Acacia Fraternity at Cornell The First Century

Acacia Fraternity began at the University of Michigan in 1904 and soon spread across the country. In 1907, a group of twenty Master Masons founded the Cornell Chapter of Acacia Fraternity at its first meeting site in Barnes Hall. With Acacia Fraternity at Cornell: The First Century, author Thomas J. Balcerski traces the growth of Cornell Acacia Fraternity from its early days as a Masonic fraternity to its present form as a leading chapter at Cornell University. The author also traces the progression of the chapter?s residences, from its humble beginnings at a boarding house at 105 DeWitt Place through its homes at 708 East Seneca Street and 614 East Buffalo Street. As fraternities moved from East Hill to Cornell Heights, Cornell Acacia looked to the north for a permanent home. The chapter finally settled at the former home of Professor Henry Shaler Williams and his family at 318 Highland Road in Cayuga Heights, where it still resides. Special emphasis has also been given to tracing the chapter?s history in pictures. With over 250 photographs spanning the chapter?s first century, Acacia Fraternity at Cornell: The First Century presents a visual history of not only Acacia Fraternity, but Cornell University students throughout the years. Numerous blueprints and property maps enliven the history in stunning detail. With a foreword by Carol Kammen, Cornell University historian, Acacia Fraternity at Cornell: The First Century will be of interest to local historians, residents of Tompkins Country, and friends and alumni of Cornell University. A complete roll call of the chapter, detailed endnotes, and a full index makes this volume easily accessible for casual readers and researchers alike.