Scabbard and Blade Records

Finding Aid

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Collection Summary

Identifier

UA 35.11

Title

Scabbard and Blade Records

Creator

Scabbard and Blade, South Dakota State University

Dates

1926-1979

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)

Language

English

Repository

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Access note

This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Preferred Citation

Name of item. Scabbard and Blade Records. UA 35.11. South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Abstract

Scabbard and Blade raises the standard of military drill in college and universities, encourages qualities for food and efficient officers, and promotes good fellowship among the cadets. The collection is composed of initiation procedures, a manual, and minutes for Company I, 6th Regiment of Scabbard and Blade.

Historical Note

The National Chapter of Scabbard and Blade was founded in 1904 at the University of Wisconsin. The 1st Company, 6th Regiment of Scabbard and Blade was installed at South Dakota State College, May 15, 1927. The purpose of Scabbard and Blade was to aid in raising the standard of military drill in American colleges and universities, to unite in closer relationship their military departments, to encourage and foster the essential qualities of good and efficient officers, and to promote intimacy and good fellowship among the cadets. R.O.T.C. Cadets had to be enrolled in the advanced course before they were considered as prospective members for Scabbard and Blade. Qualifications for membership in the fraternity were similar to those found in other honorary fraternities. The cadet elected had to possess such qualities as efficiency, patriotism, obedience, honor, courage and good fellowship. This organization remained on the campus of South Dakota State University through sometime in the 1970s.

Contents Note

This collection is composed of initiation procedures, a manual, and minutes for Company I, 6th Regiment of Scabbard and Blade. The manual includes a calendar of events that the society had to follow throughout the year, procedures for initiation of candidates, jewelry, miscellaneous contact of company officers with national headquarters, standard forms furnished by the executive officer without charge, and duties of company officers. The initiation procedures detail the purpose, scope, time of initiation, nominations, and the objectives and conduct of pledge week. The minutes list members of Scabbard and Blade, elected officers, and treasury reports. Included are discussions on scholarships, amendments to the constitution, military balls, and other events on campus that the society was involved in, such as Hobo Day and Spring Sing.

Key Words

Guidon and Arnold Air Society

Military balls

Military bands

National Society of Scabbard and Blade

Perishing’s and Pershingettes

Student activities

Students -- Societies, etc.

Container List

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Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.

South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.

Copyright note

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

Arranged and Described by

Crystal J. Gamradt, 1998 August 25.