Guide to the Seal and Serpent Society of Cornell University Records,
1906-2009

Collection Number: 37-4-871

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
Pat Stevens et al.
Date completed:
April 1994
EAD encoding:
Martin Heggestad, October 2003
RMC Staff, February 2011
Date modified:
RMC Staff, June 2012

© 2002 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Seal and Serpent Society of Cornell University records, 1906-2009.
Collection Number:
37-4-871
Creator:
Seal and Serpent Society of Cornell University.
Quantity:
12.5 cubic ft.
Forms of Material:
Printed material, constitution, bylaws, meeting minutes, financial records, construction plans and specifications, photographs and correspondence.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Materials relating to the Seal and Serpent, a local fraternity founded at Cornell in 1905.
Language:
Collection material in English

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Local fraternity founded at Cornell in 1905.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Records include constitutions and bylaws, certificate of incorporation, 1919; correspondence, 1916-1965; Board of Directors', annual, and committee meeting minutes, 1906-1986; financial records, and construction plans and specifications; photographs, 1942-1991; many letters, accounts, plans, and other items relating to the presidency, beginning in 1923, of Creed Walsh Fulton ('09), during which a new house for the Society was planned, financed, and opened in 1927. Also, directories (incomplete run); directory questionnaires and personal data sheets; The Snake, the publication of the group; a printed petition, ca. 1907, to the executive board and chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity from the members of Seal and Serpent, asking for authority to establish a chapter of that fraternity at Cornell and including information concerning the fraternity system at Cornell at that time, a brief history of Seal and Serpent, a building fund prospectus, a group photograph, and a list of the petitioners with accompanying personal data; rush booklets; and miscellaneous items relating to the fraternity.
Also, group photograph including Alvin W. King (Class of 1907), one of the founding members of Seal and Serpent and bearer of pin number 1. CD with photographs of a ROTC event in September 2009.
Original bellows purchased as part of the original furnishings for the Lodge and selected by O. (Ornan) Hibbard Waltz, in 1927.
SUBJECTS

Names:
Seal and Serpent Society of Cornell University.
Walsh, Creed Fulton.
Cornell University--Students.
Cornell University--Societies, etc.
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Access Restrictions:
Access restricted to written permission from the Society President, Vice President or Historian.
Cite As:
Seal and Serpent Society of Cornell University records, #37-4-871. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
CONTAINER LIST

Date
Description
Container
May 18, 1907-October 1, 1919
Minutes and bylaws - annual meetings; Board of Directors; committee meetings and reports
Box 1 Folder 1
June 20, 1919-November 22, 1920
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 2
October 14, 1921-November 1, 1924
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 3
May 24, 1924-May 21, 1927
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 4
February 16, 1928-May 24, 1930
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 5
May 24, 1931-October 13, 1934
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 6
May 11, 1933-November 18, 1937
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 7
March 15, 1933-December 4, 1940
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 8
May 7, 1941-June 3, 1947
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 9
May 15, 1949-December 5, 1952
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 10
1953
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 11
1954
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 1 Folder 12
February 15-September 22, 1955
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 13
1956
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 14
1957
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 15
1958
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 16
1959
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 17
1960
