Epsilon Sigma Phi records
Abstract
The Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi was organized at the University of Maryland in 1928. This chapter of the honorary fraternity for agricultural extension agents has emphasized the attainment of professional excellence and the encouragement of 4-H programs, among other goals. The files of the Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi include reports, publications, photographs, financial records, and documentation of members' achievements.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
This collection is open for research.
Epsilon Sigma Phi records, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Epsilon Sigma Phi is an honorary professional fraternity for agricultural extension agents. Founded on January 10, 1927, in Bozeman, Montana, the fraternity soon attracted members nationwide. According to the fiftieth anniversary handbook for the Tau Chapter, the purpose of the fraternity was "to promote fellowship among Extension workers, to uphold ideals of superior work and to encourage advanced training." The fraternity met these goals by recognizing outstanding extension workers with awards, by establishing a scholarship loan fund for the use of members, and by holding an annual banquet and meeting at which members socialized and participated in a program relating to extension work. Epsilon Sigma Phi also pushed for colleges to grant academic rank, sabbatical leave, and other privileges to extension employees and was instrumental in the movement to provide retirement benefits for agricultural extension workers.
Mr. William A. Lloyd, a representative of the Cooperative Extension Service, organized the Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi at College Park, Maryland, on January 19, 1928. There were thirteen charter members; Thomas B. Symons was the first chief. To be considered for membership, candidates for induction had to have performed satisfactory service for at least ten years as an extension worker; the period was reduced to five years in 1964. Candidates also had to be currently employed at least half-time by the University of Maryland and/or by the federal Extension Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Traditionally the Tau Chapter held one meeting a year, at the time and place of the Annual Extension Conference. There were also several executive meetings a year, and occasionally spring and fall meetings were held. To foster continuing education, the Tau Chapter made membership loans and scholarships available for members. The Chapter also encouraged 4-H programs through their 4-H Recognition Award to county leaders. In 1952 the Tau Chapter started the Hall of Service to recognize those persons who had completed twenty-five years of work in extension, and in 1975, the chapter initiated the Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing a person who had been on the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service staff for more than one year but less than two and who had shown special talent and energy in carrying through a program.
The Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi continues to be active in 2000
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The records of the Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi cover the period 1928 to 1987 and contain correspondence, financial records, constitutions, directories, publications, and minutes. These records document the administrative activities and services of the chapter. Important subjects include Greek letter societies, the Association of Land Grant Colleges and Universities, 4-H, Smith-Lever Act, and the Federal Retirement Act. Among the correspondents are: Thomas A. Coleman; Seaman A. Knapp; A. Frank Lever; W. A. Lloyd; E. I. Oswald; Rep. Vincent L. Palmisano; Madge J. Reese; S. B. Shaw; Georgianan Smurwaite; Thomas B. Symons; and James Wilson.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
The records of the Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi were deposited by Theodore L. Bissell, historian for Tau Chapter, in the University of Maryland Libraries on March 29, 1965. Additional materials separated from various university archival record groups during processing were incorporated into the collection in January 2000.
Processing Information
Unknown.
Staples were pulled and replaced with plastic clips. Items were refoldered in acid-free folders. Photographs were moved to the photograph collection.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Dan Schwartz, May 2006.
Arrangement of Collection
The records are organized into two series and five subseries:
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, 1928-1987 (2.5 linear feet)
Series I is comprised of three subseries of files, containing correspondence, membership lists, reports of chapter activities, minutes, constitutions, by-laws, financial documents, and other materials that document the administrative and financial activities of the Tau Chapter. Also included in this series are biographies, death notices, eulogies, and photographs of deceased members.
The majority of the correspondence relates to the annual meeting and banquet and membership eligibility. Madge J. Reese, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, is the most frequent correspondent.
Subseries 1 features letters written from 1956 to 1975 by A. F. Vierheller, Extension Pomologist, commonly known as the "Vierheller Newsletter," that provide updates on extension workers, including their activities and health. Vierheller also used the newsletter to comment on a variety of topics, politics and world events in particular.
