Duke University. Order of the White Duchy.
Biographical notes:
The Order of the White Duchy was a secret women's honorary at Duke University. The group was formed in May 1925 by the Order of Red Friars, a secret men's honorary, to recognize members of the Woman's College of Duke University. The members of the Order of the White Duchy voluntarily disbanded the organization in 1968.
From the description of Order of the White Duchy records, 1925-1968. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 52170112
The Order of the White Duchy was founded in May of 1925 by the secret senior men's honorary the Order of the Red Friars. They chose seven women whom they felt were the most outstanding members of the class of 1925 to organize a similar organization, although it was not to be a sister organization. From 1925 on, new members were chosen, or "tapped" into the order, by the seven members of the White Duchy from the previous year. New members were chosen based on their character, qualities of leadership, and outstanding service to the university. The tapping ceremony was held first at the last meeting of the Student Government Association of the Woman's College, and later during the final Class Night of the school year. Although the student body knew of its existence and who its members were, the activities and projects of the order were secret. The only public notice given to the organization by its members was the wearing of a white carnation on one day of each month. Officers consisted of Grand Duchess (President), Petit Duchess (Vice President), Custodian of the Records (Secretary) and Custodian of the Funds (Treasurer). Its members voluntarily disbanded the order in 1968 because it was felt to be too elitist and no longer representative of the leaders of the Woman's College or the university.
From the guide to the Order of the White Duchy records, 1925-1968., (University Archives, Duke University.)
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Subjects:
- Initiation rites
- Secret societies
- Secret societies
- Student participation in administration
- Women college students
Occupations:
Places:
- North Carolina (as recorded)
- North Carolina--Durham (as recorded)
