Arm of Honor records

Collection

Identifier: 04.AOH

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Arm of Honor records include materials from the oldest local fraternity in the United States, founded at the then named Michigan State Normal School in 1895.

The records of the organization includes founding documents, membership information, minutes and records of events and activities as well as ephemeral items. Materials in the collection are organized into four primary series: Administration and History, Events and Activities, Memorabilia , and Photographs and Scrapbooks. The Administration and History series includes materials relating to the founding and operations of the Arm of Honor fraternity, including a constitution, membership and alumni lists, correspondence, and meeting minutes. The Events and Activities series includes materials produced in relation to Arm of Honor fraternity events, including banquets and dances, and alumni events. The Memorabilia series includes Arm of Honor items, such as paddles, pins, matchbooks, and a goblet. Lastly, the Photographs and Scrapbooks series includes two scrapbooks, dated from 1895 to 1919 and 1968 to 1981 and a variety of photographs and composites.

Dates

Creation: 1895 - 2014
Creation: Majority of material found within 1913 - 2021

Conditions Governing Access

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

Administrative History

Arm of Honor is the oldest local fraternity in the United States and was founded at the then Michigan State Normal School in 1895. Its original stated purpose was to "foster in its members the ability to think, to think extemporaneously" and evolved its purpose to be the promotion of "the highest level of education, social and athletic achievement, as well as promoting the values of brotherhood and loyalty."

In 2014 the University suspended the active chapter, informing the active members they were not recognized by the university and could not continue to engage in fraternal activities.

Extent

11.2 Linear Feet (3 archive boxes, 2 halfsize archive boxes, 4 flat boxes, 14 objects, 2 oversize folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arm of Honor is the oldest local fraternity in the United States and was founded at the then Michigan State Normal School in 1895 for the stated purpose of fostering "in its members the ability to think, to think extemporaneously." The records of the organization includes founding documents, membership information, minutes and records of events and activities as well as ephemeral items. Materials in the collection are organized into three primary series: Administration and History, Events and Activities, and Memorabilia. In 2014 the University suspended the active chapter, informing the active members they were not recognized by the university and could not continue to engage in fraternal activities. The bulk of the records date from 1913-1985

Custodial History

Some of the Arm of Honor paddles were displayed in Mellencamp's store in downtown Ypsilanti. These paddles were donated by Ken Barna, an Arm of Honor member and Eastern Michigan University alumni.