A Foley House New Year's Resolution

Aegis, 1971

In January 1971, Foley House, then a fraternity within Dartmouth's Greek system, published a resolution to cease to exist as a fraternity but remain a social organization on campus arguing: "the brothers and sisters of Foley House believe that the fraternities should not and can not play a significant role in Dartmouth College's future as a coeducational institution." It was not a surprising statement from the house that had been bucking the system for several years. Foley House was among the first of the Greek houses to break with their national chapters over race black balling and, in 1966, they dropped their Greek letters and renamed themselves in honor of History Professor and fraternity alumnus, Al Foley. In 1969 they went co-ed before the College by accepting two women as members during one of Dartmouth's co-education weeks--the women were students at Dartmouth, they reasoned.

Aegis, 1971

At the time of the "resolution," Pilobolus founding-member Robert "Moses" Pendleton, and future Congressman Paul Hodes were both members of the house. But, like so many New Year's resolutions, this one was short lived. Foley House remained in the Greek system for another 15 years. The organization still exists as an affinity house devoted to communal living.

Through the College Archives, you can piece together a rich history of many social organizations on campus. Perhaps you should resolve this year to visit Rauner and explore the history of a part of Dartmouth important to you.