Guide to the Psi Upsilon Files, 1840-1963

John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI, 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2019

Collection Overview

Title:	Psi Upsilon Files
Date range:	1840-1963
Creator:	Psi Upsilon Fraternity
Extent:	6 linear feet
Abstract:	The Psi Upsilon Files include records, proposals, and correspondence dated from 1915 to 1992. It includes materials regarding the creation of the fraternity, minutes of chapter meetings, records of conventions, and files relating to the fraternity's house.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	OF-1Q-P2

Scope & content

The Psi Upsilon Files include records, proposals, and correspondence dated from 1915 to 1992. It includes materials regarding the creation of the fraternity, minutes of chapter meetings, records of conventions, and files relating to the fraternity's house.

Access Points

Subject Organizations

• Brown University
• Psi Upsilon Fraternity

Arrangement

This collection is divided into 5 series.

• Series 1. Records
• Series 2. The Fraternity Proposal
• Series 3. Psi Upsilon Club Correspondence
• Series 4. Lincoln Library Association
• Series 5. Psi Upsilon Conventions
• Series 6. Thomas Theodore Green - Psi Upsilon Correspondence

Biographical/Historical Note

Psi Upsilon (Sigma chapter) was established in 1840, the third fraternity at Brown, The early members met of President Wayland’s objection to the secrecy of the organization by electing him to honorary membership. Many of the members of Psi Upsilon were Rhode Island residents, and, according to an article in the Brunonian in 1892, “For more than half a century the Sigma has annually recruited from the best families in Rhode Island.” In 1893 Psi Upsilon became the first fraternity to have its own house. The house, a modified Colonial design, was built by the fraternity at 4 Manning Street. After the fraternities moved into the Wriston Quadrangle, it was renamed Angell Hall and used by the Biology Department. It was finally razed in 1972 from the lot in front of the Sciences Library. The chapter disbanded in 1964. It had been unable to meet the requirements of academic average and membership set forth in the Housing Report of 1962, had been fined by the Interfraternity Council for rushing practices, and had lost ten members who were suspended for a disorder at the house in the spring of 1963. The chapter was revived in 1985 with both men and women members.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Psi Upsilon Files, OF-1Q-P2, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Paul Jordan and Daniela Carney
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2019 November 05
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Separated material:

Box 11.1 from the Lincoln Library Association series is currently lost

Inventory

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