Out of all the secret societies scattered across Yale’s historic campus, Book and Snake marches to its own beat. Most folks don’t know it was actually the first group at Yale to break the old boys’ club tradition and welcome not just women, but minorities too—that started at a time when that idea was nothing short of radical. Only 16 seniors get invited each year, split evenly between men and women, and that’s been their thing long before equal-opportunity got trendy.
The whole operation runs out of a striking building called Cloister Hall on Hillhouse Avenue. If you ever spot it, you’ll probably notice those Greek columns up front and, oddly, there aren't any windows. That’s on purpose—the secrecy isn’t just in the name. Even the stonework whispers old-school exclusivity.
- Origins and Evolution
- Cloister Hall and Its Symbolism
- Membership and Traditions
- Notable Members and Lasting Impact
Origins and Evolution
If you’ve ever wondered how secret societies like Book and Snake get their start, here’s the scoop. This group kicked things off in 1863, right in the middle of the Civil War era, at Yale’s Sheffield Scientific School. Back then, students wanted a tight-knit club that wasn’t just about Greek letters and parties, so they put together what was first called Sigma Delta Chi.
Instead of staying just a club, they got organized—by 1876, the crew had formed an official trust (the Stone Trust Corporation) to deal with property and money. That’s a move most societies weren’t doing. Not long after, they switched up their name to Book and Snake to stand apart from the crowd and avoid getting mixed up with traditional fraternities.
Early on, they moved around campus a bit, running their gatherings out of borrowed rooms on College Street and Chapel Street. It wasn’t until 1901 that they finally put down roots and built a permanent spot—Cloister Hall over on Hillhouse Avenue, which turned out to be way more than your average meeting space. This building doubled as both a chapter house and a real dorm for its members.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1863 | Founded as Sigma Delta Chi at Yale Sheffield Scientific School |
| 1876 | Formed Stone Trust Corporation and took on "Book and Snake" name |
| 1901 | Constructed Cloister Hall (combining dorm and meeting space) |
One thing that set Book and Snake apart early was its decision to run things like a business and build a serious physical presence on campus. These changes kept the tradition alive through all sorts of trends and social shifts at Yale. While they guard most of their rituals closely, the group’s focus stayed steady: create a space for smart, driven students to form lifelong links and transform as individuals.
Cloister Hall and Its Symbolism
When people talk about secret societies at Yale, Cloister Hall always stands out. Most students only know it as that windowless spot with the marble front on Hillhouse Avenue. Built in 1901, Cloister Hall wasn’t just another meeting spot—it was purpose-built for the Book and Snake crew. The design screams privacy: thick stone, bolted doors, and those unmistakable Greek columns. Anyone passing by can sense they’re looking at history mixed with a bit of mystery.
The symbolism starts right at the entrance. The main emblem, a snake curled around an open book, is carved over the doorway. That’s no accident: it’s all about the business of learning and growing. The book stands for knowledge while the snake hints at transformation or the ability to reinvent yourself—something most secret societies chase after in their own way. The old name, "Cloister," literally means a quiet, closed-off space, and that mood is baked into the whole building.
- The hall was named after John Hays Hammond's nickname for the old chapter house.
- Unlike most Yale societies, this place is both a meeting spot and a dorm for select seniors.
- There are no windows, which isn’t just for secrecy—it actually helps keep all society activities off the radar.
Inside, things stay just as private. Only members really know what’s behind those heavy doors, but visitors have described marble floors and walls lined with plaques honoring past members. Cloister Hall holds both the society’s day-to-day stuff and all their traditions, making it the true home base.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes Cloister Hall unique:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architectural Style | Greek Revival |
| Windowless | Yes—total privacy for society business |
| Dual Purpose | Both meeting hall and dormitory |
Out of all the Book and Snake quirks, the building itself probably tells more about what matters to them than any story ever could. Secrecy, tradition, and the push for transformation—all wrapped up in a single address.
Membership and Traditions
If you’ve ever wondered how to get into a Yale secret society, here’s the scoop for Book and Snake. It’s invite-only, and every spring, just 16 lucky juniors—eight women, eight men—get tapped for membership. That exact split? Book and Snake started it, forcing other secret societies to play catch-up after they went co-ed in the ‘70s, way before it was considered cool.
Selection isn’t just about grades or campus fame. Members look for people who bring fresh energy, open-minded thinking, and serious curiosity about the world. They’re not just after future CEOs; they want folks who will actually show up, join conversations, and keep a community vibe going strong. Once you’re in, you’re in for good—alums often come back, sometimes mentoring new members or helping out with the society’s finances and events.
Tradition is everywhere. Meetings are held in Cloister Hall, and the whole place is locked down tight: thick marble walls, zero windows, and security to make sure nothing leaks. Inside, it’s all rituals, shared meals, sometimes even storytelling sessions that members swear never leave the building. That secrecy isn’t just for fun—it helps everyone be honest, and bonds the group tight.
One of the quirkiest facts: Book and Snake is run under the Stone Trust Corporation, which actually owns all property and finances. That’s unusual—most college clubs just have a treasurer. Members get to help make important decisions and manage real assets, so there’s more at stake than the usual student group experience.
| Year | Change in Membership | Tradition Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| 1863 | Men Only | Founding ceremonies |
| 1970s | First society at Yale to admit women and minorities | Co-ed rituals |
| Present | 8 men, 8 women per year | Confidential meetings, alumni mentorship |
Secret handshakes? Yes. Shared inside jokes? Always. But for most members, it’s the sense of lifelong connection and the privacy to be their real selves that makes the experience so unique. Book and Snake isn’t just old tradition; for its members, it’s a real support network long after they graduate.
Notable Members and Lasting Impact
For a group wrapped in secrecy, Book and Snake has racked up some striking alumni over the years—folks who have quietly shaped fields from science to sports. Probably the biggest name you'll hear is Bill Nelson, who not only flew in space but went on to lead NASA as its administrator. Nelson’s jump from the Cloister Hall to the stars proves the value this group puts on transformation and leadership.
Members aren’t the type to brag about their time inside—that’s part of the code. Still, now and then, echoes of their influence pop up in Yale circles and even in national headlines. There’s a reason why, even with so little leaked about their activities, people with Book and Snake ties keep winding up in interesting roles.
What really sets them apart is their early push for diversity. In the late 20th century, while other societies were just starting to open up, Book and Snake had already tapped women and minorities as equals. That move sent ripples through Yale’s old landscape, setting a new standard for secret groups on campus. A Yale historian once said,
“Book and Snake didn’t just change who sat at the table—they redefined what the table was.”
The group’s selective process, icon-heavy traditions, and focus on intellectual and social growth keep it relevant even as campus culture changes. While their meetings stay out of the spotlight, their impact pops up in everything from alumni projects to campus chatter. If you’re digging into Yale’s secret societies, Book and Snake is tough to ignore—their quiet influence often speaks louder than any parade of famous names.
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