Spade and Grave
Spade and Grave (S&G) is a senior society at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.[1] Founded in 1864, S&G is one of Yale's oldest societies.[2] The society meets in its tomb near Yale's campus.[3]
| Formation | 1864 |
|---|---|
| Type | Secret society |
| Headquarters | Yale University |
| Location |
History
Formed in 1864, Spade and Grave grew out of hostility toward Skull and Bones and plotted to overthrow it. An argument with three Bonesman editors of the Yale Literary Magazine inspired two "neutral" editors to launch the aspiring rival society.[4] Its insignia was based on the Hamlet scene in which the gravedigger tosses up Yorick's skull with his spade.[5]
Like other secret societies at Yale, S&G meets as a group on Thursdays and Sundays. One of the central aspects of meetings is the "bio," in which each member spends one evening recounting his or her life history, personal development, and aspirations to the group.[6]
Notable members
- Frederick Elizur Goodrich (1864),[7] author of The Life and Public Services of Winfield Scott Hancock.[8]
- Edwin Meese (1952), 75th Attorney General of the United States.[2]
- John Curtis Perry (1952), the Henry Willard Denison Professor Emeritus of History at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.[2]
- Dick Celeste (1959), 64th Governor of Ohio.[9]
- Jonathan Fanton (1965), President Emeritus of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and The New School.[10]
- John Rothchild (1967), former freelance writer and Time and Fortune columnist.[11]
Other Yale University senior societies
References
- "List: 41 secret societies at Yale". Yale Alumni Magazine. 2014.
- Skulls and Keys. Pegasus Books. 5 September 2017. p. 585. ISBN 978-1681775173.
- Khederian, Robert (June 21, 2018). "Tomb raiders: The clubhouses of Yale's secret societies". Curbed.
- Secrets of the Tomb: Skull and Bones, The Ivy Leagues, and the Hidden Path. Back Bay Books Books. 6 September 2002. ISBN 978-0316735612.
- Yale Literary Magazine, Volume 34. Yale University. p. 94. ISBN 978-0316735612.
- Gittler, Ryan (February 24, 2017). "The choice is yours". Yale Daily News.
- Obituary Record of Yale Graduates 1924-1925 (PDF). Yale University. August 1, 1925.
- Goodrich, Frederick E.; Prince, Frederick O. (September 10, 2021). "The Life and Public Services of Winfield Scott Hancock, Major-general, U.S.A." Creative Media Partners, LLC – via Google Books.
- "Richard "Dick" Celeste - Part 1" – via YouTube.
- "Morehouse Trust Dinner". April 13, 2013.
- "John Rothchild". yale67.org.