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Sigma Mu Sigma records

 Collection
Identifier: 04.SMS

Abstract

The records of the Sigma Mu Sigma fraternity at the Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) date from 1929 through 1940 and are an almost complete record of the Iota Chapter of the fraternal organization that was founded by and for Masons. In the late 1930s many of the Sigma Mu Sigma chapters saw their memberships numbers dwindle and were opting to be absorbed by the national Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the Iota chapter at the Michigan State Normal was an exception determining to remain Sigma Mu Sigma. They were unable to remain active after the 1939-1940 school year. The Sigma Mu Sigma Fraternity records includes chronological files kept by fraternity leadership, financial materials, publications, correspondence, membership materials and governing documents. There is a file of materials from Michigan State Normal College faculty member Harry T. Wood that was removed from his papers in the 1980s. Wood was a member of the Speech faculty and served as the faculty sponsor to the fraternity and the materials in this file primarily contain correspondence with the national office and alumni.

Dates

  • Creation: 1929 - 1940

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Historical Note

In 1921, Sigma Mu Sigma was founded by three student Knights Templar at Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. Founded as a fraternity exclusively for Master Masons with a zeal for promotion of the cardinal principles of Sincerity, Morality, and Scholarship. The Iota Chapter was founded at the Michigan State Normal College in 1926.

In 1934 the National organization of Sigma Mu Sigma made the decision to dissolve and be absorbed by Tau Kappa Epsilon. The Iota Chapter at the Michigan State Normal College decided to remain independent and not merge with the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. By 1940 the membership had dwindled and the Iota Chapter of Sigma Mu Sigma closed.

The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Eastern Michigan University has no affliation with the Iota Chapter of the Sigma Mu Sigma Fraternity.

Extent

1.2 Linear Feet (3 archive boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Related Materials

Harry T. Wood papers may have additional papers related to the Sigma Mu Sigma fraternity.

[010.HTW]: https://aspace.emich.edu/repositories/2/resources/222

Title
Sigma Mu Sigma records
Status
Completed
Author
Alexis Braun Marks, CA
Date
2016 December 13
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Eastern Michigan University Archives Repository

Contact:
Bruce T. Halle Library, Room 310
955 West Circle Drive
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
734-487-2673