Guide to the Shen Yo Scrapbook

2012-02-02

5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050

San Diego, CA, 92182-8050

URL: http://library.sdsu.edu/scua

Email: scref@rohan.sdsu.edu

Phone: 619-594-6791

Guide to the Shen Yo Scrapbook 1924/1935

Special Collections & University Archives

Overview of the Collection

Collection Title: Shen Yo Scrapbook

Dates: 1924-1935

Identification: MS-0486

Creator: Shen Yo Sorority, 1921-

Physical Description: 0.92 linear ft

Language of Materials: English

Repository: Special Collections & University Archives

5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050

San Diego, CA, 92182-8050

URL: http://library.sdsu.edu/scua

Email: scref@rohan.sdsu.edu

Phone: 619-594-6791

Biographical Information:

Named for the Chinese poet, the Shen Yo sorority held its first meeting 21 December 1921 at the home of Elsie Corrin, and was the first sorority at San Diego State College. The group initially consisted of twelve members who sought to provide “inspiration of achievement” and find “joy in friendship” by forming the sorority. Their colors were Chinese red and blue. By the 1930s, Shen Yo consisted of over eighty members and included an alumni chapter. The sorority held numerous dances, parties, teas, bridge games, and dinners.

Access Terms

This collection is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.

Corporate Name:

Greek letter societies -- California -- San Diego -- History -- 20th century -- Sources

San Diego State University -- Students -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Sources

Topical Term:

Women college students -- California -- San Diego -- Societies and clubs

Administrative Information

Accruals:

9999-196

Conditions Governing Use:

The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.

Conditions Governing Access:

This collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation:

Identification of item, folder title, box number, Shen Yo Scrapbook , Special Collections and University Archives, Library and Information Access, San Diego State University.

Related Materials:

Phi Sigma Nu Collection

Louise Patterson Scrapbook

San Diego State University Historical Collection

Scope and Contents

The Shen Yo Scrapbook (1924-1935) documents the sorority’s activities and those of its members, and appears to have been compiled by the sorority, not an individual member. The scrapbook includes invitations, news clippings, dance cards, place cards, photographs, programs, notes, and various sorority documents pasted onto the scrapbook’s pages that record sorority events. These events include dinners, teas, pajama sprees, a wheelbarrow race, bridge games, beach parties, dances, and more. The scrapbook also contains numerous news articles, such as wedding and theater announcements, about various sorority sisters, many of whom were active in local performing arts. Highlights include hand-painted Art Deco place cards, and orders to rushees during rush week.

Box 1, Folder 1

Shen Yo Scrapbook 1924-1935