Dakota Datebook

Varsity Bachelor Club

Sunday, February 22, 2004

On this date in 1902, ten young, turned-down, heart-pierced UND men founded the Varsity Bachelor Club.

“We had all been fooled to the top of our bent,” one said, “had all received the cold answer ‘No,’ when we had every reason to expect ‘Yes.’ At this ill treatment and Miss-usage, we were so indignant that we… swore that we would be bachelors forevermore.”

The club had three rules: Never go out walking with a lady who is not your sister or near relative; Never pay attention to, or smile at, ladies; and… be courteous to fair ones, but do not become fascinated.

Now listen to Article 2 of their constitution! “The object of this fraternity shall be… to get its members married as soon as possible.”

The club lasted for 7 years, and most members went on to be senators, representatives, governors, attorneys, university higher-ups, judges and… married.

Dakota Datebook written by Merry Helm

This text and audio may not be copied without securing prior permission from Prairie Public.

Dakota Datebook is a project of Prairie Public, in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, with funding from the North Dakota Humanities Council.

« Go Back

Public NewsRoom

Log-on and dig deep into the news of the day. It’s all online in our Public NewsRoom.

» Visit the Public NewsRoom

Breaking News

Support Radio

Your contributions make quality radio programming possible.

» Pledge your support today.

Sign up for our Email Newsletter
For Email Marketing you can trust