Indian Traditions

Armorial Bearings

Li'l Sis Organization

~ General History ~

On Friday, May 13, 1921, a new and unique literary society dedicated to the task of improving the political and social standards of Heidelberg as well as the academic standards was formed. Fourteen free thinking men of the class of '24 realizing their ambitions could not fully be realized in the old tradition-bound way, petitioned the faculty for permission to organize a third men's literary society and on May 27, 1921, the organization was completed and the third men's literary society became a reality.

A temporary president and secretary were chosen and Mr. Wolfe became the first president and Mr. Bailey was appointed the first secretary of the society. It was decided that the society would be different from the others in that it would be based around Indian folklore. It was given the name of "Aptonalton" (we speak with one another) because it was felt that this was the essential feature of the new organization. "Labor Omnia Vincit" became the motto because it was realized that such a venture such as the creation of a new and different society requires much hard work, but that "labor conquers all."

The first official officers took their place on May 24, 1921, and they were as follows: President, Mr. Gilmore; Vice President, Mr. Lutterbein; Recording Secretary, Mr. Bailey; Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Hoerger; Treasurer, Mr. Miller; Critic, Mr. Blanc and Sergeant of Arms, Mr. Foucht. Maroon and Silver were voted the Aptonalton's official colors and on November 18, 1921, the arrowhead was designated as the permanent insignia of the literary society. Since then the society has grown and yet held on to the unique Indian tradition which is evident throughout the society's meetings.

This portion of this website including the information contained on the additional pages are excerpted from "The Aptonalton Heritage" originally published in 1992 by Daniel E. Meyers.

General Information

Pledge Class Rosters
70's 80's 90's 00's

Justifications for Existence
Part Ia Part Ib Part II