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Alpha Phi Omega, Tau Chapter Records

 Collection
Identifier: Ms Coll. 052

Scope and Content

This collection contains the records of the Alpha Phi Omega - Tau Chapter at the University of Florida. Individual file folders concern such topics as chapter beginnings, membership drives, finances and scholarships, the BSA, and APO biennial national conventions. The collection also includes the letters of President Henry Howison, Secretary Robert S. Cody, and letters to and from the fraternity's national headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dates

  • Creation: 1931-1939

Creator

Access

University Archives collections are available for research. Portions of the collections may be restricted due to the requirements of applicable state and federal laws, including but not limited to FERPA and HIPAA, and in accordance with best practices as defined by the Society of American Archivists.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Tau Chapter at the University of Florida is a chapter within a national college fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, that treasures its close association with the Boy Scouts of America. Organized in April of 1931 as the "Tau" chapter of a brotherhood extending from California to the East Coast, APO at UF began with just thirteen men, including cofounders Andrew R. Janson (installing officer) and W. G. Perry (first Grand Master), and in only five years expanded to a membership of forty-nine. The fraternity's early local success can be attributed to the spirit and energy of its brethren, all of whom were devoted to the "development of leadership and self-reliance" and the promotion of "the highest ideals of citizenship in the state and nation," to its emphasis on recruitment, at first restricted to Eagle Scouts then later targeted at scouts from lower ranks, and to the popularity the BSA enjoyed during the Depression Era (1930s) as a community service organization.

Extent

0.4 Linear feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection includes APO publications, information on the origins of the fraternity, and correspondence.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Title
A Guide to the Alpha Phi Omega, Tau Chapter Records
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Dept. Staff
Date
March 2005
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755