A History of Brotherhood

The history of Greek letter social fraternities at Furman has not been smooth sailing. The earliest fraternities seem to appear in the 19th century, however some time during these early years the Greek system was banned by the school. In 1927 these social groups were once again reinstated and many opened houses around the Old Campus. During WWII fraternities once again began to fade out, but with the return of male students ( in great numbers thanks to the GI bill) they grew in leaps and bounds towards the end of the 1940s. The fraternities were pushing for dances and other socials now that Greenville Women's College and Furman were one. But the Baptist Convention wanted none of it and forced President Plyler to close all Greek letter social organizations during the winter of 1962-1963. Although they were officially banned most frats continued as social clubs under other names, until the break with the Baptists in 1993, where upon fraternities were officially recognized by the school.

Delta Kappa Alpha Gamma Pi...?

Although Greek life is a long standing tradition at Furman, for female students it has been a more recent reality. According to the Baptist Convention, Furman was not allowed to have Greek life on campus. But as soon as the school broke religious ties the many female social organizations on campus applied to become chapters of national sororities. And although the formal Greek organizations have only been in place since the early 1990s, female students have been creating social groups since the time of "the zoo" (Greenville Women's College).

A Kid's World

Although May Day is long gone, Spring time is still a time of fun and excitement at Furman. The first Saturday of May is marked by the arrival of local school children and special needs adults coming to enjoy the games and rides across campus. Run by the CESC, this day of play brings together all ages and turns the campus into a world run by the children.

Laking

The ritual "laking" on birthdays. The innocent celebrant is carried by as many people as are necessary to the water's edge and thrown mercilessly into the lake. If anyone has any other photos of these events
please let us know we would love to have more!!

White Oaks

With date safely found, the picnic proceeds on the lawn of White Oaks, the president's home. After eating freshman get the chance to have a memerable and educational tour of this beautiful southern home. Just don't believe everything you hear.

Dates

After only a few days of life at Furman

finding a date for the President's Picnic

can be difficult...

So we make things easier through traditions

such as the Cinderella-esq shoe choice:

Girls remove a shoe, boys pick a shoe,

now make a pair.

Serenade

Singing to their brown eyed girls

Pyramid

Students are rising
to the occasion during Fieldfest.

What are they doing?

Here at Furman Orientation Week offers any number of interesting entertainments.
This series of photos comes from Fieldfest during the 1970s.
Like the ever popular Life Saver relay, this brings brother and sister halls closer together.
However, we in Special Collections are unsure of exactly how this game works.
If you have any ideas please share them with us.

Student Tunnel

One girl enters the tunnel and one mounts the bridge. Lets just hope that the boys can keep this bridge together.