Arethusa Delta Chapter

at NY State University at Oneonta

Established October 20, 1894

“...rooms in the Normal building will be ready for the new chapter  (Arethusa Delta) by the last of the school year. These rooms will be on the fourth floor over the main entrance.— excerpt from “A New Society”; The Oneontan– November 1894

Excerpts from the Original Minutes Book of the Delta Chapter of the Arethusa Society.

“September 26, 1894-

31 Normal students met with Dr. Milne in the Normal building to ask his advice about forming a society.  He seemed very much pleased at the idea.  … His words were encouraging, and as he left the room he wished us success.

October 5, 1894-

...The constitution was immediately drawn up.  It was read by Miss Josephine Axtell and discussed by the society.

October 20, 1894-

Two delegates from the Alpha Chapter of Arethusa at Brockport were present for the purpose of organizing the Delta Chapter of the said society in Oneonta.

… They pronounced us the Delta Chapter of the Arethusa Fraternity.  They were both anxious that we should be earnest and make Arethusa a success in Oneonta. By their words, it was plain to all that Arethusa Society was no trifling but an elevating institution.”

November 21,1894

“... It was suggested that the society be distinguished as a reading society, and that each member purchase some noted book of solid reading which should be loaned throughout the society.  When the member should leave school, she could either donate this book to the society or she could retain it”.