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Sigma Pi Beta Collection

 Collection — Box: UA 0079.001
Identifier: UA-0080

Abstract

This collection holds a dog plush related to the Lincoln Memorial University Greek Fraternity, Sigma Pi Beta.

Sigma Phi Beta was originally named the Howard Literary Society, after Major General Oliver Otis Howard, and established by Don West in 1928.

Dates

  • Undated

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice.

Conditions Governing Use

The nature of the University Archives and Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Carnagie-Vincent Library claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which Lincoln Memorial University assumes no responsibility.

Biographical / Historical

Originally named the Howard Literary Society, after Major General Oliver Otis Howard, Sigma Phi Beta was created by Don West in 1928. This was the first literary society to be established post the university's establishment in 1898.

In June 1931, the Howard Literary Socety became Sigma Pi Beta in the fall of 1931. The sister society, Thalian Literary Society, was created by Mabel Adams West, who recently had married Don West in 1929. The Thalian Literary Society became Zeta Tau Kappa in Fall of 1937.

Sigma Pi Beta's prupose was to "promote mutual brotherhood and pleasant social relations". During this time it because more focused on social club and Greek life.

On Lincoln Memorial University's Haroogate Campus, outside of Avery Hall currently holds a monument to Sigma Phi Beta.

Around 2008, the fraternity club house was demolished and caught on fire. The historical journal did not survive.

- Vertical Files: Schenkenfelder, James W. "The Howard Literary Society / Sigma Pi Beta Fraternity and The Thalian Literary Society / Zeta Tau Kappa Sorority of Lincoln Memorial University" 2010 April 13.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Title
Sigma Pi Beta Collection
Subtitle
Greek Life
Status
Completed
Author
Processed and written by Olivia Coyne.
Date
2025 October
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Lincoln Memorial Univesity
Carnegie-Vincent Library
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate Tennessee 37752 United States