Subseries 1.1: Administration, 1928-1987 (1.5 linear feet)
This subseries includes correspondence relating to membership eligibility; meetings, especially the Annual Meeting and Banquet; and chapter awards. Also included are membership and personnel lists; committee assignments, reports, minutes, and correspondence; the "Vierheller Newsletter"; reports of chapter activities; constitutions and by-laws; responses to Yearbook questionnaires; and the records of the chapter secretary. Files are arranged alphabetically by document type or subject.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Annual meeting and banquet (correspondence, minutes, programs), 1929-1974 and 1980-1983 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Certificate of Recognition, 1938-1952 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Constitution and By-Laws, 1961-1963 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1928-1950 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 19 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1951-1975 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence (mostly membership), 1951-1975 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Delegate of Grand Council annual meeting, 1936-1953 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Delegate of Grand Council annual meeting, 1936-1953 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Delegate of Grand Council annual meeting, 1936-1953 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Executive Board (correspondence and minutes), 1957-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Executive Board (correspondence and minutes), 1957-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Correspondence, 1946-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Annalist, 1930-1951 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Archives and Historian, 1961-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Archives and Historian, 1961-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Hall of Service, 1952-1972 and 1984 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Hall of Service, 1952-1972 and 1984 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Hospitality, 1960 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Initiation, 1949-1970 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Membership and Recognition (includes lists of candidates for membership, 1928-1974), 1942-1974 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Miscellaneous (Audition, Distinguished Service Ruby, Ethics, Resolutions, Summer Outing, Twentieth Anniversary, Fiftieth Anniversary Handbook), 1939-1978 and 1984 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Plans and Projects, 1952-1971 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
| Executive Board Committees -- Summer Fellowship, 1971-1972 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 19 | |
| Extension Personnel lists, 1944-1964 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 20 | |
| Extension Personnel lists, 1944-1964 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 21 | |
| Extension Personnel lists (county), 1914-1977 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Fraternity pins correspondence, 1930-1951 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Junior Extension Certificate (4-H), 1937 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| "Members and Officers" -- Booklet, 1962-1972 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| "Members and Officers" -- Correspondence, 1958-1972 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Membership lists, 1937-1974 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Membership lists, 1937-1974 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Newsletter, 1980-1982 and 1986-1987 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Prophecy, [1954?] | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Report of delegate to Grand Council annual meeting, 1940-1951 and annual reports, Tau Chapter, 1962-1963 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Report of Chapter activities to the Grand Council, 1937-1953 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Secretary -- Form letters, 1933-1945 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 12 | |
| Secretary -- Record book (minutes of annual meeting, financial records, committee assignments), 1928-1951 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 13 | |
| Vierheller Newsletter, 1957-1975 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 14 | |
| Vierheller Newsletter, 1957-1975 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 15 | |
| Vierheller Newsletter, 1957-1975 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 16 | |
| Yearbook questionnaire responses, 1928-1954 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 17 | |
| Yearbook questionnaire responses, 1928-1954 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 18 | |
| Yearbook questionnaire responses, 1928-1954 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 19 | |
| Yearbook questionnaire responses, 1928-1954 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 20 | |
Subseries 1.2: Finances, 1928-1971 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries includes correspondence, accounts receivable records, a savings account passbook, two receipt books, and financial statements. Files are arranged alphabetically by document type.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial correspondence, 1928-1952 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Financial records, 1928-1958 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Financial records, 1928-1958 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Financial statements and treasurer's reports, 1928-1971 | series 1.2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
Subseries 1.3: Hall of Service, 1942-1982 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries includes autobiographies, biographies, death notices, retirement announcements, and eulogies of members. Files are arranged alphabetically by members' last names. Photographs from this subseries were moved to the photograph collection.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Biographies A-I, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Biographies J-Z, 1942-1982 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Biographies, Symons, T. B., 1953, 1970 and n.d. | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Announcements of Retirement, 1964-1965 | series 1.3 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
Series 2: Grand Council of Epsilon Sigma Phi, 1928-1978 (1.5 linear feet)
Series II is comprised of two subseries documenting the activities of the Grand Council, the national governing body of Epsilon Sigma Phi. The major activities of the Grand Council included the planning of events, such as the national annual meeting and the awards banquet, amending the constitution, and communicating with local chapters. Also included in this series are publications sponsored by the Grand Council.
