Shen Yo Scrapbook

Collection

Identifier: MS-0486

Staff Only

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.

Dates

Creation: 1924-1935

Creator

Shen Yo Sorority (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Historical Note

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 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.