Mother’s Day is this weekend. This post by Herff-Jones led me to try to figure out when Mother’s Pins became a thing. Since I am not home and don’t have access to my library, this might be edited at some point, but for now it will have to do.
I could not find much about men’s fraternities and mother’s pins, although this article and illustration which appeared in the March 1934 Fraternity Month appears to be an advertisement for Mother’s Pins. It begins as a letter to “Crystal” from “June.”
I had the most thrilling experiences, Crystal, since I came up here to New England to college! Let me tell you, first, what happened at Grand Central when I climbed off the train in New York after that memorable week-end at the prom and all. The best-looking man (I know he was a fraternity man because he walked through our car once and I saw his badge—Don’s fraternity, too—and also a key with a little gavel on the end of it and his coat of arms in the center) who had been in the coach behind me hurried by me on the platform evidently having to make a very close train connection on the upper level. Just then he happened to see a very distinguished-looking, older woman, who seemed to be confused and upset, unable to find a porter to help her and who evidently was very much lost in the rushing and pushing crowds. Well, Crystal, this fraternity man saw her confusion and turned right around and asked her if he could help her. I just stood there with open mouth watching the whole thing. Our friend, the fraternity man, then said that he saw the little Mother’s pin she was wearing and that he was always glad to help some- body’s mother and he also told her that he was a fraternity man himself and that his chapter was at Cornell. (I’ll have to write Jack at Cornell and find out more about him—he did look interesting!)
This woman was ever so pleased with his courtesy and she said that her son was to meet her at Information. As the two walked over, I followed just to
see how this little drama would work out. Then the fraternity man did not leave her there alone, but waited for some few minutes (I’ll bet he lost his train. In fact, I almost did myself) until her son arrived. After suitable introductions were made, the men shook hands very cordially and you can’t imagine how pleased her son was at the kindness shown his mother. It just goes to show what a little pin can do I And, Crystal, I’ve purchased a Mother’s pin for my Mother and I’m going to send it to her for her birthday
next week! I just know she will be pleased. It’s a nice way to share one’s
sorority associations with one’s mother, isn’t it? I’ve saved the money for a
present out of my allowance, too, and I think this is the nicest possible way
to spend it, don’t you?
Gamma Phi Beta did not approve a Mother’s Pin in 1919.
Gamma Phi’s Mother’s Pin became a reality at another convention and appears above. The Pi Phi Mother’s Pin was approved in 1923.
This clipping from a 1926 edition of The Palm of Alpha Tau Omega tells about Sigma Kappa’s decision to authorize a Mother’s pin.
Other women’s organizations also have Mother’s Pins and these are a small selection. Beta Theta Pi has a Housemother’s Pin.
created for founder Stella George Stern Perry’s mother.