Subseries 2.1: Adminstration, 1928-1978 (1 linear foot)
This subseries includes correspondence relating to arrangements for the annual meeting, "Highlights" of the year's activities, annual reports by the Grand Secretary-Treasurer and committees, as well as correspondence and biographies for recipients of the "Distinguished Service Ruby" award. Constitutions, by-laws, the charter, creed, initiatory ceremony, song, and publications sponsored by the national office are also included in this subseries. Files are arranged alphabetically by subject.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual meeting -- Correspondence, programs, and reports, 1931-1964 and 1971-1975 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Annual meeting -- Correspondence, programs, and reports, 1931-1964 and 1971-1975 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Annual meeting -- Correspondence, programs, and reports, 1931-1964 and 1971-1975 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Annual meeting -- Correspondence, programs, and reports, 1931-1964 and 1971-1975 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Annual meeting -- "Highlights", 1939-1974 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Annual meeting -- Report by Grand Secretary-Treasurer, 1935-1936 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, 1929-1970 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, 1929-1970 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Awards Banquet (program), 1975 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Charter (correspondence), 1928-1948 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Committees -- Chapter Programs and Activities, 1941-1966 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Committees -- Correspondence and personnel lists, 1951-1975 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Committees -- Ethics Committee, n.d. | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Committees -- Extension History, 1941-1943 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Committees -- "Professional Improvement", 1941-1951 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Committees -- Retirement, 1939-1949 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Committees -- Retirement, 1939-1949 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Committees -- Distinguished Service Ruby (correspondence), 1936-1975 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Epsilon Sigma Phi Newsletter, 1976-1978 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Extension Workers Creed, 1936, 1960-1963 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| House of Pioneers (correspondence), 1937-1945 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| "Information for Chapter Secretaries" (manual), 1931 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Initiatory Ceremony, 1948 and 1954 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| "A Preliminary Study of Agricultural Extension Advancement", n.d. | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Proposal to establish a professional journal, 1959 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| Scholarship loans (correspondence), 1945-1950 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
| Song-"Epsilon Sigma Phi" by T. L. Bewick, n.d. | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 19 | |
| "The Spirit and Philosophy of Extension Work" (correspondence), 1952 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 20 | |
| Twentieth Anniversary (1927-1947) and "Outline History of the Organization and Accomplishments of Epsilon Sigma Phi, 1927 through 1959", n.d. | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 21 | |
Subseries 2.2: Yearbook, 1929-1960 (0.5 linear feet)
The Epsilon Sigma Phi Yearbook includes the annual address of the Grand Director, annual reports of the fraternity, committee reports, articles on chapter events, and other information about members and activities. Volumes are arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Yearbook, 1929-1960 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
Related Material
Materials related to this collection may be found in the Papers of Theodore L. Bissell, the Papers of Thomas B. Symons, and the Records of the Cooperative Extension Services held in the Archives and Manuscripts Department. Publications in the university publications collection under "Cooperative Extension Service" and "Agricultural Extension Service" may also be of interest. In addition, the resource guide, "Agriculture in Maryland," provides an annotated, selected list of holdings in the Archives and Manuscripts Department that relate to various aspects of agriculture in Maryland.
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
Selected Search Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Maryland Libraries' Catalog. Researchers desiring related materials about these topics, names, or places may search the Catalog using these headings.
Subjects
- Agricultural extension work -- Maryland -- History -- Sources
- Epsilon Sigma Phi. -- Tau Chapter -- Archives
- Epsilon Sigma Phi -- History -- Sources
Names (Added Entries)
- Symons, Thomas B. -- (Thomas Baddeley), -- b. 1880