1885—The Agonian Society
It all began at the Geneseo Normal School in 1885 when 17 women formed a
literary organization—the Agonian Society—under the direction of
school president William Milne. The society's purpose was to study great works
of literature and writers of the time, as well as to provide a social outlet
for its members.
1892—The Agonian Fraternity
On October 8, 1892,
the Agonian Society of the Geneseo Normal School united with societies of
Oneonta
and Fredonia to form a fraternity at what was called the First Annual Convention
of the Agonian Fraternity. Geneseo became the Alpha Chapter of the Agonian
Fraternity.
Julia Wells, from Baldwinsville, NY, was named the first president of the
Geneseo chapter.
We have a framed charter in our house that documents the First Annual Convention.
It is handwritten in an ornate style and has an official gold seal, plus blue,
white, and yellow ribbons (very similar to our current pledge pins). At the
top of the charter is an anchor decorated with an "A", a star, and
pearls, which is the same design as our president's pin and the anchor light
that hangs at the highest peak in the front of our house. The Ago nautical
theme seems to have been inspired by this anchor symbol that has been around
since at least 1892.
The attendees
at the convention were: Belle Minard,
Alice McCurdy,
Hattie Wycoff,
Ella Falon,
E. Morganstein,
Minnie Lampson,
Clara Gray,
Ella Crane,
Mabel Beebe,
Hattie McGregor,
Louise Herrick,
Julia Wells,
Mary Hazen,
Fannie Haynes,
Irene James,
Libbie Haynes,
Eva Cole,
Flora Coykendall,
Ellen Mather, and
H. Hoagland.
The charter is signed by Mabel Jacques, President, and Nellie M. Hoard, Secretary,
and dated October 27, 1901. We are not sure why the charter is dated nine
years after the convention was held. Alumnae, please email
us if you know the history behind this!
View a photo
of the 1892 First Annual Convention charter.
1895—Philathean Society
In 1895 the Agonians became pinned to the Philathean Society for men. The
Philatheans eventually took the letters Phi Alpha Zeta and then Phi Sigma
Epsilon (Phi Sigs). Today they are known as Phi Sigma Xi (Phigs). The two
organizations depinned in 1974.
1928—Taking on Our Greek Letters
In 1928 an Agonian Convention was held in Oswego, NY. At this convention
the constitution was revised and we were officially recognized as Alpha Kappa
Phi.
1960's - The Ago's move into 26 Wadsworth Street
The Ago sisters began living in our current house at 26 Wadsworth Street during the 1960's. The sister rented the house from Professor Neureiter until 1972 when he sold it to us. Check here for more history on our home.
Ago Quick Facts
Formal Name
Agonian |
Colors
Blue, Gold, and White |
Public Name
Alpha Kappa Phi |
Symbol
Anchor |
Letters
AKΦ |
Flower
Yellow Rose |
Nickname
Ago |
Stone
Pearl |
Founded
1885 |
Mottos
We strive to lead.
One step at a time, but always forward. |
Chapter
Alpha |
Crest
|
