Call Number:

000.005

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.05 linear ft. (1 folder)

Language:

English and Latin

Preferred Citation:

Cremation Ceremony collection (HCQ.000.005) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1870 may 17 - 1886 june 18 (inclusive)

Creator:

Haverford College. Class of 1880, Haverford College. Class of 1883, Haverford College. Class of 1884, Haverford College. Class of 1885, Haverford College. Class of 1886, Haverford College. Class of 1887, Haverford College. Class of 1888, and Haverford College. Class of 1872

Form:

invitations, minutes (administrative records), and receipts (financial records)

Abstract:

This collection primarily contains programs and invitations for various Haverford College class years' cremation ceremonies.

The cremation ceremony was a tradition at the end of each school year where the Haverford College sophomore class would burn their least favorite textbook from the year. The tradition was taken very seriously, as invitations were sent out and there were costumes ordered for the participants in the event to wear.

This collection primarily contains programs and invitations for various Haverford College class years' cremation ceremonies. There are also receipts for costumes, torches, and invitations; a list of subscriptions paid by the Class of 1885 for the ceremony; a dirge written by C.W. Baily and A.L. Baily, and an extract of minutes by the Class of 1872 regarding their cremation ceremony.