Dartmouth College. Casque and Gauntlet
Biography
Casque and Gauntlet is a senior society that was founded in 1887. It was welcomed coldly by some in the student body who believed that the political nature of the society would disrupt the unity of the class. It is the second-oldest senior society at the College, and has inhabited the house at 1 South Main Street since 1894, save for the years during World War II when the society suspended its activities and leased its building to the College, returning shortly after the war. The membership of C and G is exclusive but not secret, and women began to be inducted beginning in 1979. C and G emphasizes accomplishment, character and service to Dartmouth as membership criteria.
The history of C and G has provided some indicators of the reasons for its success, a success marked by the fact that it was one of only two senior societies that survived the 19th century. An annual dinner in Boston has been a mainstay for society alumni dating back shortly after the founding. In the 1920s, several alumni relations practices cam into effect, including the publishing of a songbook, a directory, and a “Bulletin.” The “Mid Winter Feed” alumni gathering became a tradition around that time, and in 1924 the Alumni Association and the undergraduate association became one in the same. Alumni support has come in the form of regular involvement by local alumni, especially in the case of the 1937 fiftieth anniversary celebration and the 1987 centennial celebration held on campus.