Alpha Phi Alpha, Epsilon Chapter (University of Michigan) records, 1909-1997, 2009, undated (majority within 1978-1996)
1.7 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 2 oversize boxes — 3 digital audio files
1.7 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 2 oversize boxes — 3 digital audio files
The first series, History and Administrative Records (1 linear foot), contains early records of the fraternity, including an audio tape interview with one of the early members of the fraternity (J. Leon Langhorne) and a minute book (1909-1927). There are also records of the activities of the fraternity, including parties, workshops, and community service. Administrative and organizational records are contained in this group as well, including organizational charts, officers' reports, minutes of meetings, and several versions of the constitution and bylaws of the chapter. This series also contains two editions of a book by Charles H. Wesley, The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life, which is a general history of Alpha Phi Alpha from 1906 to 1979. Several references to the Epsilon Chapter and the University of Michigan are made in the book, many of which have been marked.
3 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 1 archived website
The Chapter Records series (1.9 linear feet) documents the actions of the Theta Zeta Lambda alumni chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. The bulk of the series is comprised of meeting minutes and agendas, but the series also includes reports, correspondence, directories, constitutions and by-laws, and other material, as well as archived iterations of the Theta Zeta Lambda website from 2017-2019.
Researchers should note that some folders contained in "Meetings" (for example: "Minutes, Correspondence, and Other Compiled Materials, 1979-1981") were originally binders that included not only meeting minutes but correspondence and various other materials. These materials have been kept together.
The Handbook series contains a guide to the University of Michigan entitled Wolverine Handbook created by Alpha Phi Omega in 1964.
The Correspondence series contains both incoming and outgoing correspondence from 1940 to 1956, 1960-1970, and 1980-1987, including the chapter's earliest days as a preparatory group, working for official chapter status. Very few records in this series document the years 1971-1980 or after 1987. Records consist of mailings from national headquarters and from other chapters, as well as some internal communication from University of Michigan departments and from local APO members.
The Architectural Society series (0.1 linear feet) consists of the minutes of the society, a University of Michigan organization formed in 1909 and active until 1931. The minutes indicate that the focus of the society's activity was social. However, in addition to sponsoring dances, they appear to have also sponsored lectures by faculty members.
Correspondence and other Papers (1949 accession) is a chronologically arranged series and dates from 1822 to 1896. The letters concern family affairs, business, state and national politics, particularly the presidential candidacy of Lewis Cass and the elections of 1848 and 1852, and the Felch estate.
0.5 linear feet — 15 audiotapes (reel-to-reel tapes) — 38.8 GB
The Officer Records series (1.25 linear ft.) consists of meeting minutes, annual reports, event planning materials, scholarship information, and materials documenting the chapter's participation in the UM Alumnae Council. It is organized by academic year.
0.5 linear feet
Photographs (0.5 linear feet, ca. 1890-1980) predominantly depict female students at the university. There are also photographs of women athletes in action, and of the interior of the Michigan League. Many of the photographs were collected as part of the organization's efforts to celebrate their 60th anniversary.