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Theta Nu Epsilon

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-1394
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

The collection contains a yearbook, The Sophomore 1928-1929, for Wesleyan University in Middleton Connecticut. The collection also includes Skulls membership lists for 1916 and 1919, which is labeled as a dance committee. Copies of the original 1870 code of ethics, as well as a letter from Secretary MacDonald Leech, October 8, 1932, legalizing Theta Nu on the University of Alabama campus as a fraternal organization. There are also newspapers, including The Alabama Chronicle (1983), The Crimson White (1991), and Esquire (1992), covering the influence, news, and history of the organization that became known as "The Machine". The collection also has the original certificate of organization of Theta Nu Epsilon on the University of Alabama campus.

Dates

  • Creation: 1916-1990s

Biographical / Historical

Theta Nu Epsilon, also known as the Skull and Bones, began at Wesleyan University in Middleton, Connecticut. Expanding along the United States, University of Alabama became a part of the organization in 1905, later more commonly known as "the Machine" in 1945. Always known as a secret fraternal society, their reputation was exposed in 1983 when The Crimson White published an article that the "Machine" group is still at work. Esquire magazine wrote an expose on the the Machine in 1992.

Extent

0.03 Linear Feet (9 items,12 pieces)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Yearbooks and articles about the Theta Nu Epsilon fraternal organization.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Ben Treadwell, June 1988; additions from unknown sources since 1988

General

To provide faster access to our materials, this finding aid was published without formal and final review. Email us at archives@ua.edu if you find mistakes or have suggestions to make this finding aid more useful for your research.

Title
Guide to the Theta Nu Epsilon
Status
Completed
Date
2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513