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one sees a home-like exterior, one at once imagines that the people and AN ANCHOR TO T H E CHAPTER HOME
the interior must be delightful and although this impression may be
changed by an interior obviously contrary to it, "home atmosphere" is B Y K A T H A R I N E M A R C H T H O M A S , K , '12
such an illusive thing that this first impression is likely to influence
the acceptance of its very existence. The other day, out of a clear sky, via Uncle Sam's letter route,
a letter came to me telling how my chapter celebrated A l p h a O's
T h e interior of the house is both a cause and an effect of "home twentieth birthday. I wish the writer of that letter might know
atmosphere." I t is a cause inasmuch as it makes the same sort of how I thrilled as I read all her "homey" news about the red candles
an impression as the exterior of the house, but it is far more impor- burning on the birthday cake, the splendid new girls, the new lamp,
tant as an effect, because it is the visible proof of the interest and and even the new trash can at the foot of the new steps. Everything
pride of the girls in their Jiome. And what is more, it is an inevitable new!—but I sat for a long time after rereading that letter, with
result of this interest that the interior will be attractive and appeal- closed eyes, visualizing the dear old scenes, with the new improve-
ing, for a home-like interior, though added to and embellished by ments and new faces—and with a warm glow in my heart, I imagined
beautiful furniture, is created only by thought and taste. that I was for the moment back among them, and of them.
Among the girls there must be, of course, a unity of purpose. Not For the sad part about us home girls is that we seem to be no
that there may not be plenty of diversity in ideas and types, for the longer a vital part of our chapter or our fraternity—somehow we feel
houses that get this unity by having all of their girls think and act "left out"—although I will say in passing that those of us who
alike remind me of the possible results of the criterion: "Peace at have had the good fortune to return and renew old ties have not
any price." Along with a unity of purpose and a diversity of means felt "left out" for long. Indeed, so cordial is their welcome, so
towards this end, there must be tolerance of the ideas of others, loving and sisterly their attitude, it is almost difficult to tell new
and sympathy—the sympathy that means understanding. These friends from .the old! But we cannot all have this wonderful
traits in each girl will, 1 am sure, make the chapter house a "home," experience, and so feel a little "left out."
but they are big influences and even with their existence there may
still be "sins of omission" in small things which tend to lessen Of course, it is a natural consequence—we have all had our day—
their value. "There are so many girls to do such and such a thing," we have all done our best to live up to and raise, could it be possible,
you think. "Surely someone who isn't so busy will do it"—and being the high standards of A O n—and in turn we must hand over
everybody's duty, it becomes nobody's duty and isn't done at all. these privileges, turn over the reins of authority to our younger
Under most circumstances I am not an advocate of developing sisters, and watch them try their hand at running "our" chapter
egotism, but if each girl would feel that the things which are too from a distance. And the distance is sometimes so great that although
small to be assigned or are unforeseen, are her own personal responsi- we never, deep in our hearts, forget the beloved ties that bind us,
bility, there would be far fewer regrets, and the "home atmosphere" still we are conscious of a depth to be bridged, and a fear that
would be increased in strength. we are "drifting away, drifting apart."
M I L D R E D M A L L O N , 2 , '20. And what an easy thing it is to drift when one is out in the world,
with new interests, new ties, new aspirations, new friends, without
a strong anchor to hold us! A n d girls, my plea is for that anchor.
As I read over Kappa's birthday letter, it came to me what a
wonderful thing it would be for all of us who are so far away
(and you, little sisters in the active chapters, will be in our class
one day, and will see for yourselves) to renew regularly our ties with
our own chapters in some way.
We all want to know what is going on in our absence—how the
plans we laid have matured; we want to know about the plans you
are making; we want to know zvhy our new girls are "the finest in
college" ; we want to know your problems and your achievements,
your joys and your sorrows. A n d we want to know not only about
