From Secret Society to Alumni Hub: The Story of the Amherst Alumni House
The Amherst Alumni House, steeped in history, began as a property intrinsically linked to the adjacent Hall/Pratt/Scott estate at 14 School Street. Its evolution reflects the changing landscape of student life at Phillips Academy and its eventual integration into the broader alumni network.
Early Ownership and the Genesis of Kappa Omega Alpha
On November 4, 1898, Warren F. Draper acquired the land from George R. W. Scott. Subsequently, on May 6, 1899, the parcel was divided and sold to Edward S. Beach, George X. McLanahan, and Alfred E. Stearns. These men represented the Kappa Omega Alpha (KOA) Society of Phillips Academy, marking the beginning of the property's association with a secret student organization.
Kappa Omega Alpha holds the distinction of being the first "Secret Society" established at Phillips Academy. Founded in September 1874, with an initial membership of five, led by Roland David Swope of the Class of 1876, KOA emerged during a period when such societies were prohibited by the Academy Trustees. This restriction led to clandestine meetings held in various off-campus locations.
Secret Meetings and the Need for Improved Living Conditions
One such location was "Hatch's" restaurant at 123 Main Street, later known as "Chap's" under the ownership of Ovid Chapman. The restaurant allowed the society to convene in the basement of its building. The emergence of these secret societies may have been a response to the limited dormitory space and the desire for improved living and dining conditions. The private boarding houses near the campus, while approved by the Academy Trustees, often faced complaints from students and parents due to their substandard accommodations.
As KOA grew in membership and influence, the Trustees' stance on secret societies softened. Professor Graves became the faculty guardian of KOA, signifying a shift in the Academy's attitude. The society then relocated to a new house at 10 Locke Street, marking a period of increased stability and recognition.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Amherst
The Blodgett Association and a Vision for the Future
With the acquisition of the School Street property, a pivotal meeting was held at the University Club in New York City on February 1, 1902. This gathering brought together a significant number of graduate and active members of the KOA Society. The consensus was to form a corporation under Massachusetts law, named the Blodgett Association. The purpose of this association was to hold the real estate of the KOA Society, with the title previously held by Beach, McLanahan, and Stearns.
For nearly half a century, the KOA House served as a central hub for student members and alumni. It provided a space for meetings, social gatherings, and the fostering of camaraderie. However, by 1950, the Trustees of Phillips Academy decided to phase out all secret societies, signaling a new chapter for the property.
Transition to Alumni House and a New Purpose
In October 1950, the former KOA House was repurposed and renamed Alumni House. This transition marked a shift in the building's function, transforming it from a student society headquarters to a welcoming space for returning alumni. The house provided a meeting place, hosted "teas after football games," and offered lodging for young alumni visiting the campus.
The Alumni House features three floors, encompassing a large living room, a small study, and a kitchen on the first level. These spaces provided a comfortable and functional environment for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow graduates.
From Literary Societies to Secret Fraternities: A Parallel History at Amherst College
The evolution of the Amherst Alumni House mirrors a broader trend in American higher education during the 19th and early 20th centuries: the rise and eventual decline of student societies. At Amherst College, as at many other institutions, these societies played a significant role in shaping student life, intellectual discourse, and social connections.
Read also: Impact of Amherst's Endowment
Early Literary Societies
In the early years of Amherst College, student life revolved around literary societies. These organizations, such as the Athena and Alexandria societies formed in 1821, provided a forum for intellectual debate, literary pursuits, and the development of oratory skills. They were integral to the academic and social fabric of the college, offering students opportunities for self-expression and intellectual growth outside the formal curriculum.
The Emergence of Secret Fraternities
The landscape of student societies began to change in the mid-19th century with the arrival of Greek-letter fraternities. Alpha Delta Phi, the first secret society at Amherst College, opened in 1837. These fraternities, modeled after those at Yale and other established universities, offered a different kind of social experience, emphasizing brotherhood, exclusivity, and often, a degree of secrecy.
Competition and Transformation
The rise of fraternities led to a period of competition and transformation within the landscape of student societies. Literary societies, once dominant, gradually declined in influence as fraternities gained popularity. By the late 19th century, fraternities had become a central feature of Amherst College's social scene, offering students housing, social events, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Abolition of Fraternities
However, the era of fraternities at Amherst College eventually came to an end. In 1984, the college abolished fraternities, citing concerns about exclusivity, social divisions, and the potential for harmful behavior. The former fraternity houses were repurposed as college residence halls, integrated into the broader campus housing system.
Architectural Legacy
Despite their changing roles, the former fraternity houses continue to contribute to the architectural richness of the Amherst campus. Many of these buildings, designed by notable architects like Allen Cox, are impressive residences that reflect the architectural styles and social values of their time. The college has recognized their architectural significance by embarking on a renovation campaign to preserve these historic structures and adapt them to the needs of modern-day students.
Read also: Getting into Amherst: Scores
tags: #amherst #alumni #house #history
