1950s-2000s
Overview
Secret Societies at W&L remained quite prevalent from 1950 – 2000 as societal changes at the University became regular. In 1968, the first African American students, Walter Blake and Carol Linwood Smothers, were admitted into the University. Four years later in 1972, the school accepted its first female student. These two shifts in demographic came as monumental changes to the previous male-only population that lacked the slightest bit of diversity. Before these changes, however, Washington and Lee witnessed the emergence of a secret society that has made its name known throughout the nation: The Cadaver Society.
Emergence of the Cadaver Society
The Cadaver Society was formed in 1957 by W&L students, however, to this day the public has no knowledge of who these students were. This anonymous sentiment continued throughout the latter half of the 20th century as unlike the Sigma Society, the list of living members remains completely secret to this day. Robert S. Keefe, W&L class of 1968, highlights the unique secrecy of the Cadavers in the 1978 edition of The Alumni Magazine of Washington and Lee by saying, “its membership list is as closely guarded as any secret of any government.” Perhaps this mysterious notion explains why students at W&L are so fascinated by the society. Naturally, with ignorant fascination come rumors, and a great deal of the public’s ‘knowledge’ on the Cadaver Society come from these rumors. For example, many believe that membership into the society requires pre-med academic standing. Others say that you must be the captain of an athletic team or some form of a leader on campus. Through all the various rumors, however, one stereotype seems to be consistent, the society’s connection with wealth.
Wealth and Cadaver are two words that go hand in hand, originating from the Society’s numerous donations to W&L. In the same edition of W&L’s Alumni Magazine, we are introduced to the Cadaver Society as “generous benefactors” of the University.
“Alumni of more than a certain number of years who looked carefully at the list of Robert E. Lee Associates in the Alumni Fund Report issue of the magazine were surely puzzled, perhaps distressed, at one conspicuous entry among the names of the University’s most generous benefactors: Cadaver F” - Robert S. Keefe, W&L Class of ‘68
The society is known for their generous gifts to the University and it is commonly believed that members are encouraged, or even required, to support W&L financially after they graduate. That said, a certain notion of loyalty arises from these continuous donations, alluding to the high regard the Cadaver Society holds for W&L. This seems to be somewhat consistent with secret societies at a national level, as noted by Aric Queen, nearby Seven Society at the University of Virginia is also philanthropically minded.
The Cadaver's in Regard to W&L
The Cadaver’s activity on campus does not end with their generous donations. Throughout the society’s existence, they have been known to illustrate their insignia, a skull in a C (pictured above), all around W&L’s campus. In a 2002 edition of the Ring-Tum Phi (see attached on the right), excerpts of an anonymous interview with a member of the society surfaced. In the article, the Cadaver notes that the entire society would like to see “the signs stay up for half a day … the banners stay up for half a day.” Here, we see how important it is to the Cadavers that their presence remain known to the population of W&L and the greater Lexington area. The same Phi article outlays the Physical Plant’s director at the time, Scott Beebe, as someone who “hates to see permanent damage to the campus” and someone who wishes, in his own words, that the society express themselves in other ways than “defacing buildings and putting [physical plant] employees at peril.” This sentiment rings true for many, however, there also many advocates for Cadaver activity. Other public undertakings throughout the Cadavers existence, especially in 1950-2000 time period, include roaming the campus at early hours in the morning, running through sorority houses, and delivering food to the library during exam week all while staying true to their values of secrecy and concealment.
Perhaps more important than the Cadaver’s physical actions when discussing their relationship to W&L during this time period is the society’s views on the changing nature of the University. As we briefly alluded to earlier, 1972 witnessed the first female student enrolled at W&L. It wasn’t until 13 years later in 1985, however, that the University officially became co-ed. In December of 1983, the Cadaver Society wrote two letters, one to the editor of the Ring-Tum Phi on the 6th and one to W&L President John D. Wilson on the 7th (which also serves as the society’s introduction to President Wilson), both pertaining to the issue of co-education. In the letter to the Phi, the Cadavers make it clear that they believe the discussion of co-education is far too limited to on-campus individuals. In other words, it is their belief that the discussion shall be broadened to include off-campus members of W&L’s community including alumni and trustees:
“For the sake of the future of Washington and Lee, the Cadaver Society urges the University administration, the Board of Trustees, students, and alumni to maintain open lines of communication throughout the consideration of the co-education issue.” -The Cadaver Society
Now, in terms of their views on the issue at hand, the Cadavers write:
“We believe that before we can support a move to co-education, all available studies must lead to the unavoidable conclusion that Washington and Lee cannot continue to exist as a strong and viable educational institution with its traditional all-male under-graduate enrollment.” -The Cadaver Society
The Cadavers reiterate this message in a letter sent to President Wilson the next day which includes an attachment of their letter sent to the Ring-Tum Phi. It may seem from the above quote that the society sought to keep W&L an all-male University, however, towards the end of their letter to Wilson, a Cadaver writes, “I think W&L should go co-ed; we can be the best University in the country!” From these sources of correspondence, it can be concluded that the Cadaver Society ultimately longed for what was in the University’s best interest, not their own.
Taking a Step Back
Taking a step back, the below attachment shows the textual recording of a 1996 interview with Bob Fishburn, W&L class of 1955. Fishburn was a member of the Mongolian Minks and the 13 Club, both of which have become less prevalent in recent years. The interview outlays Fishburn's invitation to the societies and other key background information that sheds a light on the ongoings of secret societies other than the Cadavers during this time period. This interview is particularly compelling to the 1950s-2000s era as it gives examples of different secret societies, showing the prevalence throughout the University's history.
Overall, the 1950s-2000s is such an important time period when discussing secret societies because of the emergence of the Cadaver Society. The Cadavers prove wrong the notion that secret societies are just groups of people that remain anonymous and meet every once and a while. Their ongoing presence around campus, financial contributions to the university and deep involvement in university matters portray the fact that secret societies are not monolithic entities, but much more complex.