Seven Society (College of William & Mary)
The Seven Society, Order of the Crown & Dagger (colloquially known as the Seven '7' Society or Sevens) is a secret society at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.[2][3] The clandestine, yet altruistic group is said to consist of seven senior men selected during their junior year.[4][5] Historically graduating members would formally announce their identities each spring.[6] Today's membership, however, is steeped in mystery and is only revealed upon a member's death.
Now rumored to meet late at night in Colonial Williamsburg's Shields Tavern, [2] Sevens are perhaps best known for their efforts to honor and encourage those who help strengthen the university.[1][7][8] Through its endowment association, the society pursues major philanthropic projects such as scholarships and anonymous donations to the College.[1][9] Sevens have also been known to mysteriously leave small gifts and tokens of appreciation for unsuspecting groups and individuals (e.g. in 2003, an Admissions Counselor discovered two dozen golf umbrellas – each adorning the society's symbol – after casually mentioning how helpful they would be during rainy campus tours).[1][7][10]
History
The Seven Society is most commonly believed to have been founded in 1826.[1][5] Little else is known about the society's early history. For the College of William & Mary, the second half of the 19th century brought the American Civil War, two devastating campus fires, and the College's subsequent closing from 1881 to 1888. [11] By the beginning of the 20th century, however, the Sevens began to resurface.[9] And in 1939, the group proudly declared themselves to be “the only secret society of the College of William and Mary"[2] (other historic campus groups – such as the 13s, Alphas and Flat Hats – were highly-selective student clubs that would later be revived as secret societies).
Inspiration, historical symbolism
In chartering the College of William & Mary, founding benefactors King William III and Queen Mary II of England sought to establish "a certain place of universal study" to be led by "one President, six Masters or Professors".[12] Together, these seven individuals would be known simply as the "Society."[13][14][15] In 1729, after the full installation of the College’s "departments" (a president and six professors), corporate authority of William & Mary was transferred from the College’s surviving trustees to the seven-member Society.[16][17] The group served as the governing body for the university – ensuring William & Mary’s continual wellbeing and future prosperity.[13][14][15]
Tyler and the 'Seven Wise Men'
The most legendary of these societies was established and led by the College’s 17th president, Lyon Gardiner Tyler. [11] Still suffering from the Civil War, William & Mary was forced to close its doors in 1881. After being closed for seven years, the school was finally reopened in 1888 by the newly-appointed President Tyler. By 1891, Tyler had managed to assemble a small but distinguished teaching staff that included professors Hugh S. Bird, Charles E. Bishop, Van F. Garrett, J. Lesslie Hall, Thomas J. Stubbs and Lyman B. Wharton.[11] Affectionately dubbed the 'Seven Wise Men' by students, Tyler and the six professors are credited with not only reviving William & Mary, but for also transforming the College into a thriving, modern-day university.[11]
Notable early-20th century members
- Lawrence W. l’Anson, Chief Justice, Virginia Supreme Court (1974–1981)
- Roy R. Charles, noted W&M benefactor and philanthropist [3]
- H. Westcott "Scotty" Cunningham, first president of Christopher Newport University
- Arthur "Art" Matsu, W&M's first Asian-American student (Class of 1928); first alumnus to play professional football
- Earl Gregg Swem, Jr., son of renowned W&M librarian, Earl Gregg Swem, Sr. [4]
See also
- "I Am the College of William and Mary" (poem)
- Secret societies at the College of William & Mary
- Collegiate secret societies in North America
References
- ^ a b c d e Bracken, Alexandra (01-10-2008). "Secret society donates Sadler plaque". University Relations.
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(help) - ^ a b "The 7 Society" (PDF). The Flat Hat. 19-09-1939. p. 1.
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(help) - ^ Bonney, Mary (08-24-2009). "The college's most beloved ghosts, ghouls and secrets". The Flat Hat.
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(help) - ^ "7" (PDF). The Flat Hat. 19-03-1940. p. 1.
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(help) - ^ a b "Secret Seven Announces Members for Past Year" (PDF). The Flat Hat. 18-03-1942. p. 1.
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(help) - ^ "Secret Seven Reveals Current Graduates" (PDF). The Flat Hat. 12-01-1943. p. 1.
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(help) - ^ a b Johnson, Chase (08-04-2008). "Peeking into closed societies". The Flat Hat.
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(help) - ^ Knappenberger, Jonna (07-06-2008). "What We Carry With Us". The DoG Street Journal.
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(help) - ^ a b "Fund Grows" (PDF). The Flat Hat. 08-10-1926. p. 1.
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(help) - ^ Millfield, Becca (02-11-2004). "Shhh! The Secret Side of the College's Lesser Known Societies". The DoG Street Journal.
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(help) - ^ a b c d "Historical Chronology of William and Mary: 1850-1899",
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(help) - ^ "College of William and Mary Royal Charter", Earl Gregg Swem Library Special Collections, 08-02-1693
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(help) - ^ a b "Statutes of the Visitors". Laws and Regulations of the College of William and Mary, in Virginia. 1830. pp. 3–11.
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ignored (help) - ^ a b "Regulations of the Society". Laws and Regulations of the College of William and Mary, in Virginia. 1830. pp. 17–22.
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ignored (help) - ^ a b "The Honor System". William and Mary College Quarterly Magazine. 14: 216. 1905.
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ignored (help) - ^ "The Transfer to the Faculty in Virginia", Earl Gregg Swem Library Special Collections, 27-02-1729
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(help) - ^ "Historical Chronology of William and Mary: 1700-1749",
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