Signet society
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The Signet Society of Harvard University was founded in 1870 by members of the class of 1871. The first president was Charles Joseph Bonaparte. It was, at first, dedicated to the production of literary work only, going so far as to exclude debate and even theatrical productions. According to one source (http://hcs.harvard.edu/~signet/history.html) (The Harvard book : a series of historical, biographical, and descriptive sketches The Harvard book : a series of historical, biographical, and descriptive sketches, 1875. The Signet Society):
- It seemed to the founders that there was room in the College world for another association that should devote itself more exclusively to literary work than is possible with large numbers. Accordingly, they confined the membership to a few, and required that new members shall be, so far as possible, "representative men," and that at least five should be in the first half of their class.
After a few years in quarters on University property, the Signet moved to an off-campus location on Mt. Auburn street, a few hundred yards from the future site of the Harvard Lampoon's building.
The emblem of the Signet was, at one time, "a signet-ring inclosing a nettle," the signet-ring symbolizing unity and the nettle symbolizing impartiality. The current emblem, which appears over the door of the Signet, includes a beehive and bees, and a legend in Ancient Greek attributed to Virgil (Sic vos non vobis Mellificatis apes -- So do you bees make honey, not for yourselves). From this emblem comes the tradition of referring to Signet members as "drones."
In many ways, the Signet is distinct from other off-campus societies. In contrast to the Harvard Lampoon, it does not publish a regular journal, although its members are active in the various undergraduate publications, and a contemporary Signet class usually includes a large number of board members from the University's artistic and literary organizations. In contrast to the Finals Clubs, its mission is explicitly artistic and not social, and, in addition, the Signet admits both men and women without prejudice. Membership dues are required, but are pro-rated relative to financial aid status to allow talented members of the University community to apply. In contrast to both abovementioned groups, the Signet enjoys a relatively happy relationship with the University administration. The contemporary tenor of the Signet might be described as a relaxed liberalism; open competition between members is discouraged. The mandate of the Signet has broadened from literary arts alone to include music, the visual arts and theater.
The Signet may be considered a "semi-secret" society. Its existence is not mentioned in official University publicity, and applicants to the society usually first come by word of mouth.
Alumni of the Signet Society include T. S. Eliot, Yo-Yo Ma, John Hall Wheelock and Thomas Kuhn.