Eucleian Society - Modern Era

Modern Era

The increased popularity of Greek letter fraternities in the 1950s and the anti-establishment sentiment of the 1960s (which was especially strong at NYU) diminished the Eucleian Society further. The Society widened its membership to all university schools (the Society had been primarily but never strictly an undergraduate organization). This was done possibly to buoy its prospects of survival. The practice had limited success, as attendance failed, affecting recruitment. Records (and lack thereof) seem to reveal years on end when there was no recruitment of new membership from student ranks during this era.

Joint meetings had always occurred with the avowed rival Society, Philomathean. By the early 20th century Philomathean had transformed itself into the Andiron Club which continued to profess a rivalry with the Eucleian Society, at least constitutionally. Despite this, the two organizations, removed from their once lofty and central positions in the NYU campus firmament, joined functions and crossed membership, as (increasingly public) membership lists attest to- eventually arriving at a level of synonymity. By mid-20th century on to 1980s, membership also came to encompass students, faculty and literati with and without University affiliation. Relaxed formality, ritual, etc. seems to have prevailed from the late 1960s onwards. NYU continued as the base of activity though membership was drawn from a wider community. During this era the Societies opened their doors to women membership. This continued through the time of the loss of the University Heights campus and the consolidation of New York University operations to Washington Square in the 1970s. In the reduced circumstances (without university recognition or the continued benefit of the Ogden Butler Trust) activities continued at least through the 1980s and 1990s, under the sponsorship of a faculty members from the English Departments at NYU and Columbia.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, the remaining student membership of the organization attempted to revitalize its undergraduate operations as a senior society. During this time the organization functioned at various sites on campus, with the support of sympathetic faculty and for a time from rented rooms in the East Village. Secrecy seems to have been increased by design, in part because of differences with some alumni and faculty membership and partly to prevent what was seen as hostility towards independent student organizations.

It is not clear what the Society engages in today due to its strict policy of privacy. It is referenced in various underground student organizations and journals. In these limited statements or references the Society often appears critical of New York University administration, and various educational and social institutions. There are also allusions to its continued function as a literary, oration and debate society. Its historic documents also seem to describe what is a fraternal organization as well. Membership of the Society seems to be based on student (and faculty) achievements and activity in literature, oration, journalism, debate, (media and performing) arts, science, fraternity and sorority membership, athletics and government. Its membership also continues to be drawn from New York area universities.

There is a recent upswing in curiosity and pursuit of membership in Societies similar to the Eucleian. Partially it is lore and media attention to Societies like Skull and Bones, Quill and Dagger, Sphinx, Philomathean, St. Anthony Hall, and others. There are reasons beyond idle curiosity that attract students, with some serving as literary outlets, while most provide a venue to engage in varied topics of discussion, and the opportunity to share genuine fraternal values.