Scope & Content

Frank Horton's membership application

The Alpha Phi Omega Records (1925-) contain correspondence, speeches, scrapbooks, clippings, photographs, publications, and memorabilia pertaining to Alpha Chapter. The records (7 boxes — 2.5 linear feet) are arranged alphabetically according to subject.

Those records concerning Frank Reed Horton and the founding of Alpha Phi Omega are particularly noteworthy, including 1925 Alpha Chapter charters and charter membership registration applications.   Correspondence to and from Alpha Chapter provides the most valuable insight into the activities of Alpha Chapter. The national office publications form a significant portion of the records, with the Torch and Trefoil encompassing the longest period (1948-1985, 1988). The records also contain a number of photographs of Alpha Chapter activities and national pilgrimages spanning 1952-1982. Newspaper clippings are particularly informative about the Chapter and national fraternity news. Minutes are largely wanting, and those contained in the records span a limited time frame. Membership registration applications were well maintained for all classes, except those of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1980s. They are especially helpful in gauging the interest in Alpha Chapter during different periods at Lafayette.