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 18
May 21, 1961-October 19, 1963
Minutes and bylaws
 Box 2 Folder 19
1916-1924
Also undated bylaws and miscellaneous correspondence
 Box 2 Folder 19
January 1925-December 1926
Correspondence
 Box 3
January 1927-December 1939
Correspondence
 Box 4
1940-1950
Correspondence
 Box 5
1951-1962
Correspondence
 Box 6
1963-1965
Correspondence
 Box 7
1925-1927
Circular letters
 Box 7
undated
Correspondence
 Box 7
1970's-1980's and miscellany
Correspondence
 Box 8
1914-1992
The Snake backissues (More Snakes in Box 11)
 Box 9
1913, 1915, 1925, 1928, 1937 (2), 1948 (2), 1952, 1955, 1960
Printed membership directories
 Box 10 Folder 1
1941
Directory information, A-M
 Box 10 Folder 2
1941
Directory information, N-Z
 Box 10 Folder 3
1946
Directory - personal data sheets, A-H
 Box 10 Folder 4
1946
Directory - personal data sheets, J-R
 Box 10 Folder 5
1946
Directory - personal data sheets, S-Z
 Box 10 Folder 6
1952
Directory, A-C
 Box 10 Folder 7
1952
Directory, D-G
 Box 10 Folder 8
1952
Directory, H-M
 Box 10 Folder 9
1952
Directory, N-S
 Box 10 Folder 10
1952
Directory, T-Z
 Box 10 Folder 11
1952
Directory (second notices)
 Box 10 Folder 12
1952
Directory - final lists for directory
 Box 10 Folder 13
1952
Directory - membership lists and miscellaneous information
Box 10 Folder 14
ca. 1907
Petition from Seal and Serpent to Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, asking for authority to establish a chapter of PKS at Cornell, and relevant information
Box 10
Other miscellaneous material
 Box 10
February 1965
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
April 1962
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
February 1960
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
June 1960
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
September 1959
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
February 1959
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
May 1958
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1954
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
April 1953
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
December 1951
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1950
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
April 1950
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
December 1949
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
December 1948
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1948
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
March 1948
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1947
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
January 1943
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1942
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
November 1941
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
June 1941
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
January 1941
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
October 1938
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
April 1938
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
September 1937
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
March 1937
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
November 1936
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
April 1934
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
July 1933
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1932
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
October 1930
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
December 1929
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
August 1929
Snake and some other publications and newsletters
Box 11
Super secret
 Box 12
Recent minutes
 Box 12
House Lodge stuff
 Box 12
Photographs
 Box 13
Social stuff
 Box 13
House sketch
 Box 13
Guestbook 1967-1983
 Box 13
ROTC event (CD-634) 2009
 Box 13
Other materials
 Box 13
Financial records from old Boxes 8, 9, and 13, and new
 Box 14
Party souvenirs, 1935-1942
 Box 15
hat
Box 15
CU Seal + Serpent mug 1948
 Box 15
3 tee shirts
Box 15
Sweat shirt
Box 15
Framed certificate "Leslie Arthur Dittman, Uncle
Box 15
Greenberg (05) on Conan (sp?), CD-635
Box 15
Photographs
 Box 16
Composites
 Box 16
Guestbook 1960-1971
 Box 16
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 1
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 2
