1899 “Though the pledge pin is the first Fraternity insignia a prospective member is permitted to wear, the development of this device came much later than the badge.” The early literature of Beta Theta Pi does not suggest the idea of “pledging” as it is now understood. A prospective member was simply approached; if he accepted the Beta proposal, he attended a meeting of the chapter and was immediately initiated.
Pledge Pin
December
1903
Far Left: Pledge colors pinned on John L. Baker, Miami 1904 by Charles A. Shera, Miami 1903 Far Right: Current pledge pin
December
1893
May
1894
Before the pledge pin appeared in 1893, many chapters pinned the Fraternity colors on the prospective member to announce his pledging. The first pledge pin was in the shape of the badge, an eight-sided Grecian shield of pink and blue enamel, displaying the Greek capital letters BQP. In 1899, the current pledge pin was adopted: A Grecian shield of white enamel, of the same shape as the badge, bearing three five-pointed stars of gold arranged in a line running
Convention
1897
Convention
from the upper left-hand corner to the lower right-hand corner as one faces the pledge pin. The pledge pin may be worn by a prospective Beta who has been selected by an active chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Traditionally, the pledge pin was worn only on a coat, affixed in the buttonhole on the left lapel. As collegians wear coats infrequently today, the requirement was dropped in favor of permitting pledges to also wear the pin on collared shirts and sweaters.” — Son of the Stars, 2007 Edition, pgs. 84-85
Beta Brotherhood | page 70
1899