and records of events and activities as well as ephemeral items. Materials in the collection are organized into three primary series: Administration and History, Events and Activities, and Memorabilia. The Administration and History series includes materials relating to the founding and operations of the Arm of Honor fraternity, including a constitution, membership and alumni lists, correspondence, and meeting minutes. The Events and Activities series includes materials produced in relation to Arm of Honor fraternity events, including banquets and dances, and alumni events. Also included in this series are two scrapbooks, dated from 1895 to 1919 and 1968 to 1981. The Memorabilia series includes Arm of Honor items, such as paddles, pins, matchbooks, and a goblet. Administrative Information Publication Information Eastern Michigan University Archives 2012 January 12 Revision Description - Page 4 -
Finding Aid revised to take into consideration the suspension of the organization by the University in 2014. 2017 March 10 Conditions Governing Access note Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives. Custodial History note Some of the Arm of Honor paddles were displayed in Mellencamp's store in downtown Ypsilanti. These paddles were donated by Ken Barna, an Arm of Honor member and Eastern Michigan University alumni. Controlled Access Headings Personal Name(s) Barna, Kenneth Subject(s) College fraternities Eastern Michigan University Fraternities Michigan State Normal College Universities and colleges--alumni and alumnae--michigan - Page 5 -
Administration and History Collection Inventory Administration and History 1895-2005 Scope and Contents This box includes Alumni Directories, meeting minutes, correspondence, clippings, and guest book. Constitution 1948 1 1 Office of Campus Life records 1998 1 2 Memberships Lists 1935-1940 1 3 Alumni directories 1963-1977 1 4 Correspondence 1895-2005 1 6 Newsletters 1964-1993 1 5 Correspondence, Postcards 1976-1977 1 7 Clippings 1970-2005 1 8 Meeting minutes 1913-1970 - Page 6 -
Events and Activities 1913-1918 1 9 1919-1920 1 10 1926-1929 2 1 1940-1943 2 2 1951-1955 2 3 1955-1960 2 4 1970-1975 7 1 1975-1985 7 2 Kenneth Barna papers 1960-1995 2 8 Events and Activities 1908-2010 Scope and Contents This box includes meeting minutes from 1913-1970. Annual banquet guest book 1948-1961 2 5 - Page 7 -
Scrapbooks Programs and invitations 1908-2010 2 6 Scrapbooks 1895-1919 5 1968-1981 6 Memorabilia Arm of Honor match book 2 7 Oversize Object Arm of Honor Comoposite 1963 1 1 Ball of Honor glass goblet 1963 3 Object I.F.C. Council of Presidents 1967-1968 1 Mellencamp's paddle 1965 2 Scum Borovich/ Sup.Goodsman paddle 1938 3 - Page 8 -
Memorabilia Spring Dinner Dance paddle 1965 4 Sweetheart Pin circa 5 Tie pin 16 November 1953 Realia (32307023312326) Realia (32307023291017) Object 7 Object 6 - Page 9 -