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 3
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 4
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 5
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 6
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 7
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 8
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 9
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 10
2000+
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 11
2000+
Bills
 Box 17 Folder 12
2000+
Bills
 Box 17 Folder 13
1999-2001
Taxes
 Box 17 Folder 14
2002
Housing and Parking Contracts
 Box 17 Folder 15
2000
Housing Contracts
 Box 17 Folder 16
2001
Housing Contracts
 Box 17 Folder 17
2003
Housing Contracts
 Box 17 Folder 18
2000
Housing Packet
 Box 17 Folder 19
2000-2001
Housing "Stuff"
 Box 17 Folder 20
2001-2002
House Manager Items
 Box 17 Folder 21
2002-2003
Misc. Information
 Box 17 Folder 22
2001-2003
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 23
2002-2003
House Manager Folder
 Box 17 Folder 24
Various Manuals
 Box 17 Folder 25
1970s and 1980s
Misc. Finances
 Box 17 Folder 26
1970s
House Renovation Records
 Box 18 Folder 1
1984-1986
Construction Account
 Box 18 Folder 2
1982-1985
"Background of Mortgage"
 Box 18 Folder 3
1987-1989
Construction Account
 Box 18 Folder 4
1998
Condition Assessment Report
 Box 18 Folder 5
1983
Floor-plans and Renovation
 Box 18 Folder 6
Blueprints
 Box 18 Folder 7
City of Ithaca Inspections and Permits
 Box 18 Folder 8
1998-2001
Contracts and House Manager Guide
 Box 18 Folder 9
1970s
Misc. Alumni Fund Finances
 Box 18 Folder 10
1970s
Misc. Alumni Fund Finances
 Box 18 Folder 11
1976-1977
Alumni Financial Report
 Box 18 Folder 12
1977-1979
Alumni Folder
 Box 18 Folder 13
1976
Sun First National Bank As Trustee
 Box 18 Folder 14
1980s
Misc Alumni Fund Finances
 Box 18 Folder 15
1985-1988
Alumni Financial Reports
 Box 18 Folder 16
1988-1989
Alumni Financial Reports
 Box 18 Folder 17
1985-1989
Norstar Bank, Alumni Fund
 Box 18 Folder 18
1980-1990
Statements- Monthly Rent Reserve
 Box 18 Folder 19
1987
"Friend Raising"
 Box 18 Folder 20
Early 1970s
The Snake and Homecoming
 Box 18 Folder 21
1980
75th Anniversary Planning
 Box 18 Folder 22
1991-1994
Student Management Corporation Statements
 Box 18 Folder 23
1987-1991
SMC Statements
 Box 18 Folder 24
1989
Tax Returns
 Box 18 Folder 25
1980s
Taxes
 Box 18 Folder 26
1980s
Taxes
 Box 18 Folder 27
1999
Summer Housing Contracts
 Box 18 Folder 28
Treasurer's Binder Contents
 Box 18 Folder 29
1970s-1980s
Misc Finances
 Box 18 Folder 30
1996-1999
Treasurer Folder
 Box 19 Folder 1
1996-1999
Budgets
 Box 19 Folder 2
1996-1999
Paid Invoice Journals
 Box 19 Folder 3
1996-1999
Balance Sheets and Income Statements
 Box 19 Folder 4
1996-1999
Mortgage and Bank
 Box 19 Folder 5
1996-1999
Aged Accounts Payable
 Box 19 Folder 6
1996-1999
House Detail
 Box 19 Folder 7
1996-1999
Misc Finances
 Box 19 Folder 8
1996-1999
Accounts Receivable
 Box 19 Folder 9
1996-1999
Bills
 Box 19 Folder 10
1996-1999
Insurance
 Box 19 Folder 11
1996-1999
Taxes
 Box 19 Folder 12
1996-1999
Other Contracts
 Box 19 Folder 13
1996-1999
Blank Forms and Contracts
 Box 19 Folder 14
1996-1999
Bank Deposits
 Box 19 Folder 15
1996-1999
Room Contracts
 Box 19 Folder 16
1996-1999
SMC
 Box 19 Folder 17
1996-1999
Bursar Billing
 Box 19 Folder 18
1940-1991
Social Stuff
 Box 19 Folder 19
1991
Spring Formal
 Box 19 Folder 20
Spring 1991
Misc Items
 Box 19 Folder 21
1991
IFC Stuff
 Box 19 Folder 22
1991
Meeting Notes
 Box 19 Folder 23
Rules
 Box 19 Folder 24
Christmas Carols
 Box 19 Folder 25
1995-1997
Events
 Box 19 Folder 26
1996
Calenders
 Box 19 Folder 27
1996
Services
 Box 19 Folder 28
1996
Registration
 Box 19 Folder 29
1997
Social Chair Guidelines
 Box 19 Folder 30
1987-1990
Budgets
 Box 19 Folder 31
1996-1997
Misc Finances
 Box 19 Folder 32
Board of Director Meetings
 Box 20 Folder 1
1980s
Meeting Minutes and Agendas
 Box 20 Folder 2
Synopsis
 Box 20 Folder 3
1985-1991
Board of Directors, Member, and Alumni Lists
 Box 20 Folder 4
1992
Summer Conference
 Box 20 Folder 5
2000-2001
Homecoming
 Box 20 Folder 6
1989-1990
Homecoming and The Snake
 Box 20 Folder 7
1990-1997
Homecoming and Reunion
 Box 20 Folder 8
Homecoming Finances
 Box 20 Folder 9
1976-1990
Fraternity Newsletters
 Box 20 Folder 10
Memorabilia- Catalogs
 Box 20 Folder 11
1990-2010
