University of Chicago. Mortar Board.

The literary and social club for women, Mortar Board was formed at the University of Chicago in 1893. The group was founded by several women students who had previously studied at Wellesley College. The women considered forming a sorority but were discouraged by Deans Marion Talbot and Alice Freeman Palmer, who suggested that they instead form a club. Mortar Board was active though the 1960s.

Mortar Board was the first woman's literary society established at the University of Chicago in 1894.