Delphic Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
The Delphic Club
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 9 Linden Street Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | James Purdon H'1895 |
| Architectural style | neo-Georgian style |
| Part of | Harvard Square Historic District (ID86003654) |
The Delphic Club is a social group at Harvard University. It was started in 1846. For a long time, it was only for male students. In 2017, it started to join with an all-female club called the Bee Club. By 2018, they became one club, open to both male and female students. This new club was officially recognized by Harvard. However, in 2020, the two clubs decided to separate again.
Contents
Club History: From Fraternity to Final Club
The Delphic Club began in 1846 as a chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity. It was called the "Alpha of Massachusetts." After two years, the university asked it to close.
In 1885, the Delta Phi fraternity decided to start a new chapter at Harvard. This chapter became the club we know today. In 1900, the members voted to become a "Final Club." Final Clubs are social groups at Harvard that are independent from national fraternities. In 1902, the club officially broke away from the Delta Phi fraternity.
There's a famous story about J. P. Morgan Jr., who was a student in 1889. The story says he helped pay for the Delphic Club to be created. He did this after he didn't get into another club he wanted to join.
The Delphic Club's Home
The club first met at different places on Brattle Street. From 1887 to 1903, it was at 72 Mt. Auburn Street. Back then, it was sometimes called "The Gashouse." This was because all its windows would light up with electricity, which was new and exciting at the time.
Today, the club's home is at 9 Linden Street. This is very close to Harvard Yard and Harvard Square. The building was designed by James Purdon in a style called neo-Georgian. It was finished in 1903. The building has red brick and classic Harvard-style details. Inside, there are many large common rooms. There's also a big dining room for events. The club does not have living spaces for students. It even has a squash court!
Being Recognized by Harvard
The Delphic Club is now officially recognized by Harvard University. However, it was not recognized by the university between 1984 and 2018. The club stopped being officially linked to Harvard in 1984. This was because of rules that said clubs should admit female members.
In September 2018, Harvard announced that it would recognize the Delphic-Bee Merged Group. This meant it was a club open to all genders. This also meant that members of the club would not face certain university rules for single-gender social groups. The Delphic Club is managed by a group of former members called alumni.
Joining with the Bee Club
In August 2017, the Delphic Club and the Bee Club agreed to share the Delphic's building. The Bee Club was the oldest all-female final club at Harvard, started in 1991. This sharing was a step toward them joining together.
In September 2018, Harvard College officially recognized them as one club. This new club was open to both male and female students. Because of this, students who joined the Delphic & Bee club were not affected by Harvard's rules about single-gender clubs. However, in September 2020, the two clubs decided to separate again.
What's in a Name?
The club had a few names over the years. When it started in 1885, it was sometimes called "The Gashouse." This nickname came from the new electric lights in its building.
The club was first known as the Zeta Chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity. After it broke away from the fraternity in 1903, students started calling it "The Gas." This became the official name in 1908. But soon after, the name was changed to "The Delphic Club." This name is a mix of "Delta Phi Club."
Club Symbols and Traditions
The Delphic Club's symbol is three torches on a blue background. Their slogan is "Three times three, long life to thee." The club also has special ties with the three torches logo.
Some of the club's traditions include formal dinners where members wear black ties. These dinners are for current students and alumni (former members). The club also has a rule that only members are allowed inside. To join the club, students are invited to special dinners and dances. This process is called "Punching."
Famous Former Members
Many well-known people have been members of the Delphic Club. Here are a few:
- Matt Damon, an American actor and writer.
- Jack Lemmon, an American actor.
- J. P. Morgan Jr., a famous American banker.
- Aga Khan IV, the current leader of the Nizari Ismaili faith.
- Michel de Carvalho, a British financier and former Olympic athlete.
- George Santayana, a Spanish-American philosopher and writer.
- Archibald Cox, a U.S. Solicitor General who worked on the Watergate scandal.
- Nicholas Abruzzese, an American professional ice hockey player.
Clubhouse Updates
The Delphic Club building has been updated several times. In 1974-75, parts of the building like the walls and roofs were fixed. A bigger renovation happened in 2013-14. During this time, the club's water pipes and electrical systems were updated. Workers also found water under the club's floor. This was because the club's drainage system was damaged when a nearby building, Farkas Hall, was built. During these renovations, old paintings from the 12th century were found on the 2.5 floor.
The Delphic Club in Books
Stories about "The Gas House" are told in books by former members. Charles Macomb Flandrau, who was a Delphic alum, wrote about the club in his book Harvard Episodes (1897). He described how different generations of members connected with the club.
George Santayana, a famous philosopher, became an honorary member in 1890. He spent a lot of time at the Delphic Club. He even wrote about the club in some of his works. One poem he wrote ends with:
Whatever follows: nor, until he die
Will Paris grieve he chose the Delta Phi
When the new clubhouse opened in 1903, Santayana wrote a special poem for it. It ends with these lines:
And though we go, for change is Nature's plan,
And half remains where youth and friendship live.
To loves and labours that approve the man,
Half the soul clutches what the world can give,
