Zeta Tau Alpha records

Record Group

Identifier: UA-12.2.37

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a copy of the 1929-1930 Sesame Literary Society Directory. The directory lists charter members and addresses for members by class years beginning with 1911-1930, active members, pledges, and honorary members.

Dates

Creation: 1929 - 1930

Creator

Zeta Tau Alpha. Beta Phi Chapter (Michigan State University) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Historical Note

In 1909-1910, a group of young women met each week and called their informal group "the Hermians". Under the leadership of Mae Parmalee, the group (now 24) petitioned the faculty for official recognition under the name "Sigma". At this time Greek letter organizations were barred from the campus and the petition was refused. The name "Sesame Literary Society" was then chosen and on February 11, 1911 the charter was granted. The name Sesame was taken for its symbolism as the magic grain of education and they selected the guiding star "Service and Democracy" and the ideal "Womanly Truth and Nobility" for their group.

The charter for the Beta Phi Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was granted in May 1931. The installation was held October 5, 1931 with Bertha Cruse Gardner, Grand President, as installing officer assisted by Helen Kagay, Prophet.

The members of Zeta Tau Alpha consider themselves a fraternity to distinguish themselves from the sisterhoods organized in connection with men's fraternities called sororities.