Memorabilia- Correspondences and Rules
 Box 20 Folder 12
1990-2002
Memorabilia- Orders
 Box 20 Folder 13
1996
Alumni Board of Directors
 Box 20 Folder 14
1938
The Snake
 Box 20 Folder 15
1979-1996
The Snake and Alumni News
 Box 20 Folder 16
2005-2006
End of Year Report
 Box 20 Folder 17
1998
General Information- Bylaws
 Box 20 Folder 18
Miscellaneous Proposals and Board Meeting Plans
 Box 20 Folder 19
1990s
Pledging
 Box 20 Folder 20
1990s
Pledging
 Box 20 Folder 21
1980s
Proposals and Correspondences
 Box 20 Folder 22
1998
"Promises of Brotherhood" Poems
 Box 20 Folder 23
Creative Works (Drawings, Poems, Etc)
 Box 20 Folder 24
Stationary
 Box 20 Folder 25
1980s
Renovation Finances
 Box 20 Folder 26
1990s
Finances
 Box 20 Folder 27
2000-2001
IFC- Judicial Incidents
 Box 20 Folder 28
Advertisements and Catalog Pages
 Box 20 Folder 29
2010
Events, Ads, and Articles
 Box 20 Folder 30
2002
Household Renovations
 Box 20 Folder 31
1990-1991, 1994-1995
IFC Annual Self-Evaluation Report
 Box 20 Folder 32
"A Brief History"
 Box 20 Folder 33
1990
Safety Inspections
 Box 20 Folder 34
1990
Misc Agendas and Goals
 Box 20 Folder 35
1991-1992
Chapter Report "Originals"
 Box 20 Folder 36
"Pledge Education"
 Box 20 Folder 37
"Hellmaster" - Initiation Information
 Box 20 Folder 38
1999-2000
Chapter Report
 Box 20 Folder 39
1996-1997
Chapter Report
 Box 20 Folder 40
1990
Greek Life Annual Chapter Self-Evaluation Report, Final
 Box 20 Folder 41
1991
Self-Evaluation Report, Final
 Box 20 Folder 42
2002-2003
Rush
 Box 20 Folder 43
Pledge Education Guide
 Box 20 Folder 44
2004
Pledge Education
 Box 20 Folder 45
1980s
Resumes and Cover Letters
 Box 20 Folder 46
Miscellaneous Correspondences and Items
 Box 20 Folder 47
1980s
Miscellaneous Receipts
 Box 21 Folder 1
Financial Correspondences
 Box 21 Folder 2
1978-1979
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 3
1979-1980
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 4
1980-1981
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 5
1981-1982
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 6
1982-1983
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 7
1983-1984
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 8
1984-1985
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 9
1985-1986
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 10
1986-1987
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 11
1987-1988
Budget
 Box 21 Folder 12
1979-1980
Payments
 Box 21 Folder 13
1970s
Misc Finances
 Box 21 Folder 14
1980-1981
Payments
 Box 21 Folder 15
Bond
 Box 21 Folder 16
1979-1988
Profit and Loss Statements
 Box 21 Folder 17
1980s
Statements of Activities and Receipts
 Box 21 Folder 18
1980s
Miscellanoeus Finances
 Box 21 Folder 19
1983-1991
Miscellaneous Finances
 Box 21 Folder 20
1986
Payroll Cash Vouchers
 Box 21 Folder 21
1989
Billing Sheets and Journal Entries
 Box 21 Folder 22
1989-1993
Balance Sheets
 Box 21 Folder 23
1992-1993
Miscellanous Finances
 Box 21 Folder 24
1981-1985
Financials- Merrill Lynch
 Box 21 Folder 25
1985-1989
Financials- Merrill Lynch
 Box 21 Folder 26
1970s
First National Ithaca- Miscellaneous Statements of Accounts
Box 21 Folder 27
1970s
First National Ithaca- Miscellaneous Statements of Accounts
Box 21 Folder 28
1985-1989
Tompkins County Trust Company
 Box 21 Folder 29
2000-2002
SMC
 Box 22 Folder 1
2002
Bursar Billing
 Box 22 Folder 2
1999
Room Contracts
 Box 22 Folder 3
2000-2002
Bank Deposits
 Box 22 Folder 4
2000-2002
Bank Deposits
 Box 22 Folder 5
1999
Forms and Contracts
 Box 22 Folder 6
2000-2002
Accounts Receivable
 Box 22 Folder 7
2000-2002
Accounts Payable
 Box 22 Folder 8
2000-2002
Mortgage Bank
 Box 22 Folder 9
2000-2002
Balance Sheets and Income Statements
 Box 22 Folder 10
2000-2002
Paid Invoice Journals
 Box 22 Folder 11
2000-2002
House Detail
 Box 22 Folder 12
2000-2002
Envelopes
 Box 22 Folder 13
2000-2002
Pledge Manuals, Alphabetic listing, History, program for 1936 initiation banquet
Box 22 Folder 14
1970s
Checkbooks
 Box 22 Folder 15
2000-2002
Miscellaneous photos in small box in Box 22
 Box 22
1968-2008
Composites, miscellaneous photos
 Box 23
CD's: Cornell Songs - CD-974
Box 24 Folder 1
Episode of the television show Strange Days with Bob Saget, "How to Pledge and Be Hazed by an Ivy League Fraternity" - DVD-721
Box 24 Folder 1
This epsiode features Bob Saget's visit to Ithaca and time spent with the fraternity.
