THE HISTORY OF ZETA ZETA OF DKE LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
A History Collected by Brother Sam Thomson, ZZ '67
This letter was written by George William Buckner, a charter member of Zeta Zeta chapter at Centenary College of Louisiana in Jackson, Louisiana, acting as corresponding secretary for the chapter.
The letter, dated April 8, 1858, is addressed to David Robinson Straw, Theta chapter, Bowdoin College, Class of 1859. The correspondence between these two brothers nearly 150 years ago is as follows:
"Centenary College, Jackson April 8th, 58
D. R. Straw
Dear Brother
Our last election resulted as follows --- Omega J. C. Williams Lafouche Louisiana Lambda C. Goodman Jackson Louisiana Delta J. E. White Vicksburg Mississippi Iota G. W. Buckner Baton Rouge Louisiana Ora- Frank Garrett Monroe Louisiana Pi H. W. Bullyn Fayette Mississippi
The prospects of our chapter are brightening every day. By energy and perseverance we have placed this the Z chapter, far above our opponents, who for twenty one years have held undisputed sway. But merit and worth, must always have its reward. We have, enrolled upon our constitution, the names...
...of gentlemen, who will one day be an honor to the fraternity at large. Our officers are well qualified to file, and discharge all duties coming under their respective stations -- and will bear the Z through all the dangers that may encompass it.
Hoping your chapter may now and forever prosper, I remain your friend in DKE bonds, G. W. Buckner, I of Z
D. R. Straw, I of Theta
Forward me a catalogue of the college with members marked."
Brother Thomson writes, "I'm not familiar with some of the offices of this period. Perhaps someone can shed some light on the positions.
"I'm assuming that Ora- would stand for "oracle" or "orator" but have no clue as to what duties were involved.
"To my knowledge, this is the only piece of correspondence known to exist from the old ZZ chapter. I found it in a pile of trash that was on the verge of being dumped during a renovation of the house in the 1980's and have held it for safe keeping all these years.
"When we have the proper means to display it, it will be returned to the chapter house. I don't know how it came to be in the ZZ chapter's hands, but you might note that there is a stamp at the bottom of the page: "1858: No. 16." My guess is that it was in the hands of the Bowdoin chapter and at some point was returned to Zeta Zeta. If anyone has any information about this letter, I would appreciate the enlightenment!"
ITB, Sam |