1982
Additions and Alterations to 205 Thurston Ave.
Box 24 Folder 2
2000-2007
Fraternity Information, Social Events, Centennial Celebration
Box 24 Folder 3
1928-2007
The Snake
Box 24 Folder 4
2004-2005
Bills, Taxes, Contracts, Bursar Billings
 Box 24 Folder 5
2004-2005
Invoices
Box 24 Folder 6
2004-2005
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Box 24 Folder 7
2000-2006
Correspondence
Box 24 Folder 8
ca. 1927
Original fireplace bellows
Box 25
19--
A Brief History of the Seal and Serpent Society
 Box 26 Folder 1
1983-1985
Activities Center Reference Manual
 Box 26 Folder 2
1991
Alumni Directory
 Box 26 Folder 3
1989-1990
Balance Sheets and President's Material
 Box 26 Folder 4
2004-2005
Balance Sheets
 Box 26 Folder 5
1957-1998
Board of Directors
 Box 26 Folder 6
1958
Bylaws
 Box 26 Folder 7
1983-1984
Campus Organization Directory
 Box 26 Folder 8
1984
Chapter Assessment
 Box 26 Folder 9
1985
Cornell Daily Sun Clippings
 Box 26 Folder 10
1989-1990
Cornell Housing Referral Service
 Box 26 Folder 11
1957-1961
Correspondence A-G
 Box 26 Folder 12
1958-1960
Correspondence H-Z
 Box 26 Folder 13
1996-2001
Correspondence from Alumni
 Box 26 Folder 14
1959-1996
Correspondence to Alumni
 Box 26 Folder 15
2004-2005
Deposit Slips
 Box 26 Folder 16
1991
Draft of The Snake
 Box 26 Folder 17
1984
Epsilon Sigs
 Box 26 Folder 18
1987-1989
Founder's Fund
 Box 26 Folder 19
1989-1991
Goals for Officers
 Box 26 Folder 20
2000-2001
Goals, Plans, Visioning
 Box 26 Folder 21
1998
Hell Week
 Box 26 Folder 22
1984-1991
Homecoming
 Box 26 Folder 23
1960
House Accounts - Audit
 Box 26 Folder 24
2004-2005
Housing Contracts
 Box 26 Folder 25
1958-1986
Interfraternity Council
 Box 26 Folder 26
1971-1972
Interfraternity Council Information Packet
 Box 26 Folder 27
1960
Letter Format for Pledge Parents
 Box 26 Folder 28
1960
Meeting Minutes
 Box 26 Folder 29
1980-2002
Miscellaneous Papers
 Box 26 Folder 30
Includes a September 16, 1996 Time magazine
1983-1986
Officers Person Papers
 Box 26 Folder 31
1958
Organizational Plans
 Box 26 Folder 32
1953-1999
Photographs
 Box 26 Folder 33
Includes photos of 1953-1955 members
1988
Pledge Manual
 Box 26 Folder 34
1987
President Donald Emery Papers
 Box 26 Folder 35
1984
Records of Living Alumni
 Box 26 Folder 36
1959-1989
Recruitment Material
 Box 26 Folder 37
1982
Refurnishing Information
 Box 26 Folder 38
Renovation Plans
 Box 26 Folder 39
1981-1983
Renovation Plans
 Box 26 Folder 40
1938-1992
Social Events Material
 Box 26 Folder 41
1984-1985
Stewart Howe Alumni Service
 Box 26 Folder 42
1989-1990
Student Management Corporation
 Box 26 Folder 43
2004-2005
Taxes
 Box 26 Folder 44
1914-1980
The Snake
 Box 26 Folder 45
1981-1996
The Snake
 Box 26 Folder 46
1957-1965
Treasurer's Reports
 Box 26 Folder 47
October 27, 1926 and n.d.
Construction plans for Lodge, Gibb & Waltz, Architects, Ithaca, New York, 6 pictures
Mapcase
October 27, 1926
Specifications for mason and carpenter work; electrical wiring work; plumbing and gas fitting; Gibb & Waltz, 3 items
Mapcase
March 1928
Plans for planting arrangement, Joseph P. Porter, landscape architect, Ithaca, New York, plan no. 80-A, 11 copies
Mapcase
rev. December 23, 1926
Temporary prints not to be used for construction; Gibb & Waltz, architects; 8 blueprints attached
Mapcase